"If I have an under-performing student in my school I will sit down with them and first have them self-assess. The questions I will ask will include 'What are the personal factors affecting your academic performance?' and 'What are the academic factors affecting your performance?' When a student can be completely honest with themselves it is usually pretty easy to uncover the issue causing the poor grades."
Academic performance is a major focus for Academic Deans. Talk to the interviewer about your areas of focus when it comes to assessing a student's academic performance.
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"I believe that students should be assessed three to four times per year. In our current school, our teachers administer academic evaluations after each module is complete. The evaluations are comprehensive and clearly show us where we need to focus further."
Experienced Example
"I assess academic performance through standard, state issued, evaluations. These happen at the end of every school year and give us a comprehensive overview of what is working and where we need to amp up our focus."
As an Academic Dean you will be exposed to a wide variety of people, situations and environments. Do you feel prepared for this?
Professional Answers Preview
"I have been in Education for the majority of my career teaching first in elementary, high school, and then universities across the country. I have also traveled much of the world. These experiences have shaped me greatly and I am positive that I can interact with any person, and deal with any situation with professionalism and poise."
As an Academic Dean you will be exposed to a very wide array of people and situations. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of handling this.
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"I am certainly prepared to work in a diverse environment. In fact, I embrace it. I understood, before even applying here, that your university offers a diverse range in their student body and also their faculty. I find this to be very exciting and I look forward to learning more as the interview process continues."
Experienced Example
"I am well prepared to work in an environment that offers a wide range of people, and situations. I have worked as an academic dean for the past 15 years so I can confidently say that I have been a part of a great range of experiences and situations. I welcome even further diversity from this role with your school."
"I have set my sights on a career as an academic dean as soon as I began teaching at the university level. I feel that it will be a fulfilling way to compliment my career in Education, and is one of the primary reasons I completed my PhD."
The interviewer would like to know why a career as an academic dean interests you. You can add a personal touch when answering this question. Be sure that your passion for your career comes through in your answer!
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"As an academic dean, I feel that I will be able to utilize my recently elevated education while making a bigger impact in the education industry by setting fresh academic policies, and better overseeing budgets."
Experienced Example
"I have been in the role of academic dean for the past 7 years. First, at University of Georgia, and then transferring to Louisiana State. I wish to continue my career as an academic dean because I find it to be incredibly fulfilling work. With responsibilities that include the hiring of faculty, and setting policy, it's my way of ensuring that our students are receiving the level of education they deserve."
How would you handle a situation where one of your faculty members was causing difficulty in the workplace?
Professional Answers Preview
"I had a difficult faculty member a couple of years ago. He was quite unresponsive to change and unwilling to compromise when it came to the needs of the school in our proactive environment. I spoke with the faculty member one-on-one about three times before I began to take disciplinary action. Once more severe consequences were presented he began to comply with the policy changes our school was implementing. If this happened again I believe I would take faster action right away. There is little room for someone who cannot appreciate positive change and progression within education."
As an Academic Dean you are tasked with leading your faculty members. What would you do if one of those members caused you difficulty? Discuss with the interviewer how you would address a situation like this. Remain positive, factual, and avoid naming names in a situation like this. You want to show the interviewer that you are an agent of change and not a petty individual.
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"If I were to have a faculty member causing difficulty in the workplace I would first check in with their union representative to ensure that any course of disciplinary action fell in line with union regulations and policy. After that, I would schedule a one on one conversation with that individual with the goal of that meeting to be making a plan to rectify the situation. A clear plan of action, and potential recourse, would be outlined."
Experienced Example
"In my years as an academic dean, I have come to realize that there is almost always one faculty member that likes to ruffle feathers. I am a direct and to the point leader. I do not tolerate any situations that include workplace bullying or misappropriation of school resources. If a faculty member was acting out of line, I would have no issue initiating a stern conversation in which consequences would be outlined should the behavior continue."
How do you like to encourage ideas in your faculty or student body?
Question 2 of 30
How do you assess academic performance?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
A good performance measure is the number of publications in refereed journals.
2.
How many students an instructor has engaged with.
Question 3 of 30
As an Academic Dean you will be exposed to a wide variety of people, situations and environments. Do you feel prepared for this?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
For example, I have shown my ability to adapt to a wide variety of people, situations, and environments by working a special education teacher at the elementary and middle school level. I have served as a teacher leader within the special education department and within the regular education department I have served as a liaison to the principal when I was the LDC train the trainer representative at Eddy Middle school.
2.
Have taken on new direct reports--advising, career services--that used to report to student services; needed to learn about that side of the house. Deal regularly with student complaints, issues, etc., help faculty who ask for my advice, support or information. Have moved from faculty to DC to interim assoc dean role, w working with different populations of clermont along the way ( i. E., primarily student, s primarily faculty and now with both, but also with staff)
Question 4 of 30
Why do you want a career as an academic dean?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
Because I want to grow professionally within the educational area of teacher leaders, and I aspire to be resource for new incoming teachers and veteran's as well.
2.
