Academic Dean Mock Interview
Master 35 Academic Dean interview questions covering strategic leadership, faculty relations, and accreditation.
Question 12 of 35
How active do you plan to be with your faculty?
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Example Answer
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Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Being hands-on and active with your staff is integral to being a dynamic leader. The interviewer is interested in knowing your level of involvement with the faculty as it can reflect your leadership abilities, communication skills, and management style. Being active with your faculty demonstrates your commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive academic environment. Additionally, it can help you stay updated on the latest developments in your field and ensure that you can provide the necessary support and resources to your faculty members. Assure the interviewer that you plan to be an active part of the school community with examples of how you plan to do so.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Sitting behind a desk isn't my cup of tea. I like to be out on campus, experiencing the community as a whole. I plan to become active in my faculty's work lives and be a familiar face around campus. Being present and engaged with the students, faculty, and staff is key to fostering a positive and productive academic community. I intend to attend as many events and meetings as possible and to be open and accessible to anyone who needs to speak with me. Additionally, I plan to work closely with department chairs and other academic leaders to ensure we are providing the best possible educational experience for our students. My goal is to be a visible and supportive presence on campus and help create an environment where everyone can thrive."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Being active with my faculty is very important to me. I plan to stay active with my new faculty by getting to know them on a professional level, as well as understanding what motivates them to perform. I will attend various events, meet with faculty and students, and collaborate with other departments to ensure that our academic programs meet our students' needs. Additionally, I will work closely with our faculty to develop new initiatives and programs that will enhance the academic experience for our students. Overall, my goal is to be a visible and accessible presence on campus and to work tirelessly to ensure that our academic programs are of the highest quality."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Through my years of experience, I have found that the more active a dean is with their faculty, the better everyone performs. When I was a professor, my academic dean was very hands-on. I knew I wanted to have the same approach when I became a dean one day. I make it a point to regularly meet with my faculty, listen to their concerns, and provide support and guidance when needed. I believe by being present and available, I can foster a positive and productive work environment for everyone involved. Whether through one-on-one meetings, group discussions, or workshops, I am committed to working closely with my faculty to ensure their success and the institution's success as a whole."
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Anonymous Answer
I plan to be regularly active with the faculty. Regular meetings and discussions with them will provide updates regarding the institution and allow for opportunities for the faculty and staff to share their opinions and ideas. The faculty and staff are interacting with the students on a regular and almost daily basis. Therefore, their thoughts are greatly valued.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's wonderful that you put so much value on the opinion of faculty and staff. It seems that you genuinely care about their input!
Anonymous Answer
The more engaged we are with each other, the better everyone performs. It's important to understand how each person I work with prefers to be communicated with (Meetings? texts? phone calls? emails?). I have been fortunate to work with two particular deans who are very involved with their faculty and plan to follow that model. While their communication styles were different, they followed three key principles: clear and predictable communication, action steps for them and their team, and direct language and deadlines. This style made it easy for me to prioritize work and reach success.
Cindy's Feedback
Great. Can you explain their model? How did they get performance from the team? What specifically will you emulate?
Anonymous Answer
I plan on weekly meetings with my Department Chairs as well as being visibly active among my faculty on a daily basis. I like to get away from my desk and move about the campus to listen and absorb the environment of the campus community.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great; it's clear that you want to be actively engaged with your faculty. What other steps would you take to listen and engage with them? (Example: coffee hours, acts of appreciation for faculty, dialogue sessions on difficult issues.)
Anonymous Answer
I'm not a sit-behind-the-desk person. I plan to be very active with my faculty. Getting to know them. What they are wanting of me, the organization, the students, even themselves? We would have faculty meetings, planning sessions, which would be a must.
Stephanie's Feedback
I have suggested a slightly revised response in the "Revised Answer" box.
My approach to supporting faculty is highly relational; I value being actively engaged with my faculty members, and I am not a "sit-behind-the-desk" person. It is important for me to build relationships and get to know the faculty team. What do they want from me, from the organization, from the students, and even from themselves? How can I support their growth professionally? I would lead regular faculty meetings and planning sessions, while also soliciting ongoing feedback.
Anonymous Answer
1) Monthly meeting with Chairs
2) Monthly meetings with the dean's advisory committee consisting of faculty members
3) Monthly Lunch meeting with randomly selected faculties
4)Attend department faculty meetings once a year for each department
5)Organize at least one conference a year for the entire school/college
6)Maintain research active and join discussions with faculty on research activities and funding
Chad's Feedback
Great answer! It sounds like you intend to be very engaged with the faculty, and the school community.
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