Assistant Dean for Student Affairs - School of Medicine

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs is responsible for the stewardship of our students through their personal, academic, and professional growth at CWRU, from matriculation to graduation. The primary role of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs is as Society Dean, leading a learning community of 35-40 students in each class year (total of 140-160 students across the four years). Student Affairs functions as a group practice model in the care of all medical students, necessitating collaboration and teamwork.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a track record of self-motivation and innovation in curricular or co-curricular programming, and flexible and creative problem-solving. The position requires enthusiasm and time to respond to students and colleagues when they need you, including answering calls and emails during off-hours, and participating in activities during some evenings and weekends. Society Deans are present at the School of Medicine 2-4 half-days per week, sometimes more, as need fluctuates with the academic calendar.

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs/Society Dean will work collaboratively to develop and maintain a comprehensive, student-centered academic, career, and personal advising program for students in the University Program of our medical school. The Assistant Dean will work closely with the other Society Deans, Student Affairs staff members, the Associate Dean for Admissions, the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at CCLCM, the Associate Dean for Curriculum, the Associate Dean for Program Innovation and Educational Enhancements, the Assistant Deans for Basic Science Education and Clinical Education, Directors of Medical Student Research and Student Assessment, and central (CWRU) campus Student Affairs leaders. Working with the Medical School administration, the Society Deans provide an authoritative voice on all matters related to student life.

The Assistant Dean will report to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and ultimately to the Vice Dean for Medical Education.

Expectations of the Society Dean include:

1.    Assume responsibility for leading a learning community of ~35-40 students in each class year. Activities include group and individual meetings, emails, and phone calls in support of each student’s personal, academic, and career goals;
2.    Provide one-on-one counseling/support to students who are struggling in the curriculum, including presenting and advocating for students at monthly Committee on Medical Students meetings;
3.    Deliver and innovate (with Student Affairs colleagues) a four-year comprehensive career-advising program;
4.    Prepare, with administrative support, the Medical Student Performance Evaluation for a society cohort;
5.    Collaborate with University partners, including but not limited to University Health and Counseling Services and Disability Services, to maintain support for students;
6.    Collaboratively develop and promote self-care and wellness programs;
7.    Work with student partners to develop, maintain, and innovate co-curricular activities like Peer Handoff (orientation) and Consult Tables (tutoring). Foster student engagement through interaction with the InterSociety Council, the Committee of Student Representatives, and other student-led groups;
8.    Develop, lead, and innovate student ceremonies that promote professional identity formation: New Student Orientation, Oath Writing Workshop, White Coat Ceremony, Student Clinician Ceremony, Match Day, Graduation Awards Ceremony, Graduation;
9.    Participate in academic leadership meetings and committees in the School of Medicine (e.g. Assessment Committee, ad hoc task forces, LCME accreditation committees, Mistreatment Working Group, etc.);
10.    Coordinate with other Society Deans to provide a consistent presence at the School of Medicine Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
11.    Be engaged and excited about evolving information technology, ways of tracking student data, and communicating with students;
12.    Use word processing applications, learn student management system software, Society Dean Advising Portal and others;
13.    Perform other related duties as required.

Support and Resources: This part-time position is supported from the Office of the Vice Dean for Medical Education for up to 0.4 FTE, depending on the number of students assigned and time committed to the role. The salary support provided will be based on an administrative reimbursement scale with consideration of academic rank and relevant teaching, mentoring, and programming experience. Administrative support will be provided by staff from the Office of Student Affairs. Professional development funds will be made available in the amount of $2,500 yearly. 

Qualifications

Applicants must have a full-time faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor or higher level with at least five years’ experience including significant experience in medical education and mentoring of learners. Candidates must be practicing physicians with an MD, DO, or equivalent degree. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in medical education at CWRU School of Medicine or other similar institutions in areas such as medical student education, graduate medical education, educational research and scholarship, and/or administrative leadership. Other strengths of highly qualified applicants include collaboration and teamwork skills, advanced understanding of human behavior and communication, forward-thinking mindset, and innovative spirit. This position is best suited to someone who values and can promote diversity, including diversity of thought, experience, and background. 

Application Instructions

Please submit a CV, letter of interest, and diversity statement via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/143104 . The letter of interest should include a statement or example of how you would improve an existing area of advising (academic, career, or personal advising) or another area of student professional identity formation. To nominate another person, please forward their name and, if possible, CV to [email protected] . Consideration of applications will begin as soon as they are received. Complete nominations received by May 23, 2024, will receive full consideration.

Case Western Reserve University strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive work environment. All applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age and genetics.

Case Western Reserve provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [email protected] . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.