To positively influence and affect change in the instructional program of a institute of higher learning.
3.
As an inside candidate, I have deep knowledge of the college, strengths and weaknesses. I believe I can help us move in a positive, forward direction. Really feel called to make it a better workplace where people feel valued and less stressed, which is better for students.
4.
I enjoy administrating programs and people.
5.
I am looking for a new challenge in the field of education.
How would you handle a situation where one of your faculty members was causing difficulty in the workplace?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
I held many SWD meetings and sent several emails to get the team member to follow the suggestions I had in place for our department and they had fell to do so.
2.
Many people will never see Eye to Eye with your ideas especially if they are new or foriegn to them. When cases like these arise you must thoroghly explain what you want.
3.
Several situations like this; since they are internal, I can't go into much detail.
4.
I have found when I have difficulties with a team member it is more than likely that something is going on in their personal life that they may be struggling with and what they need is someone to listen and offer support.
Question 6 of 30
Why are you the best Academic Dean for us?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
I would like to show that I am capable of just being a classroom teacher. I love to help others and learn from others as well. Being a academic dean would put me in a new role so that I can learn how to help a school maintain a school culture that will serve in the best interests of its students and parents.
2.
I have a record of improving schools and fostering collaboration that was previously non-existent. I am a Motivator and a Team Builder with a fundamental understanding that lives are at stake.
3.
Institutional knowledge, commitment to clermont, practical, like to get things accomplished, see a lot of potential int he place.
4.
My experience covers all aspects of this poisition.
5.
My experience and knowledge in teaching and learning as well as integrating technology into the classroom.
When have you worked among a diverse group of people?
Question 8 of 30
How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
Question 9 of 30
Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.
Question 10 of 30
Tell me about a time when you improved communication between yourself and a co-worker or client.
Question 11 of 30
How do you handle a larger than average workload?
Question 12 of 30
Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
Question 13 of 30
What are your salary expectations?
Question 14 of 30
How will you earn the trust of your faculty and coworkers?
Question 15 of 30
Do you think honesty is always the best policy?
Question 16 of 30
What sources do you look to when solving complicated problems?
Question 17 of 30
When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
Question 18 of 30
Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you contributed to.
Question 19 of 30
What motivates you to succeed?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
I am motivated by that fact that I am learning how to do things of interest more proficiently so that everyone can benefit from the job that I do.
2.
The achievement of others that I work with.
3.
Service, a sense of feeling I can make an impact, intrinsically motivated by goals I set myself.
4.
I am a life long learner. I am always wanting to experience challenging assignments.
Question 20 of 30
How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
I look at the most difficult task or the most pressing matter and work to complete it and then I manage the other tasks accordingly.
2.
Level of importance of the tasks, due date and the time to complete the tasks.
3.
Level of importance of the tasks, due date and the time to complete the tasks.
4.
Emergencies/crises get top billing, w hen they happen; otherwise, try to balance between longer-term projects and small managerial tasks like email, etc.
5.
I bes decisions on the strategic plan already made.
6.
Requests from the board or a supevisor would have precedents over non-critical requests.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as an Educator?
User-Submitted Answers
1.
Problem-solver, friendly, and detailed-oriented.
2.
God-Fearing, Hard-working, Team-Builder.
Question 22 of 30
Outline your formal education and training.
Question 23 of 30
Tell me about your exposure to budgeting and fundraising in your last position.
Question 24 of 30
Give me an example of a new academic rule or regulation that you have created.
Question 25 of 30
How active do you plan to be with your faculty?
Question 26 of 30
Are you familiar with this States academic criteria?
Question 27 of 30
What is your proudest moment as a teacher or leader?
Question 28 of 30
Would you consider returning to school to complete your PhD?
Question 29 of 30
How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
Question 30 of 30
What questions do you have for me in regards to this school, or position?
About Academic Dean
August 17th, 2017
An academic dean, also known as a dean of education, is an administrator who has significant authority over a specific academic department or unit (e.g. dean of the school of medicine, dean of boys/girls), typically in a college or university and to a lesser extent in high schools. They're typically highly involved with admissions and recruitment for their unit, as well as matters relating to graduation. Deans work in office settings and during normal business hours and may have reduced hours during the summer break. Education requirements vary. Sometimes a bachelor's degree may suffice, but a master's or PhD is often required.
Job openings for academic dean positions can be found through typical channels as well as career sites of academic institutions. As the dean, you'll be expected to maintain order and be responsible for admissions and graduation requirement, which is why previous experience in program administration will be important. The interview process will assess a wide range of skills including interpersonal, administrative, and leadership skills as it relates to your ability to manage relationships with students, parents, and staff.
To prepare for an interview for an academic dean position, review your work experience and think of times when you administrated a program by planning courses and defining objectives and saw it through to a positive outcome. Think about times when you gave constructive criticism and how it resulted in something positive. Be prepared to give details on your teaching and leadership style as well as how you would handle chaotic situations. Deans are leaders in academic situations and need to demonstrate integrity and inspire respect while fitting into the institution's culture and needs.