Dean of Students Search | Student Affairs

June 2023

Search for Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students

Binghamton University is a premier public R1 research institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system that unites more than 130 broadly interdisciplinary educational programs with some of the most vibrant research in the nation. Our unique character — shaped by our mission, outstanding academics, facilities and community life — promotes extraordinary student success, research and service; Binghamton University is where our students, faculty and staff thrive.

Working at Binghamton University is more than about having a great job — it is about having the opportunity to flourish in an exciting, engaging environment. Our faculty and staff appreciate Binghamton’s collegial and inclusive culture and its commitment to excellence, education, innovation and civic engagement. Our diverse campus community contributes to our success.

Binghamton merges rigorous academics, distinguished faculty, exceptional staff, and ultramodern facilities to engage and challenge its 18,000+ students. The high-achieving Binghamton student body also represents a great diversity of life experiences, from first-generation college-goers to international students. Beyond their talent, these classmates share a desire to shape the future through technology, insight, intellectual exploration and community service.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and in keeping with this commitment, we welcome all to apply, including veterans and persons with disabilities.

Download the full color prospectus here.

The best public university in the Northeast Binghamton University is a world-class institution that offers students a broad, interdisciplinary education with an international perspective and one of the most vibrant research programs in the nation.

Binghamton University by the numbers

14,400+ undergraduate students
7,500+ residential students
3,900+ graduate students
$50M in research expenditures
150,000 alumni worldwide
2,500+ international students
100+ different countries
Division 1 sports
450+ student clubs and orgs
1,000+ faculty members
90.7% first-year retention rate

An inclusive campus community

Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives that create a welcoming campus climate.
Multicultural Resource Center Inclusiveness through workshops, programs and services.
LGBTQ Center Provides an array of resources, educational opportunities and social justice initiatives.
Services for Students with Disabilities Ensuring equal access to all academic and extracurricular programming.

Six great schools, one amazing university

Harpur College of Arts and Sciences
Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science
School of Management
Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
College of Community and Public Affairs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Student body profile

Fall 2023 data

Undergraduate students: 14,400+
Graduate students: 3,900+
Total applications: 44,000
First-year enrolled: 2,900
Transfers enrolled: 1,000
High school GPA mid-50%: 93-98/3.7-3.9
Transfer GPA mid-50%: 3.3-3.8
SAT score (mid-50%)*: 1300-1450
ACT score (mid-50%)*: 29-33
First-year retention rate: 92% (national average among public 62%)
Transfer-student retention rate: 90%
Academic offerings: 130+

*SAT/ACT based on applicants who chose to submit scores

Racial/ethnic diversity*

American Indian or Alaska Native: 11
Asian: 2,733
Black or African American: 835
Hispanic: 2,120
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 3
Nonresident: 1,917
Two or more races: 635
Unknown: 328
White: 9,730

*As reported in Fall 2022

Post graduate

Binghamton University graduates reported $6,000+ higher starting salary than the national average*
Further education: 36% of Binghamton graduates pursue further education
Law school acceptance rates: 85% (vs 73% national average)
Medical school acceptance rates: 10% above the national average

*As reported by the class of 2020 Senior Survey

Academics

Acceptance Rate: 43%
4-year graduation rate: 75%
Student/faculty ratio: 19/1

U.S. News & World Report rankings

#35: Top Public Schools — 2023
#51: Best Colleges for Veterans — 2022
#57: Best Value Schools — 2022
#83: National Universities — 2023

The Princeton Review rankings

#18: Top 20 Best Value Colleges without Aid list — 2022
#18: Top 20 Best Career Placement (Public Schools) — 2022
#20: Top 50 Best Value Colleges (Public Schools) — 2022

About the Division of Student Affairs

Binghamton University’s Division of Student Affairs encompasses a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and offices. In addition to traditional student affairs programs, our division includes auxiliary enterprises, opportunity programs, community engagement and a fully staffed assessment and data analysis office.

The division is financially sound and has sufficient resources to support new programs of its own initiative. While investing in our physical assets and technology, we have consistently maintained or increased personnel levels in nearly every divisional operation. The student life facilities on campus are contemporary, newly constructed or renovated, and conveniently located to serve students.

The breadth of the division creates ample opportunities for exciting partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Division staff at all levels routinely work with colleagues in academic affairs, operations, athletics and advancement. We also have regular involvement in strategic University relationships with area employers, health systems, government, K-12 schools and the non-profit sector.

Our culture is entrepreneurial and inventive but always data-informed. Complementing the University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, student affairs supports two divisional diversity officers that ensure DEI work is central to our mission. We are always looking for innovative, motivated and talented employees who are not constrained by traditional boundaries and are willing to tackle difficult questions and work through them.

