Keep Calm and Call the Dean of Students

The role of Dean of Students is pivotal: in students'lives; for their institutions as a conduit to senior administration aboutissues of concern to students; as a figure who can coordinate disparate campus constituencies-- from academic affairs and athletics to campus safety and relationships withparents and alums; and as a crisis manager.What preparation, skills, dispositions, and knowledge doDOSs need to be effective in their role; and, indeed, what areas and range ofactivities generally fall under their responsibility?Through chapters by experienced DOSs - from early career toveterans and in between - this book provides vivid first-hand accounts ofwhat's involved in managing the multiple roles of the deanship, its immensepersonal rewards, the positive impact that practitioners can make in the livesof students, and on campus policy and environment, without glossing over thedemands on time and the concomitant stresses. The contributors describe thepaths they followed to take on the role, and what they do to keep current.Each chapter offers a wealth of anecdotes that provide aninsider's feel for the daily life of the DOS, and how incumbents have foundways to integrate family and personal needs with the discharging of their oftendemanding responsibilities. The contributing authors offer valuable advice onsetting priorities and dealing with issues as varied as setting budgets,creating an effective team, delegation, and addressing student conduct issues. They offer guidance on developing allies across campus, keeping up to date withtrends and legislation, and building a network of mentors and advisors throughprofessional associations and connection with their peers at institutionsaround the country. The book concludes with some perspectives about the meaningand purpose of the dean of students role in our current era and as we look tothe future of higher education.Thedean of students is a challenging role because it is often the one administratorthrust onto the frontlines to meet students not only at their best, but also attheir worst. This person is an advocate and educator, disciplinarian andfriend, confidant and counselor, and advisor and parent all rolled into one. Keep Calm and Call the Dean of Students offersa unique window into this challenging and rewarding position that will appealto sitting deans; to those seeking this role; and to senior leaders in highereducation seeking to appoint a DOS and/or organize a dean of students portfolioof responsibilities.