Dean - Student Affairs

Position Title: Dean - Student Affairs

Location

Institution Profile

Role Overview

The Dean of Student Affairs will serve as the primary strategic leader dedicated to the non-academic growth, well-being, and discipline of a diverse student body of 7,000 learners. This senior leadership position requires a dynamic administrator capable of bridging the gap between the student community and the management.

The ideal candidate will foster a vibrant campus culture that aligns with the institutions high academic standards while managing the complexities of a multi-disciplinary campus.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Policy Formulation

• Develop and implement a comprehensive "Student Life Vision" that integrates the technical rigor of engineering with the professional grooming required for management and hospitality streams.
• Formulate and enforce policies regarding student conduct, discipline, anti-ragging, and grievance redressal in strict compliance with UGC, AICTE, VTU, and Bangalore University regulations.
• Serve as a key member of the institution's Academic Council and administrative leadership teams.

2. Student Welfare & Support Services

• Oversee the holistic well-being of students, including physical health, mental wellness, and psychological counseling services.
• Manage the "Student Welfare Fund" and scholarship distribution processes to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students.
• Establish a robust mentorship system, connecting students with faculty mentors across different departments.

3. Campus Life, Clubs & Cultural Activities

• Orchestrate the institution's annual cultural, technical, and sports fests, ensuring high participation and professional execution.
• Supervise over 30+ student clubs and chapters (e.g., Robotics Club, Coding Societies, Literary Clubs, NSS, NCC), ensuring they receive adequate funding and guidance.
• Promote cross-disciplinary interaction between Engineering, Commerce, and Hotel Management students to foster a unified campus identity.

4. Discipline & Crisis Management

• Head the Disciplinary Committee; handle sensitive issues with empathy, fairness, and legal prudence.
• Act as the primary point of contact for crisis management involving students, including medical emergencies, campus unrest, or hostel-related issues.
• Maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and harassment, ensuring a safe environment for all genders.

5. Hostel & Facility Administration

• Provide high-level oversight of hostel administration (Boys & Girls), ensuring hygiene, safety, and quality of food in mess facilities.
• Liaise with the transport and security departments to ensure the safety of day-scholars and hostellers.
• Monitor the utilization of sports complexes and gymnasiums to ensure maximum student benefit.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as the bridge between the Student Council and the Management/Trust.
• Facilitate regular "Open House" sessions or Town Halls to address student concerns proactively.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding student progress, attendance shortages, or disciplinary actions.

Candidate Profile: Qualifications & Experience

Educational Qualifications:

• Essential

  : Masters Degree in any discipline (Engineering, Management, Science, or Humanities) from a reputed university. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable but not mandatory.

• Desirable

  : Certification in Counseling, Psychology, or Educational Administration.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years of academic experience, with at least 5 years in a significant administrative role (e.g., HOD, Warden, Deputy Dean, or Proctor).
• Proven track record of managing large student populations (3000+).
• Experience in an Autonomous institution or Deemed University is highly preferred to understand the nuances of the VTU autonomous system.

Key Competencies:

• Regulatory Knowledge

  : Deep understanding of NEP 2020, UGC guidelines, VTU statutes, and NAAC/NBA accreditation criteria related to Student Support and Progression (Criterion 5).

• Emotional Intelligence

  : Ability to handle student psychological issues and conflict resolution with maturity.

• Communication

  : Exceptional oratorical and written communication skills in English; working knowledge of Kannada is a distinct advantage for local liaison.

• Tech-Savviness

  : Proficiency in using University Management Systems (UMS) or ERP software for tracking student data.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to

  : The Principal / Director / Executive Vice-President of the Institution.

• Direct Reports

  : Physical Education Directors, Hostel Wardens, Student Counselors, Cultural Coordinators, and NSS/NCC Officers.

Compensation

Competitive salary as per Trust norms for deserving candidates.

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in student grievance resolution time.
• Improvement in Student Satisfaction Index (SSI) surveys.
• Successful organization of major campus events without operational lapses.
• Increase in student participation in national-level competitions (Hackathons, Sports, Management Fests).