College - California Lifestyle For Students in the Thousand Oaks

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1 Thousand Oaks, California VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS and DEAN OF STUDENTS SUMMARY California Lutheran University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) and Dean of Students. The Vice President is a member of the President s Cabinet and leads a professional staff responsible for student life, residence life, health and counseling services, career services, and multicultural and international programs. Located in the community of Thousand Oaks, halfway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and fifteen miles from the Southern California coast, California Lutheran University is a young and growing liberal arts university serving nearly 3000 undergraduates and 1400 graduate students. Cal Lutheran provides a challenging academic environment with emphasis on high achievement. All aspects of the University a distinguished faculty, a talented and diverse student body, a studentcentered staff, value-centered education, personalized learning, strong reputation in the region, a beautiful campus, and an ideal location contribute to a vibrant learning community. The successful candidate will lead a comprehensive student life program that collaborates with the academic program to enhance student learning and individual growth. Qualifications include: at least a master s degree in an appropriate field of study; a record of progressively more responsible leadership in student affairs; highly developed interpersonal, managerial, and communication skills; demonstrated student-centeredness; a commitment to building community and diversity; and strong appreciation for the character and values that are at the center of Cal Lutheran. The appointee to this attractive leadership opportunity will be expected to assume office in July THE UNIVERSITY: AN OVERVIEW California Lutheran University welcomed its first students in the fall of 1961, following the institution s formal founding and incorporation in 1959 as California Lutheran College. It is a private, co-educational institution that is dedicated to excellence both in the liberal arts and in professional studies. In 1986, the name was changed to California Lutheran University better to reflect the breadth of its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

2 A significant strength of the University is the location of the main campus in Thousand Oaks, fifty years ago a rural Ventura County village and now a dynamic Conejo Valley community of 127,000, situated at the heart of one of the country s fastest growing regions for biotechnology, business, and technology known as the Route 101 Technology Corridor. The University is located only 40 miles from Los Angeles, a major metropolitan area deeply rooted in international finance and culture, the film industry, and new media. With regard to its development as an institution and to its exceptional location, Cal Lutheran is well positioned to play a vital role in these industries, in other key industries of the area, and in education in the region. In addition to the main campus in Thousand Oaks, at which the traditional undergraduate programs are housed, Cal Lutheran offers courses in its graduate and professional programs at centers located in Woodland Hills, Oxnard, Westlake Village, and Santa Maria. Cal Lutheran s seminary, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), is located in Berkeley. KCLU, the area s only National Public Radio Station, was launched at Cal Lutheran in 1994 and broadcasts as a community service in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and around the world at California Lutheran University enjoys a distinctive entrepreneurial spirit arising from its relative youth as an institution. There is little sense of bureaucracy or red tape; new ideas and initiatives are encouraged and acted upon. The Vice President will be able to build upon the dedication displayed by student affairs staff and upon the momentum generated by the current capital campaign, new construction, and academic growth. California Lutheran is one of 26 universities and colleges affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is the newest in this group. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the Council of Independent Colleges. The University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. THE MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY California Lutheran University is guided by the following mission statement: The mission of the University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. The primary mission of Cal Lutheran as a university is thus to expand and deepen students minds in seeking truth. As a Lutheran university, Cal Lutheran pursues this mission within a diverse community and in ways that nurture many dimensions of a student s life spiritual, physical, and emotional as well as intellectual. Inclusion is a deeply held value in the Lutheran tradition, and everyone is welcome at Cal Lutheran. 2

