bruningm@lopers.unk.edu
The Division of Student Affairs is interviewing candidates to fill the position of assistant dean of students. The occupation became vacant last July when previous assistant dean David Roberts was offered a job in Minnesota.
The candidates will have to meet the requirements of the position.
“Their primary responsibility is to serve as the chief conduct officer for the university,” said George Holman, UNK’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs. “They adjudicate any violations of the student code of conduct.”
The assistant dean also works with advising faculty. Together they work with cases involving academic misconduct and the dishonesty policy.
Other common responsibilities include helping with the student retention assessment and working with the eSports program.
Student Affairs began screening for potential candidates in October 2021. The candidates from that time did not fit what UNK was looking for.
The process continued in January and two candidates have been considered.
A final candidate is supposed to arrive on campus next week.
The screening committee at Student Affairs is looking to complete the screening process by offering a position to one of these candidates. If the process is successful, UNK is hoping to implement the new assistant dean of students in April.
Students shared what they think would be good qualities for a potential candidate.
“I think the candidate should be student centered and find innovative approaches to student involvement,” said DJ Hardwick, a UNK student interested in careers involving student affairs. “They should also be aware of types of students coming to UNK, like students coming out of state.”
Student success and education is at the core of Student Affairs.
“At student affairs we’re not just trying to be punitive with our sanctioning,” Holman said. “Our goal is really to make every aspect of student conduct educational and to put students in a better spot.”
The UNK community is excited to find a candidate that contributes to campus life.
“We’ve seen a lot of good increases and forward-thinking people,” Hardwick said. “I think UNK is on a good path to success for the future.”
