Assistant Vice President for Student Support and Resource Centers

 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been an academic powerhouse for its nearly 200-year history. This tradition of academic excellence can be quantified, in part, by Rensselaer’s inclusion on the most important global “top college and university” ranking lists, including U.S. News and World Report. Rensselaer is changing the world in a bigger, bolder ways, and it seeks a highly accomplished leader to serve the Assistant Vice President for Student Resources and Centers.

 

Under the leadership of President Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., Rensselaer’s comprehensive educational and research programs cut across academic disciplines, giving students the opportunity to learn and to grow into world leaders in their chosen fields. Rensselaer attracts undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals from around the world. The Institute’s long-standing reputation draws students from across the U.S and the globe; a total of 49 States and 63 countries are represented in Rensselaer's student body. Students are encouraged to work in interdisciplinary programs that allow them to combine scholarly work from several departments or schools. Rensselaer offers over 145 programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students are encouraged to work in interdisciplinary programs that allow them to combine scholarly work from several departments or schools.

 

Rensselaer’s more than 450 faculty members include National Science Foundation Presidential Faculty Fellows, members of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, and Fellows of other eminent professional organizations.

 

Important investments in the research and academic enterprise, along with the student experience, have been the hallmark of the Rensselaer Plan and the Rensselaer Plan 2024.  Aggressive recruiting of world-class faculty has continued since the implementation of The Plan in 2001. The Institute has made significant investments in creating new faculty positions and has promoted the development of clusters of distinguished research faculty (Constellations) in strategic areas of research emphasis. 

 

About the Position

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Assistant Vice President for Student Support and Resource Centers is a newly created position resulting from a reorganization of the Student Life Division. The position contributes to a supportive campus community that promotes the well-being of students and ensures that diversity and inclusion are advanced across all Student Life areas. Since both diversity and inclusion rank among Rensselaer’s highest strategic priorities, the position represents a substantial opportunity to affect individual student growth and institutional culture.

 

As a member of the Student Life leadership team, the AVP has responsibility and accountability for functions within the Student Support and Resource Centers portfolio, including: Student Health and Wellness (Student Health Center, Counseling Services, Student Disability Services, Athletic Training), Multicultural Programs, Veteran and Military Student Services, and Religious Affairs (Chaplains, Chapel and Cultural Center). 

 

The Vice President for Student Life will rely on the Assistant Vice President in numerous key areas, among them: creation of and responsibility for assessment strategies to measure CLASS outcomes and key performance indicators through the Student Support and Resource Centers portfolio; development of a performance based budget for fiscal responsibility; development and implementation of appropriate comprehensive student disability programs and services; and the alignment of Student Support and Resource Centers initiatives with the goals of the Rensselaer Plan 2024 and the overall goals of the Division of Student Life.

 

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate must possess a thorough knowledge of student development theories and their application to students at a highly selective technological research university.  The ideal candidate will also have the requisite skills to employ best practices and ensure CLASS is fully realized throughout the Student Support and Resource Centers portfolio.

 

He/she must have working knowledge of federal and state protocols, legal and compliance issues related to student affairs, including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).  Additionally, the successful candidate must possess working knowledge of benefits available to student veterans, and successful strategies to advance social justice and inclusion within higher education.

 

The successful candidate will possess a Master’s degree in higher education administration, student personnel or a related field with a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible student affairs experience including service at the Director or Dean level.  

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information including e-mail addresses for five references. The application packet should be sent electronically to AVPSSRC@wspelman.com. The subject line should read AVPSSRC. Confidential inquiries may be made by contacting Bill Spelman at Bill@wspelman.com or at 585.787.9742. Confidentiality will be maintained, and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge or approval of the candidate.

 

Rensselaer has a strong institutional commitment to diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. As such, the Institute welcomes applicants who will bring a diverse intellectual, geographical, gender, and ethnic perspectives to the Rensselaer community.