Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs & Engagement

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $247,800 - $393,700. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $300,000 - $340,000.

Preliminary presentation of candidates will be held in late September - early October of 2024. Posting will close upon Search Committee approval.

DO NOT APPLY to UC MERCED Website.

Apply to:

IMSearch.com or via this search link: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-california-merced/vice-chancellor-student-affairs-engagement

Direct inquiries to: Drew Nichols at Issacson Miller

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs and Engagement (VCSAE) is the chief student affairs officer and provides executive leadership and accountability for overseeing the student experience at UC Merced. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the VCSAE is responsible for the overall campus initiatives to improve the quality of student life and engagement at UC Merced. The VCSAE works closely with the Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, the Vice Provost & Dean of Undergraduate Education, the Vice Provost & Dean of Graduate Education, and deans of the various schools to advance recruitment and retention of all students at UC Merced.

The VCSAE is a member of the Chancellor's executive cabinet of advisors and is a member of the University of California Senior Management Group. In the latter role, the VCSAE represents the campus' student affairs interests at system-wide meetings of his/her peers.

Key Responsibilities:

The VCSAE is responsible for the development, assessment and improvement of services that meet and support the needs of students and the University's mission. The VCSAE analyzes issues, with the cooperation and collaboration of students, faculty, and staff, and identifies creative and innovative initiatives that result in a living and learning environment that fosters the intellectual, psychological, social, cultural, ethical and career development of a diverse student body at UC Merced. In addition, he/she ensures that the student experience includes a wide range of internship options with industry and state and federal government agencies, as well as opportunities for students to participate in undergraduate research.

Serves as the Chief Officer responsible for student conduct and discipline matters. The VCSAE also has responsibility for coordination with schools, extramural agencies, the public and campuses offices, and the Academic Senate on student affairs matters. Additionally, the VCSAE oversees student housing and dining, intercollegiate athletics and recreation, and a wide range of student support services.

With an operating budget of approximately $70M the VCSAE oversees approximately 715 contract and career employees. The VCSAE has supervisory responsibility for:

• Dean of Students promotes student development and advocates for student success through intentional programs and initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and policy/procedural development that enhance campus climate and facilitates the successful navigation of campus life;
• Calvin E. Bright Success Center provides Transitions and Learning support (e.g., Success Mentor Program, Transfer and Veteran Services, New/Transfer Student Orientation), Educational, Equity, and Access (e.g., Undocumented Student Services, Summer Bridge, Fiat Lux), Belonging and Resilience (e.g. Guardian Scholars Program, First-generation Initiatives, Bobcat Underground Scholars Program) and individualized interventions which empower UC Merced students to be successful in their academic and personal development;
• Basic Needs provides and connects students to critical on- and off-campus resources and educational opportunities;
• Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs oversees Identity spaces on campus and provides opportunities for holistic development, intersectional community building, and student agency;
• Office of Student Involvement (OSI) includes student activities that span a wide range of student-led organizations. OSI encourages involvement in campus life, support student initiatives and serve as a primary liaison for students;
• Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities focus areas include Student Conduct and Integrity Programs; Conflict Management and Resolution; and Restorative Justice and Community Standards;
• Center for Education Partnership (CEP); K-12 Outreach and access programs;
• Student Health and Wellness includes Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and safety and awareness programs to ensure the well-being of UC Merced students; includes Student Health Services (SHS), Health Promotions, Occupational Health, and Campus Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE). The CARE Office promotes empathy, diversity, equity, and inclusion through its programs to staff, faculty and students, and direct services to victims of gender-based violence;
• Leadership, Service & Career Center promotes personal and professional growth through comprehensive leadership development, meaningful service experiences, and tailored career support. Offices include the Margo Souza Student Leadership Center and Community Engagement Center, and Student Career Center;
• Student Accessibility Services promote equal educational access and full participation by and for students with disabilities;
• Housing and Residence Education provide student-centered residential communities and cultivate living-learning experience to support academic accomplishment, diversity and respect for human dignity and student success;
• Recreation & Athletics, clubs sports and oversight of sports facilities and related fitness programs;
• Auxiliaries and Fiscal Innovation provide support to students through the Early Childhood Education Center, Dining and Retail Services (e.g., campus stores), and Cat Card office;
• Assessment Team supports annual assessment planning and reporting as well as coordinating and implementing appropriate recommendations of surveys, studies and program review;
• Financial Planning and Business Operations manages the budgetary and administrative operations for the Division of Student Affairs.

Critical Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

The incumbent shall be an energetic, innovative, creative, student-focused professional who can facilitate change, generate synergies and work collaboratively within and across departmental lines. Other requirements include:

• Substantial progressive executive and managerial experience in student affairs administration, with particular expertise in the areas of improving student life and the student experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative support areas including fiscal, human resources management, auxiliary enterprises, student health and psychological services, intercollegiate athletics and recreation, dining and student housing, Fraternity and Sorority life.
• Strong communication skills and a record of commitment to shared governance.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and with all members of the academic and campus-wide communities.
• Record of creativity and noteworthy success in initiating and implementing programs that attract and retain a diverse student body, and initiatives that improve student life and experience around issues of diversity for all students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to building strong community relations and community partnerships that benefit UC Merced students.
• Demonstrated experience in successful crisis management.
• Significant experience in establishing collaborative initiatives that bring students, administrators, faculty and staff from multiple departments together to creatively study and identify avenues to address issues.
• Proven track record of success in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.
• Established record of fundraising through grants and gifts to support student affairs initiatives.
• Graduate degree in higher education, student affairs or a closely related field. Previous teaching experience at a research-intensive institution of higher education required.
• Sophisticated knowledge of student development theory and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to foster student engagement through social, cultural, leadership, educational and recreational experiences.
• Must be a good listener and eager to seek the input of students and student organizations elected or appointed representatives.
• Budget accountability (over $50M preferred).
• Successful experience in change management and program improvement.
• Experience within the University of California Higher Education is desirable.

Background check required.

DO NOT APPLY to UC MERCED Website. Apply to:

IMSearch.com or via this search link: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-california-merced/vice-chancellor-student-affairs-engagement

Direct inquiries to: Drew Nichols at Issacson Miller

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/