3 STRATEGIC PLANNING In May 2012, the Board of Regents of the University adopted the Strategic Plan resulting from a process launched in October The Plan establishes five strategic goals: Guide students to discover and live their purpose; Continue to set high institutional academic standards; Support student achievement across all programs; Build and modernize sustainable facilities; and Attract students of high ideals and promise. The strategic plan s goals are founded on the core values of academic excellence, pursuit of truth, acceptance of all persons, respect for others, nurturing growth, and service to community. FINANCIAL RESOURCES Since the completion of a $93 million capital campaign in 2005, California Lutheran has continued to expand its financial resource base and infrastructure, including a new building project every year. The University operates with fiscal prudence and has maintained strong fiscal health despite the economic downturn. Faculty and staff salaries have significantly increased over the past seven years. On July 1, 2014, the endowment of California Lutheran University stood at approximately $86 million, with an annual University operating budget of $105 million. THE CAMPUS The main campus of Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks consists of 225 acres set against scenic Mt. Clef Ridge and the rolling hills surrounding Conejo Valley. At its center is Kingsmen Park, an attractively landscaped and wooded area that serves as a hub for the campus, providing an expansive intersection among academic and administration buildings, Ullman Commons, and several residence halls as well as a venue for the popular summer productions of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. The newest academic center at Cal Lutheran is The Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Science opened in This $8.5 million, 33,000-square foot facility is the first LEED-certified building, which houses 43 offices, two computer labs, a psychology lab, a conference room, and a faculty/staff lounge. ENROLLMENT Applications and enrollment for both the undergraduate and graduate programs have been increasing for several years, and in Fall 2013 Cal Lutheran welcomed 540 new freshmen, 3

4 278 transfers, 276 new graduate students, and 42 new students in the Bachelor s Degree for Professionals Program. Cal Lutheran draws its talented undergraduate student body from 40 states and 45 countries. Thirty-three percent of students in the Fall 2013 entering class were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class, and incoming students averaged a 3.7 grade point average and a SAT 25th-75th percentile of ACADEMIC PROGRAMS California Lutheran University has six academic units that comprise its educational programs. There is significant collaboration and interaction among the schools in the planning and implementation of these programs. College of Arts and Sciences. The College s 24 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs are organized into four divisions: Humanities, Creative Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Cal Lutheran s curricula draw from strengths across these departments, programs, and divisions, contributing to a distinctive blending of liberal learning, professional preparation, and ethical reflection. The Graduate School of Education. The Graduate School of Education is responsible for managing and coordinating all programs offered for the initial and advanced preparation of teachers and other school and higher education professionals. School of Management. The School of Management offers three undergraduate majors (Business Administration, Accounting, Economics) and seven graduate programs including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program along with several specialized master degrees. Graduate School of Psychology. The Graduate Psychology Programs offer a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.), Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (Marital and Family Therapy), Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, and specializations. Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS). PLTS is one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union. The seminary provides theological education for the training of clergy and lay leaders and offers ordination, non-ordination, and research level degrees and certificates. Bachelor s Degree for Professionals Program. In addition to the standard degree programs above, Cal Lutheran offers the Bachelor s Degree for Professionals Program as an accelerated, part-time bachelor s degree program with evening classes, well suited for adults with family or occupational commitments. Students may earn a degree in any of seven majors: accounting, business management, communication, computer information systems, computer science, organizational leadership, and psychology. 4

5 THE OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS The Office of Student Affairs at Cal Lutheran consists of six units established to support the academic environment by providing a full range of support services for students. The directors of these units report to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Student Life. The Office of Student Life oversees and supports a wide range of student activities, including social and cultural events, clubs and organizations, student leadership, community service, and intramural sports. Residence Life. In support of Cal Lutheran s mission, Residence Life works to create a living environment that promotes and enhances student educational opportunities by focusing on developing a respect for and connection to the Cal Lutheran community. Career Services. Career Services provides a variety of services targeted at helping all Cal Lutheran students and alumni to obtain the experience, skills, and resources they need to take charge of their career. Health Services. Health Services strives to provide high quality, low cost health care services to Cal Lutheran students, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind and body and emphasizing health education that empowers students to be active participants in health care decisions and treatment. Student Counseling Services. Student Counseling Services helps students to enhance their personal, social, educational, and career development and to clarify and realize their academic and personal goals. Multicultural and International Programs. The Multicultural Programs Office provides the Cal Lutheran community with educational opportunities and multicultural programming that foster an appreciation for diversity; the International Programs Office provides the highest quality of social support and immigration advisement for the well being of international students. In addition to overseeing these offices and programs, the Vice President for Student Affairs is the person authorized by the University to be responsible for the administration of the Standards of Conduct and the Student Conduct System LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS As a relatively young institution, Cal Lutheran addresses issues in student affairs arising both from its own growth and maturation as well as from trends common to all institutions of higher education. The Vice President is expected to demonstrate effective leadership in addressing the opportunities that present themselves to the University and to the Office of Student Affairs. These opportunities include the following. Visionary Leadership. The world of higher education is undergoing rapid change, especially in the areas of student and campus life. The Vice President is expected to stay aware of current trends, anticipate future developments, and with the big picture in 5

6 mind lead Cal Lutheran with creative vision in making intelligent and appropriate change. Academic Partnership. Modes of teaching and learning in higher education are likewise undergoing substantial change, and the Vice President is expected to continue Cal Lutheran s tradition of close collaboration between academic affairs and student affairs, ensuring that all aspects of campus and residential life are aligned with and support curricular reforms. Balanced Leadership. The Office of Student Affairs is a complex one comprised of a large staff and numerous units of various sizes. It is important that the Vice President support evenly and in a balanced way the efforts of all areas in student affairs by understanding and championing these efforts, providing appropriate resources and autonomy, and encouraging professional growth through mentoring. Likewise, efforts in student affairs must also be appropriately balanced in support of both undergraduate and graduate students. Building Community and Valuing Diversity. As Cal Lutheran grows in student body size, in diversity, and in curricular and programmatic complexity, it becomes increasingly important to maintain the sense of community that has characterized the University since its founding. The new Vice President can contribute to this through regular presence at campus events, a genuinely student-centered approach, and an evident passion for the University s mission. Communication. Essential to the Vice President s influence on Cal Lutheran s sense of community is maintaining open communication with all School constituencies faculty, staff, and students about decisions made and those under consideration, in an atmosphere of reciprocal openness, trust, and collaboration. The appointee s leadership skills as a speaker and writer can represent the School effectively to both internal and public audiences. DESIRED ATTRIBUTES FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT For 16 years, the Office of Student Affairs was successfully led by recently retired Vice President William Rosser. In the search for his successor, the criteria below are chosen to attract candidates capable of providing leadership at the high standard set by his service. The successful candidate will be an eager and experienced leader, with an effective combination of professional abilities and personal qualities. In addition to such required personal characteristics as honesty, integrity, high moral and ethical character, along with the energy and stamina for the demands of the office, Cal Lutheran considers important the following: Academic Credentials: an earned degree at the master s level or above in a field of study pertinent to Cal Lutheran s range of programs in student affairs. 6

7 Administrative Expertise: successful administrative experience in one or more of the central areas of student affairs, consisting of progressively more responsible leadership in a higher education setting. This experience should have produced the following abilities: To manage effectively the specifics of a full range of student affairs programs and offices, while simultaneously keeping focused on the big picture; To delegate responsibilities wisely, express expectations clearly, and hold colleagues responsible for their own areas; To manage conflict and crises with calmness and the determination to reach resolution; To understand and administer student conduct policies and to conduct student conduct processes; and To recognize the work of student affairs colleagues, show appreciation for their contributions, and provide mentoring for their professional growth. Leadership Style: the ability to lead and inspire through a shared vision, openness, collaboration, and consensus. This includes the ability to hear many voices, to be firm yet collegial and transparent, and to be a team-builder. For this, experience with the culture of a small, independent institution would be a valuable asset. Entrepreneurial Spirit: a demonstrated openness to exploration and innovation, unhampered by fear of change. This includes experience in developing new programs, a desire to work flexibly and productively with new ideas of others rather than simply imposing one s own ideas, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Positive Disposition: a distinctive set of interpersonal skills, including the following: To be drawn to students and enjoy being visible and accessible to them; To be a natural extrovert, open and friendly in all types of settings and enjoying meeting a wide range of new people; To make effective use of a genuine sense of humor and perspective; To read people and their intentions accurately; and To retain a positive attitude in the face of difficult situations and decisions. Other Skills: managing a range of budgets, using technology wisely, and making effective use of scarce resources. Additional information about California Lutheran University may be found at More specific information about student life may be found at PROCEDURE FOR NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately, and nominations and expressions of interest will be welcomed until an appointment is made. The appointee is expected to take office in July Applications received by October 24, 2014 will be assured of full consideration; these should include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, 7

8 and names of five professional references with addresses and telephone numbers. Calls to references will occur only later in the search process and only with prior notification of candidates. All submissions will be treated in confidence and should be sent electronically (MS Word format preferred) to: The search committee is assisted by: Dr. R. Stanton Hales, Senior Consultant Academic Search, Inc California Lutheran University is an equal opportunity employer. 8