Director of Student Affairs

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President & Dean of Student Life, an incumbent develops and administers non-academic student programs at Westchester Community College. Program oversight includes, but is not limited to: (1) student conduct, including incident report review, investigation, and adjudication of alleged Student Code of Conduct violations as well as developing and facilitating education sessions for the campus community about upholding student accountability; and (2) responding to reports of concerning student behavior that may constitute a threat to self or others as co-chair for the Community Assessment and Risk Evaluation (CARE) Team.  This individual also supervises the work of a Program Administrator who oversees student veteran programs, inclusive of GI Bill processing and social and academic student support programs/initiatives for military affiliated students.  Supervision is exercised over academic, professional, clerical, and support staff.

Major Responsibilities/Activities include the following: 

• Directs and participates in the development and implementation of the student conduct process, which includes review of campus incident reports to determine possible charges, coordination of adjudication processes, and communication with related parties.
• Ensures student disciplinary processes are consistent, timely, and follow established procedures as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct and other relevant college policies.
• Adjudicates lower-level violations to the Student Code of Conduct via the Administrative Conference process and Serves as a Hearing Board Chair for higher-level violations, per the Student Code of Conduct.
• Identifies and trains faculty, staff, and administrators to serve as Hearing Officers.
• Ensures the Student Code of Conduct remains current with all SUNY, local, state, and federal guidelines as well as best practices in the field of Student Affairs.
• Serves as co-chair of the Community Assessment & Risk Evaluation (CARE) Team, a cross-functional group of professionals who assess and recommend interventions to reported student behaviors of concern.
• Oversees the process to review student applicants for admission who affirm that they have been suspended or expelled from a previously attended college or other educational institution for disciplinary reasons. 
• Develops programs and communication campaigns to educate the student body about their responsibilities and rights as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct, options for reporting, how to file and write incident reports, etc.
• Develops and facilitates workshops for faculty, staff, and administrators about addressing how to effectively manage and/or mitigate disruptive behavior.                                                                                                            
• Supervises the work of staff, including but not limited to the Program Administrator for Student Veteran Services.
• Manages the budget of the department as derived from proceeds of the student services fee.  
• Ensures college compliance with relevant services and program reports required by local, state, or federal agencies related to student conduct and veteran's services.
• Participates in SUNY Student Conduct Association meetings to determine best practices being implemented at other SUNY institutions.
• Works closely with Campus Security, Mental Health & Counseling Services, CARE Team, the Title IX Coordinator, and Academic Affairs to promote a safe, secure, and supportive campus environment.
• Stays abreast of current and emerging trends in student affairs and higher education, particularly as they relate to community colleges and student conduct.
• Assumes duties and responsibilities of the AVP & Dean of Student Life in their absence.