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Brian T. Rose has served as vice president for student affairs at Binghamton University since January 2008 and oversees both student affairs and auxiliary services. Prior to his arrival at Binghamton, Rose spent 17 years at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where he served in various capacities in both student affairs and central administration.

Rose teaches law and administration for a higher-education graduate program within Binghamton’s College of Community and Public Affairs and has also led under-graduate seminars for the Binghamton University Scholars Program in topics related to higher education, law and urban planning.

Rose currently serves on the board of directors for Ascension Lourdes Hospital. He previously served on the Broome County Industrial Development Authority Board, the Board of the Phelps Museum and the Board of Directors for the Maine-Endwell Little League, the 2016 Little League World Series Champions.

Originally from Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Rose earned his bachelor’s degree in history and international relations from the University of Pennsylvania and his juris doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

About the Dean of Students Office

Mission: Our mission is to provide opportunities and experiences that support student learning and personal development, as well as to help students with issues that affect their academic and personal life at Binghamton University.

Programs: DOS is a cluster of programs that work collaboratively to support Binghamton University students. We promote their learning and personal development, as well as help them navigate issues that affect their academic and personal lives. Our staff are dedicated, caring professionals who advocate on behalf of students and provide services designed to enhance their success.

Campus Activities at Binghamton University promotes student engagement through events and programs that help build skills, social responsibility and self-awareness in an inclusive, diverse environment. We work closely with our 450+ student organizations to help plan and develop activities while providing skill-based employment opportunities.

UFest: Sponsored by Campus Activities, UFest celebrates the beginning of the academic year with student organization tabling, inflatable rides, a Rec Fest area, kids area, dog parade and more!
B-Welcome: The University implements B-Welcome at the beginning of each semester. It’s a special time for welcoming our new and returning students with activities, open houses and fun events!
Tower Glow: Each year on the Monday before classes start, the Library Tower lights up the night before classes, glowing bright green to signal the new academic year. Campus Activities sponsors an event to highlight the occasion.
Run the Brain: Representatives from each undergraduate class run the 1.3 mile Brain Loop that encircles central campus for both an individual and class prize.
Homecoming marks the time to celebrate what it means to be a Bearcat with your current Binghamton University friends and alumni.
Distinguished Speaker Series: This is a cross-disciplinary series that features cutting-edge speakers and special events designed to inform, engage and inspire the University community.
Senior Week: Binghamton’s annual week-long tradition honoring the senior class before graduation.
Student Association events: The SA charters and funds 150+ student organizations at Binghamton University. With assistance from Campus Activities, the programming board plans large events for the entire campus including concerts, festivals and comedians.

The CARE Team (Consultation, Advocacy, Referral and Education) works to educate and inform members of the Binghamton University community through caring, advocacy and supportive endeavors. Our goal is to empower our students and attend to their needs holistically through education and personal development.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Binghamton University provides guidance and support to our 55 fraternities and sororities. We offer a diverse mix of groups with the hope that everyone who wants to join a group finds one that closely matches individuals’ values and personality. In the last 10 years, we’ve seen a 77% increase in membership. While our groups support different philanthropies and causes, and have different histories and traditions, all of our organizations exist to make members better through fostering the ideals of diversity, leadership, scholarship and service.

Late Nite is designed to enhance the quality of student life during peak social interaction times by providing activities attractive to all students. All Late Nite programs are free events held on Friday and Saturday nights. Many different activities are provided (movies, crafts, games live music, etc.) as well as co-sponsored events with Fraternity and Sorority Life, Residential Life, Club Sports and SA-chartered student organizations.

New Student Programs supports the process of acclimating all entering students and their families to life at Binghamton through student-centered, comprehensive programs that serve as the cornerstone on which academic success and positive social transitions are built.

Off Campus Programs and Services focuses much of its efforts on the welfare of students who do not reside in University-managed housing. Since off-campus students vary widely in age, interest, institutional identification or affiliation and reside in various local communities, efforts to provide service are multifaceted, purposeful and specific to current needs. We seek ways to assist all students in learning how to live safely, successfully and independently in the communities that surround the University. We aim to provide services and programs that support the University’s goal of achieving an environment that encourages and promotes educational excellence.

Parent and Family Programs: Establishing a relationship with parents and family members ensures a successful Binghamton University experience for students. We are here to offer support and guidance so we can work together to encourage students to advocate for themselves — on campus and in life. Our hope is that our parents and family members will choose to stay involved, interact with other parents and contribute to the educational experience of their student.

