What Is a Dean at a College?

A dean is a senior administrator at a college or university who leads a school, college, division or area of student affairs. Many deans are experienced academics who have moved into leadership, and they are responsible for academic standards, budgets, hiring and the general direction of their unit.

Types of dean

• Academic deans lead a school or college, such as the School of Engineering, Business School or College of Arts and Sciences. They oversee departments, appoint chairs, manage faculty hiring and promotion and report to the provost.
• Associate and assistant deans support the dean in areas such as undergraduate programs, graduate programs, research, diversity or student affairs.
• Dean of students leads student life and conduct, support services and often crisis response.
• Dean of admissions or enrollment may lead recruitment and admissions.
• Dean of the faculty is used at some colleges for the chief academic officer, similar to a provost.

What deans do

They set strategy for their school, raise funds, represent it to the public and decide on matters that departments cannot settle, such as unusual petitions. In serious cases, deans or their offices hear academic appeals, approve exceptions to policies and handle student conduct issues that reach a certain level.

When students deal with a dean's office

Most students interact with an advisor or department staff in the first instance. You might contact a dean's office to request a leave of absence, seek an exception to a rule, appeal a decision, report a serious problem or get help during a crisis. Their staff, such as an academic dean assigned to your class year, can guide you through options and paperwork.

Dean's list

The dean's list is an honor given to students who achieve a high GPA in a term, often 3.5 or above and with a minimum number of credits. It is a recognition and does not mean you have met the dean.

Related terms

See provost, chancellor, registrar, faculty and academic standing.