An academic dean holds authority over a specific department within a college or university, or over the institution as whole. The position of an academic dean in a college or university is second from the top. The academic dean advises and assists the president of the institution in his or her duties.
Education Requirements
Being a dean requires a master’s degree or doctorate. The job requires a lot of administrative duties and human resource handling. Related studies and work experience will help you get the job. Another way to become a dean is to earn a masters in any business related field since the dean’s job duties usually require managing a budget. The most common way to get hired, however, is through academia or getting good scholastic records.
Job Responsibilities
The dean is the person responsible on preparing and revising academic program plans for the School or College, promoting and serving as a model for teaching achievement and professional service. The dean also develops strategies to achieve educational goals and objectives. They initiate academic integrity and quality education in the college or university by articulating University policy and procedure to members of the school. They also set and establish academic goals for the department to achieve and also maintain high standards in academics and teaching processes.
The dean helps to provide training to the teaching staff so it can maintain teaching excellence and conduct research on new trends in academic initiatives. The dean is also responsible in maintaining effective communication between students and faculty within the school or college and with other academic personnel. The dean also acts as a liaison between the students and the administration and between the faculty and the administration. An academic dean is responsible for hiring faculty members, evaluating college administrators and staff, fundraising, budgeting, and setting academic rules and policies. Sometimes a dean may also serve as chief administrative officer in the absence of school president.
Qualifications
Some colleges and universities required at least 3 years of experience in academic administration or any related setting. An academic dean needs to have teaching experience, a PhD, or equivalent experience in student affairs. An academic dean must have strong skills in verbal and written communication, organization, and strategic planning. The academic dean must also have the ability to improve school programs while making sure that all accreditation concerning academics are being followed. To become a university or academic dean you must be a good administrator and be able to work well with various types of people.
Average Compensation
The average salary of an academic dean would depend on his tenure and experiences. Because an academic dean is required to have a graduate degree and often many years of experience, they will have the advantage of commanding a significant salary. For a newly appointed dean, whether hired internally or externally, salary will be negotiated at the time of appointment. Some universities’ criteria for salary determination include the professional accomplishment of the dean and experience.
