Dean - Student Affairs

Position Title: Dean - Student Affairs

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Institution Profile: A premier autonomous educational hub operated by a distinguished educational trust, holding NAAC A+ accreditation (Engineering) and NBA accreditation. The campus serves approximately 7,000 students across Engineering, Management, Commerce, Science, Hotel Management and many other programs.

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).