Vice President, Student Experience

Employment Category: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid)

Reports To: President & Vice-Chancellor

Primary Purpose

The Vice President, Student Experience, is to provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all aspects related to student life and the overall student experience and enhancement within the University Canada West.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor and working closely with the senior leadership team, the Vice President, Student Experience will lead and direct the development and delivery of a range of services that enhance student engagement and success. The position is pivotal in creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters students' personal growth, academic progression, and overall well-being. They work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programs, and services that enhance the quality of student life and contribute to their holistic development. By prioritizing student needs and advocating for their interests, the Vice President, Student Experience, aims to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Direct reports:

Director, Student Affairs and Support Services

Specific Responsibilities

The Vice President, Student Experience will, at various times, be responsible for the following as well as other related duties as assigned to support UCW's business objectives, mission, and purpose:

• Leadership of Student Services: The Vice President, Student Experience, will lead and supervise student services departments, including financial aid, counseling, health services, career development, and student activities inside and outside the classroom. They provide strategic direction and ensure the effective delivery of services to support students' academic and personal success.
  
  
  
• Student Development and Support: The Vice-President will provide strategic leadership to student development and support initiatives, implementing programs and services that foster student growth, engagement, and well-being. Working collaboratively with staff and faculty, providing a supportive environment conducive to learning, personal development, and social integration.
  
  
  
• Campus Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on all campuses. The Vice President, Student Experience will provide strategic direction to creating an inclusive campus community and environment, developing policies, programs, and resources that embrace diversity, address systemic barriers, promote equality among students of diverse backgrounds, and embrace difference.
  
  
  
• Student Advocacy and Grievance Resolution: Serving as an advocate for students, the Vice President, Student Experience will ensure their concerns, needs, and rights are addressed timely and effectively, establishing policies and procedures for students to voice grievances, providing guidance and support throughout the resolution process, and working closely with other administrative offices to ensure fair treatment and due process.
  
  
  
• Student Conduct and Discipline: Upholding campus policies and standards of behaviour is a crucial responsibility. The Vice President, Student Experience will oversee the development and enforcement of the student code of conduct, manage disciplinary procedures, and collaborate with the local community to bring awareness to the students about their social responsibilities.
  
  
  
• Emergency Management and Student Safety: The Vice President, Student Experience will play a key role in emergency preparedness and response. They will collaborate with campus security, local law enforcement, and other stakeholders to develop and implement safety protocols, provide guidance during emergencies, and support students in times of distress or trauma.
  
  
  
• Student Success and Retention: Enhancing student success and retention rates. The Vice President, Student Experience, will work closely with academic departments and faculty to identify barriers to student achievement, develop support programs, and implement strategies that promote student persistence, graduation, and post-graduation success.
  
  
  
• Institutional Policy and Planning: The Vice President, Student Experience, will participate in institutional policy development and long-term strategic planning related to student experience. They will contribute to decision-making processes, assess the impact of policies on students, and provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership regarding student-related matters.
  
  
  
• Student Leadership and Engagement: The Vice President, Student Experience, will foster student leadership and engagement by providing opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, participate in campus organizations, and engage in co-curricular activities. They will support student government and student organizations, facilitate leadership training programs, and promote a vibrant campus community that encourages student involvement and participation.
  
  
  
• Student Housing and Residential Life: The Vice President, Student Experience will oversee/work closely with managing student housing and residential life. They will collaborate with housing staff to ensure a safe, comfortable, and inclusive living environment for students. This includes developing and enforcing residential policies, addressing housing-related concerns, and organizing programs and activities that promote a sense of community within the residential areas.
  
  
  
• Career Services and Internship Programs: The Vice President, Student Experience, will oversee the University's career services department, which assists students in their career exploration and job search efforts. They collaborate with employers, alumni, and industry partners to create internship programs and job opportunities that align with students' academic and career goals.
  
  
  
• Work-Study Programs and Student Employment Opportunities: The Vice President, Student Experience, will manage the work-study programs and student employment opportunities on campus. In addition, ensures that career advisors are equipped to provide resume reviews, mock interviews, and professional development workshops to enhance students' employability.
  

Position Requirements

To be successful in the Vice President, Student Experience position, an individual must possess and be committed to developing, maintaining, and demonstrating the following:

Competencies:

• Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership skills to guide and inspire teams, set strategic direction, and achieve organizational goals.
  
• Strategic Planning: Proven track record in developing and implementing long-term plans and initiatives to enhance the student experience and support student success.
  
• Student Development: Demonstrate an understanding and apply theories of student development to create programs and services that facilitate student growth and well-being.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Evidence of experience in promoting and fostering an inclusive campus environment that celebrates diversity, addresses systemic barriers, and ensures equity for all students.
• Relationship Building: Experience and excellent interpersonal skills in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to collaborate and achieve shared goals.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively convey information, engage stakeholders, and advocate for student needs.
• Student Advocacy: Demonstrable strong advocacy for students, understanding their concerns, and working to address their needs and rights.
• Governance and law: Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to student experience and higher education administration.
• Health and safety: Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and respond to crises, emergencies, and student safety concerns.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Proven track record in working collaboratively with various departments, faculty, and staff to foster a supportive and cohesive campus community.
• Student Conduct and Discipline: Demonstrable knowledge and understanding and applying knowledge of the student code of conduct and disciplinary processes to ensure a safe and respectful campus environment.
• Financial Management: Demonstrate knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to optimize student services within allocated resources.
• Policy Development: Experience in participating in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that impact the student experience and align with institutional goals.
• Student Engagement: Experience in creating opportunities for student involvement, leadership development, and engagement in co-curricular activities to enhance their overall experience.
• Counseling and Advising: Experience in managing guidance and support to students in their academic, personal, and career development through counseling and advising services.
• Evaluation and Assessment: Experience in utilizing data-driven approaches to evaluate programs, services, and student outcomes to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree, but more desirable to have a Ph.D. in higher education administration or a related field
• A seasoned education executive with 8 to 12 years of progressive experience in higher education in a multicultural environment
Has a proven track record as an effective leader of teams and individuals

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