Job Details

I. INTRODUCTION

The Associate Dean for Student Services (ADSS) provides guidance to law students on law school and university policies, leadership and oversight for student life activities, and assists students in academic and individual counseling matters. The ADSS is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of services and programmatic support to law students and provides strategic evaluation, planning, development, and program coordination on all aspects of student life.

The ADSS is a Dean's executive team member, reports to the Dean, and works closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs on strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of various student and academic issues and programming initiatives. The ADSS assists the executive team with student matters and serves as the Law School's representative in university-wide student affairs initiatives, related programming, and policy deliberations.

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides leadership and direction in the strategic supervision and management of the Office of the Associate Dean for Student Services including managing the operating budget. Supports the professional development of the Assistant to the Associate Dean for Student Services and the Director of Career Services and Professional Development.
2. Collaborates with the UHM student services offices, including the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success, to ensure consistent policies and procedures throughout the System, UHM, and Law School.
3. Collaborates with the UHM Government Relations and Community Affairs and UH System Government Relations Offices on legislative initiatives that affect the Law School.
4. Monitors student compliance with academic and non-academic conduct policies. Ensures appropriate responses to incidents involving students and develops proper policies and procedures. Manages, updates, and ensures compliance with student-related policies including Student Handbook–academic and disciplinary rules, regulations, and policies pertinent to students. Coordinates and manages the student disciplinary process. Manages student grievance processes according to the University and William S. Richardson School of Law policy, procedure, and systems. Represents and advocates for law students on University-wide issues.
5. Enhances the quality of life of students through the timely provision of academic and personal counseling. Makes appropriate referrals to other University of Hawai‘i (System), University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) student services resources, or other university and community resources as appropriate.
6. Serves as primary contact for law students with personal needs and challenges and offers tailored resources, guidance, and support to students. Develops and implements virtual and in-person programming to promote law student and lawyer well-being and social engagement. Responds to emergencies involving students and to students in crisis. Responds to faculty and administrator concerns regarding student behavior. Reviews and responds to student petitions and requests related to enrollment, course loads, exam schedules, and various requirements.
7. Serves as the Law School's ADA Compliance Officer and, in collaboration and consultation with the relevant University office(s), ensures appropriate disability accommodations and services for law students with disabilities. Supervises the Assistant to the Associate Dean for Student Services and office personnel in directly implementing these ADA responsibilities.
8. Serves as Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
9. Works with relevant faculty and parties to ensure compliance with student practice rules and regulations, such as Rule 7 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai‘i, including the review and certification of students for student practice. Assists students with questions and concerns about the rules of student practice in various jurisdictions. Monitors and may conduct programming related to student practice as necessary.
10. Advises, conducts programming, and responds to requests and matters related to academic standing status, student practice, bar character, and fitness. Manages the bar character and fitness certification process and counsels students on bar disclosure and bar admission matters. Responsible for programs related to character and fitness issues for students. Works with the Law Registrar's Office to complete bar certificates and writes explanatory letters as required for bar certificates.
11. Serves as advisor to the Student Bar Association, works with the Student Bar Association and student affinity groups to support positive professional development and student outcomes, and assists student groups with programmatic, administrative, and budgetary matters. Handles individual concerns during exam time and handles all emergency exam rescheduling requests, coordinating closely with the Registrar's Office on exam matters. Serves as the Law School's liaison to the Hawai‘i Board of Examiners and the Bar Examiners of other states to support student requests and outcomes. Coordinates with the Director of Bar Success, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Events Manager, and others relevant to create opportunities for bar success/licensure support, including support for retakers of the bar examination.
12. Works with the law school Events Manager and other relevant staff, faculty, or administrators to plan, implement, and coordinate all logistics related to annual student orientation, school commencement ceremony, and student-focused events. Communicates with incoming students and provides direct programming to new students on matters related to Student Services.
13. Develops and fosters key collaborative relationships with campus administrative areas, faculty, and campus and community leaders. Maintains relationships with other law schools, professional associations, and service organizations to stay up-to-date on national, regional, and local trends in law school student services administration. Represents the Law School at professional meetings and conferences. Works collaboratively with the Director of Development and the University of Hawaii Foundation to support positive relationships with Alumni and the Alumni Association.
14. Other duties as assigned.

III. LIST OF DIRECT REPORTS

As reflected in the current official organizational chart.

IV. AUTHORITY AND DECISION-MAKING EXERCISED

Work is performed under supervision of the Dean with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgement in the accomplishment of program objectives.

V. DIRECTION AND REVIEW OF WORK RECEIVED

Work is reviewed by analysis of results achieved and reactions and appraisals of entities internal and external to the University.

VI. CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Extensive and continuous contacts with other Manoa Campus colleges, schools, and departments, graduate divisions, etc., with East-West Center, and with the Hawai`i Bar and Judiciary.

VII. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Juris Doctor Degree.
2. Three years of experience in a student-facing role in higher education or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience that provides the required education, knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated above.
3. Demonstrated leadership in student-facing roles and ability to react, support, and communicate effectively and efficiently.
4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide-ranging complex problems.
5. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders, and community members, and individuals.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Ability to ensure compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.
8. High level of emotional intelligence, empathy, professionalism, and discretion.
9. Understanding of financial transactions.

VIII. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Three years of experience in legal education.
2. Employee development, supervision experience, and performance management skills.

To Apply: A NEOGOV account must be established, and then candidates may attach the following to the online application: (1) A cover letter summarizing their interest and how qualifications are met for the position (no more than 3 pages), (2) A current curriculum vitae, (3) Names and contact information of three (3) professional references.

Note: Original official transcripts are required at time of hire. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate. A background check will be made prior to employment.

Inquiries: Pauline Fagan, ...@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: