College terms like “dean” make your brain want to explode? Have no fear, My College Guide is here! We’re helping you understand the terminology behind the place where you’ll be spending the next four years of your life.
Tom Haymes / Tom Haymes
What is a College Dean?
A college dean is someone who has responsibilities that involve students and faculty at a particular school. These can include academic or even duties that relate to student life.
There can be different levels of dean that pertain to different areas or different college majors in the school. While every college may have deans, the duties of deans are not necessarily interchangeable.
Who Does a College Dean Do All Day?
A college dean is someone who’s been there, done that, and has more than a firm grasp on their subject or area of which they are dean. They may be the dean of the college library or the dean of the college admission and financial aid department. Whatever it is, they may be involved in things that range from student needs to budgetary concerns.
The role and duty of a dean varies between colleges. No two deans will have the same responsibilities because higher education and the needs of the students and faculty are always changing. This is especially true now that online colleges have gained a firm foothold!
While deans are in charge of their area of expertise, they most likely have plenty of help and support from assistant or associate deans who are always ready and willing to lend a hand.
Why Should You Care?
If you are still hemming and hawing over what college is the best fit for you, you may want to consider scheduling a campus visit. This time, why not see if you can schedule an appointment with the dean who heads the particular field you are interested in?
For example, if you like the sound of the theater program at a given school, see if you can set up a time to meet with the dean of the theater department so you can get a more in-depth look at what the school has to offer. Of course, you should be doing your homework ahead of time so you have a pretty good idea to start with as to what the school has to offer — and make sure it fits in with your future plans!
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