Student Support Services (S^3) is committed to assisting Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) undergraduate and graduate students with their personal and academic needs.  S^3 provides open access and outreach to MIT’s diverse student community.  The staff offers advice and confidential support to enhance student success and to provide assistance for students whose personal concerns may interfere with their ability to engage fully in Institute life.  Specifically, S^3 advocates for and assists students who are encountering sensitive problems or coping with a crisis, by providing support and referring students to appropriate resources as needed.  The office frequently coordinates efforts with other MIT staff and departments to address a wide array of student needs and issues including: personal matters, academic challenges, arranging a leave from MIT, accommodating a change in one’s academic status, and adapting to the wide array of challenges affecting student life.  S^3 deans meet individually with students and also provide broad outreach programming to facilitate connection across MIT’s student, staff and faculty community.

 

Title

 

Assistant Dean, Student Support Services  (S^3)

 

Description

 

Reporting to the Associate Dean and Co-Director for Student Support Services (S^3), this position advises and counsels individual students as well as groups on a wide range of matters concerned with personal and academic issues.  Assists the Associate Deans and Co-Director(s) in carrying out the goals of Student Support Services.  Contributes to the development of policies, programs and procedures.  Responsible for helping to develop programs for students and groups that require support and assistance within the MIT community.  Advises and assists Co-Directors and other members of DSL and the community with the implementation of Institute policies that affect students.

 

Characteristic Duties

 

1) Counsels and advises students about their personal, academic and social concerns  which may involve interactions with faculty, staff, physicians, family and friends.  Works closely with MIT Mental Health to support students experiencing personal crises or difficulties.

 

2) Counsels and advises student groups on issues including but not limited to: adjusting to personal and academic life at an urban research-based institution focusing on science and technology; making personal decisions about responsible behavior, appreciating one’s culture and those of others; learning how to study and prepare for exams more effectively; developing personal advocacy skills inside and outside of the classroom; and identifying Institute resources that will enable students to achieve their potential.

 

3) Provides critical outreach to the MIT community by offering specialized programming, workshops, and cultural activities for MIT’s diverse student population.  Designs, develops and presents programs on subjects related to the mission of S^3 and its delivery of vital services, including emotional health and well-being; handling stress; relationships; academic challenges at a world-class research university; and issues faced by special student groups (women, students of color, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.)

 

4) Represents S^3 at MIT programs, activities and meetings such as the faculty’s Committee on Academic Performance; informational sessions for Campus Preview Weekend; meetings with faculty departments; and panel discussions within the MIT community.

 

5). Serves as a resource to students who have academic difficulty, acting as a liaison to faculty advisors, administrators and departments as appropriate.  Maintains ongoing and effective working relationships with key student offices on campus to facilitate referral of students as needed.  Key partners include: MIT medical, campus police, the international students office, the registrar’s office, financial aid, residential life, and career services.

 

6) Other responsibilities as determined by the supervisor of the counseling deans.

 

Qualifications

 

An advanced degree (preferably in counseling, education, or related area) and at least three-five years of counseling experience are required.  Experience in higher education a plus.  Excellent human relation skills, writing skills, tact and ability to deal with sensitive information are required. Must have the ability to initiate, plan, develop, organize and follow through on projects while working in a high-pressure environment.