How to Answer: What is your disciplinary style?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Academic Dean job interview.
26. What is your disciplinary style?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There are a variety of disciplinary styles that you could use as an academic dean, depending on your individual management approach. Perhaps you take a more hands-off approach, allowing faculty members to handle disciplinary issues on their own. Or you might take a more proactive approach, working closely with faculty to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Still, you may choose a more authoritarian method, using strict rules and consequences to maintain discipline among students and faculty alike. Ultimately, the disciplinary style you use will depend on various factors, including your personal management philosophy, the culture of the institution you work for, and the needs and goals of your department or program. Describe how you use a multi-faceted approach depending on these factors.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 12th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"As an educator, my disciplinary style has always been centered around positive reinforcement and clear communication. I believe that by building strong relationships with my students and setting clear expectations, I can create a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters growth and development. When students do make mistakes, I strive to approach these situations with empathy and understanding while also providing clear consequences that are fair and consistent. Ultimately, my goal is to help students become responsible and respectful members of our community, both in and out of the classroom. As a newly appointed academic dean, my disciplinary style will remain the same for faculty and students alike."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"As an academic dean, my disciplinary style is centered around fairness and consistency. I believe in setting clear expectations and consequences for faculty or students who violate rules or academic policies. However, I also strive to understand the root cause of the behavior and address it accordingly. I aim to provide support and resources for everyone to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Ultimately, I aim to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students and faculty feel valued and respected."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 12th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I believe that my disciplinary style is fair and consistent. I strive to establish clear expectations and guidelines for behavior, and I communicate these clearly to my students and faculty. I believe that it is important to hold everyone accountable for their actions, but I also believe in allowing them to learn from their mistakes and make amends, depending on the severity of the situation. I try to create a supportive and respectful learning environment and always aim to treat everyone with empathy and understanding. My disciplinary style effectively fosters a positive and productive learning environment for all."
Written by Krista Wenz on June 12th, 2023