DEAN OF STUDENTS

The Dean of Students serves as the principal advisor to University Management on all matters relating to student welfare, governance, accommodation, counselling, recreation, sports, student development, and student support services. The Dean of Students reports to the Vice-Chancellor.

JOB PURPOSE

The Dean of Students is responsible for providing strategic leadership, management, coordination, and oversight of student affairs and welfare services at the University. The position ensures the provision of comprehensive student support services that promote student success, wellbeing, leadership development, discipline, inclusion, and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dean of Students will provide strategic leadership and coordinate student affairs and welfare services of the University. Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Providing leadership and overall management of the Student Affairs Office.
2. Advising the Vice-Chancellor and University Management on student welfare and development matters.
3. Developing and implementing policies, strategies, and programmes relating to student affairs.
4. Coordinating student support services to promote student success and wellbeing.
5. Overseeing counselling, guidance, and psychosocial support services.
6. Promoting positive student conduct and enforcing University rules and regulations.
7. Coordinating student governance structures and engagement with student leadership.
8. Facilitating leadership development and civic engagement programmes for students.
9. Overseeing student accommodation services and ensuring conducive living conditions.
10. Coordinating sports, recreation, cultural, and extracurricular activities.
11. Promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
12. Managing the Directorate’s human, financial, and physical resources.
13. Establishing and maintaining partnerships that enhance student development programmes.
14. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of student affairs programmes and services.
15. Preparing reports and ensuring compliance with University policies and statutory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must possess:

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or equivalent with five (5) credits or better, including English Language.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counselling, Psychology, Education, Social Sciences, Student Affairs, Public Administration, Higher Education Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant post-qualification work experience, of which at least three (3) years must have been at senior management level in a higher education institution or comparable organisation.
• Demonstrated experience in student affairs administration, student welfare, counselling, accommodation management, student development, or related services.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and strategic management capabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of student affairs administration and support services.
• Sound understanding of higher education policies, governance, and regulations.
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, counselling, and mediation skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and complex student issues.
• Financial and resource management skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, emotional intelligence, and confidentiality.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in relevant office applications.