TRIO: The federal TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education through four programs. Student Support Services (SSS) are free programs designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation or disabled college students through academic, career and personal counseling as well as tutoring and assistance in obtaining financial aid. The McNair Scholars Program motivates and supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in earning a PhD. Participants receive training in research methods and information skills sufficient for continuation at the graduate level. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for summer research internships and other research experiences throughout the academic year. The Educational Talent Search identifies and assists high school students who have the potential to succeed in college by encouraging them to graduate from high school and continue to post-secondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in post-secondary education programs. Upward Bound is a free program that serves high school students from income-eligible families and families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to prepare participants for high-school graduation and to increase the rate at which they enroll, attend and graduate from colleges and universities.

Veteran and Military Services: Binghamton University is proud of its long-standing history and storied tradition with the military. Binghamton has served student veterans since 1946 and is a leader in service to our students who are veterans, active duty, military dependents and survivors. The Veterans and Military Services office is available to help veterans and their dependents maximize their college funding. Students who currently receive veterans’ educational benefits at our institution include National Guard, reservist, active duty, veterans and children or spouses of those who have served or currently are serving in the military.

The Union is centrally located on campus and serves as the hub for student activities. We are a place where students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors can all spend their time. With MarketPlace dining, the University Bookstore, Visions Federal Credit Union, Late Nite events, student groups, bowling, billiards, table tennis, mail, lounge, student and office areas, there’s always something happening in The Union!

Position overview

The assistant vice president and dean of students reports directly to the vice president for student affairs and serves as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT), which collectively advises the vice president on strategic planning, policy, space allocation, budgetary and personnel decisions for the entire Division of Student Affairs. The dean consistently works across organizational lines with the other members of SALT, directors of other student affairs units, faculty, academic and other administrators within an administrative culture that highly values collaboration and will spend significant time leading new initiatives. The dean supervises staff responsible for case management services, student activities, The Union, off-campus programs and services, fraternity and sorority life, new student programs, parent and family programs, TRiO Student Support Services and Upward Bound, and veterans services. The dean is the senior administrative liaison to the undergraduate and graduate student governments and is principally responsible for managing communications with elected student leaders. The dean works closely and directly with the president’s chief of staff on town-gown relations; works collaboratively with the associate vice president of student affairs and chief wellness officer and the assistant vice president for residential experiences to coordinate crisis response initiatives; represents the Division of Student Affairs on University-wide committees; and provides strategic direction to The Union as a physical space and through a programmatic lens.

Position responsibilities and qualifications

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will embody many if not all of the following:

Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds with regard to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion, among other factors
Proven capacity to cultivate trust and credibility with students, staff and faculty and to build positive and effective relationships with student leaders and colleagues across the University
Outstanding communication skills including the ability to impart complex information with clarity to a range of constituencies (faculty, students, administrators, parents, law enforcement, etc.) as well as to media outlets •
Evidence of visibility and influence within the campus community •
Experience in new program development and bringing about change in a thoughtful manner as well as proven skill in building consensus among peers, subordinates and others
Proven ability to make independent judgments under pressure, react calmly and respond effectively in emergencies
Excellent problem-solving skills and knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
Unimpeachable ethical standards and demonstrated respect for the confidentiality of sensitive information
Proven ability to recruit, train, motivate, evaluate and retain high-performing employees
Capacity to function effectively as part of a senior management team including ability to think strategically, display an incisive intellect and willingness to actively explore, critique and propose new ideas, combined with the professionalism to fully support and execute the decision of the team regardless of one’s personal point of view
Demonstrated ability to analyze operating policies and procedures and formulate recommendations to improve service quality and efficiency

Qualifications

Minimum of a master’s degree in management, higher education, student personnel, counseling services or a closely related field. Doctoral degree preferred
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible higher education experience including prior supervisory experience and budget authority
Demonstrated leadership and project-management skills
Working knowledge of at least some of the programs within the Dean of Students portfolio

Additional information

Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Binghamton University is a tobacco-free campus.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov

Payroll information can be found on our website on this page.

Cover letters may be addressed “To the Search Committee.”

Postings active on the website accept applications until closure.

For information on the Dual Career Program, please visit this web page.

Diversity and belonging statement

Unity, identity and excellence are our core values. Excellence is inextricably intertwined with diversity, equity and inclusion. We celebrate all aspects of human diversity. We unite and overcome boundaries, creating a campus that values social justice, eliminates barriers to access and allows individuals to authentically express themselves in all their dimensions. We believe that a thriving campus is one where everyone feels supported, encouraged and can do their best, and where all voices can be heard, acknowledged and celebrated. Binghamton University is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive campus. A premier campus is one that ensures that students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds may have the opportunity to pursue excellence in whatever endeavor they choose, so that they, too, might become the scientists, scholars and leaders of the coming decades.

Apply here

To see the full job posting, see this web page.