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Director, Student Decision and Policy Support

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University of Waterloo

Oct 3, 2024

Applications are closed

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
    Education & Teaching
  • Waterloo

Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree required
  • Graduate degree or other professional designation preferred
  • At least 8 years' experience demonstrating knowledge of policy development, implementation and interpretation, analytical abilities to research complex issues, and the ability to evaluate and recommend policy options
  • Experience in an academic setting is preferred
  • Thorough knowledge of University policies and procedures
  • Thorough understanding of the principles of natural justice and administrative law requirements
  • Demonstrated experience with policy development
  • Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive personal information with the utmost discretion
  • Proven ability to manage large volumes of work, conflicting priorities and competing deadlines
  • Must be an exceptional communicator, both orally and in writing
  • Must have a clear focus on relationship management and must be particularly sensitive to relationship management when dealing with senior administration and complex casework
  • Proven ability to take initiative and be both creative and flexible
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, and sound judgment
  • Demonstrated research, analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to consider the needs of diverse communities, building consensus on contentious/complex issues
  • Ability to effectively lead and collaborate across departments, establishing priorities
  • Experience in the use and application of conflict resolution mechanisms and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
  • Demonstrated awareness and understanding of equity, diversity, inclusiveness, intersectionality, racism, colonialism, ablism, marginalization and imbalance of power
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgment, diplomacy and discretion

Responsibilities

  • Advising Decision-Makers
  • With a sound knowledge of University policies and procedures, as well as administrative law and the principles of natural justice, this position provides advice and/or step-by-step guidance to University decision-makers as requested, including the Associate Provost, Students, Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairs and Directors and other delegated University decision-makers on policy-based and quasi-judicial decisions related to student conduct.
  • Consider arising issues on cases, including complex cases, jurisdictional issues, simultaneous processes, external influences, confidentiality, and the sharing of information as well as advise on procedural options with a mind to developing coordinated and consistent approaches for future cases.
  • Aid decision-makers in considering the impacts of decisions across campus departments, assessing risks, organizing responses, keeping stakeholders informed of outcomes and liaising with University units to provide coordinated supports.
  • Demonstrate an ability to interpret and advise on the following:
  • Policy 30 – Employment of Graduate Student Teaching Assistants
  • Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour
  • Policy 34 – Health, Safety and Environment (particularly allegations of workplace harassment)
  • Policy 42 – Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence and Protocol and Procedures
  • Policy 70 – Student Petitions and Grievances
  • Policy 72 – Student Appeals
  • Manage student discipline decisions under Policy 71, Appendix C on behalf of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost (or delegate). Assist with the drafting of correspondence and official documents related to complex cases.
  • Ensure that decision-makers have access to and utilize specialized resources on campus related to campus community concerns (i.e., sexual violence, racism, trauma-informed processes). Facilitate and encourage communication amongst departments.
  • Receive feedback from University administrators on gaps in policy, and concerns related to existing policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices, making informed recommendations on paths towards improvement.
  • Respond to requests from senior administration to review cases and provide status updates where appropriate.
  • Report on specific concerns indicative of high risk through the chain of authority.
  • Work closely with Legal & Immigration Services on issues and matters through the decision-making process.
  • Recommend and assist with the development of training for decision-makers on due diligence and best practices.
  • Policy Planning and Renewal on Behalf of Administration for Student-Related Policies
  • Assist in the development or amendment of University policies related to students, including the review of draft policies and policy revisions prepared by Policy Drafting Committees (PDCs), drawing attention to inconsistencies, areas of risk, areas that require further discussion, areas that will require operationalization, and connection to other existing policies.
  • Combine environmental knowledge with contextual awareness of policy dynamics to support policy development.
  • Develop and evaluate policy requirements, determining their potential impact and providing recommendations to senior management.
  • Investigate areas of concern as raised by senior administration and report on findings.
  • Attend meetings as required to support senior administration on policy work, receiving input from University community members and preparing senior administration to respond.
  • Keep abreast of new legislation, regulations with Legal & Immigration Services.
  • Provide advice to faculties and academic support units on their own policies, procedures, and practice to ensure that they are consistent with best practices across the University.
  • Attend student-related committee meetings as required by the Associate Provost, Students and assist with policy-related work arising from those meetings.
  • Meet with representatives of the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association and the Graduate Student Association as required by the Associate Provost, Students.
  • Miscellaneous
  • May be called upon to provide support to special projects as assigned by the Associate Provost, Students.

FAQs

What is the primary reporting structure for the Director, Student Decision and Policy Support?

The Director, Student Decision and Policy Support reports to the Associate Provost, Students.

What are the main responsibilities of the Director, Student Decision and Policy Support?

The main responsibilities include advising University decision-makers on policy-related matters, managing student discipline decisions, developing and evaluating student-related policies, and coordinating the University’s response to students requiring complex care.

What qualifications are required for this position?

An undergraduate degree is required, while a graduate degree or professional designation is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in policy development and implementation.

Is experience in an academic setting preferred for this role?

Yes, experience in an academic setting is preferred for candidates applying for this position.

What skills are important for the Director, Student Decision and Policy Support?

Important skills include exceptional oral and written communication, strong organizational and time management abilities, research and analytical capabilities, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Are there any specific policies the Director should be familiar with?

Yes, the Director should have a sound knowledge of several policies, including Policy 30, Policy 33, Policy 34, Policy 42, Policy 70, and Policy 72.

Is the University committed to equity and diversity in hiring?

Yes, the University of Waterloo values diverse and intersectional identities and is committed to equity, anti-racism, and inclusion in its hiring practices.

What type of work environment does this position entail?

The position entails a collaborative work environment, where the Director will need to effectively lead and collaborate across various departments.

Will there be opportunities for professional development for the Director?

Yes, the Director is expected to recommend and assist with the development of training for decision-makers related to due diligence and best practices.

How does the University support individuals with disabilities during the hiring process?

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility and encourages candidates to contact Human Resources for any accommodation requests related to applications, interviews, or workplace needs.

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University of Waterloo

Education
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

University of Waterloo is a leader in innovation that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. We are home to a renowned talent pipeline, game-changing research and technology, and unmatched entrepreneurial culture, that together create solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Our greatest impact happens together. A strategic integration of research and teaching excellence, the world’s largest co-operative education program, entrepreneurship-intensive programs, and creator-owned IP, has resulted in extensive industry collaboration, the generation of thousands of commercial and social enterprises, and a dynamic learning experience for more than 41,000 undergraduate and graduate students.