Brock University Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences

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1 Brock University Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences Position Profile The Opportunity Brock University, and the Faculty of Social Sciences, are seeking an energetic and imaginative academic leader who will work together with faculty, staff and students to sustain the successes of recent times and to identify and implement the next steps in the Faculty s continuing development. The University Opened in 1964, Brock was named for Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, who lost his life at Queenston Heights in the War of His last words are said to be, "Surgite! Push on!" - which have become the University's motto. With a newly appointed President and many young faculty, Brock is a vibrant academic environment with considerable scope for further growth. Situated in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula in St. Catharines, Ontario, Brock University is a growing and vibrant institution offering a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and interdisciplinary programs that include co-op and other experiential learning opportunities to a student population of 15,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. The University s commitment to the individual student, and to the highest standards of teaching and research excellence, are reflected in the increasing numbers of students applying for a Brock experience. To meet this demand, the University has invested in more than $87 million in construction to expand the campus, resulting in the creation of a vigorous research, cultural, and recreational institution that is very much the centrepiece of its community. Over the last few years, the University has completed construction of academic buildings, the Walker Complex, which is Niagara's largest recreational facility, and student residences. Recently, Brock has built a $22.6 million facility that houses a new bookstore, provides additional academic space, and houses the Lifespan Development Research Centre, a facility unique in Canada. The University also operates a campus in Hamilton, Ontario that is used primarily for teacher education. Brock's annual economic impact on the Niagara region is $265 million. Brock University graduates continue to enjoy one of the highest employment rates of all Ontario universities at 96.5%. Brock celebrates the success of its 50,000 graduates who apply their degrees to careers throughout Canada and around the world. More information about the University is available at

2 The Faculty of Social Sciences An important locus of scholarship within the University, the Faculty of Social Sciences is the largest faculty in the University with 13 academic units offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Ph D program. The units in the Faculty have many thematic, programmatic, and research links providing the students with exposure to both academic theory and professional practice, together with a variety of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and disciplinary approaches. The Departments of Child and Youth Studies and Geography have B.A./B.Ed programs; there are other inter-faculty programs in Business Economics with the Faculty of Business and in Neuroscience with the Faculties of Applied Health Science and Mathematics and Science. The Faculty has also been very progressive in offering a number of innovative programs in a variety of delivery formats, including a number of collaborative programs with colleges, such as: Concentration in Geomatics (Geography and Niagara College) Policing and Criminal Justice (Communications, Popular Culture, and Film; Geography; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology and Niagara College) Behavioural Science Technology (Psychology and St. Lawrence College) Montessori Program (Child and Youth Studies and Sheridan College) These programs are designed to provide students with the unique opportunity to obtain both a university degree from Brock and a diploma at a college in just four years. Students acquire a strong base of theoretical knowledge combined with applied and practical experience, including field placements. The Faculty of Social Sciences emphasizes high quality in both teaching and research. All faculty members, in collaboration with a very collegial group of Chairs and Directors, strive to create an overall learning atmosphere that fosters growth, discovery and creativity. The Position Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the Faculty, and is responsible for the leadership and the management of the Faculty (including its budget, strategic planning, and external linkages), the administration of its academic programs, and the Faculty s academic development. The Dean is an important member of Brock s senior administrative team and is expected to contribute to the development of the University. Challenges and Opportunities for the Faculty, and the next Dean, in the next five years: Achieving the right balance between undergraduate and graduate programs and enrolments, and between teaching and research; 2

3 Developing new graduate programs and increasing graduate enrolments with appropriate staffing and workload; Strengthening the research environment for faculty members and graduate students; Paying appropriate attention to the development of faculty and staff, and, in particular, mentoring faculty members who are early in their careers; Planning in an era where there is no longer mandatory retirement; Acquiring the resources (people, space, technology) needed to support the Faculty s teaching and research programs; Seeking and acquiring, in cooperation with the Office of the Vice-President Advancement, external funding, e.g. for endowed chairs, space and technology; Promoting linkages with a broad range of groups, institutions, and communities at the local, national and international levels; Engaging with the community to enhance the economic, social, cultural and intellectual lives of the citizens of Niagara and beyond. Key Responsibilities Provide visible, proactive and visionary leadership and administration to the Faculty; Promote excellence in undergraduate programs by increasing the number of full-time facu lty; Advance the development of innovations in teaching and in curriculum development; Encourage more interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative research; Encourage community-based research with community partners and recognize faculty participation in these initiatives; Represent and advocate for the needs of the Social Science Faculty to the University as a whole to advance the stature of Social Sciences research and education; Promote excellence and integrity in teaching, research and university service, and foster a climate that encourages faculty and staff to identify and pursue innovation and excellence in these activities; Play a key role in developing research contracts, exchanges and collaborative initiatives with other local, provincial, national and international institutions; 3

4 Establish a mentoring program to assist new faculty members in the development of a research program; Build strategic recruitment and retention plans for students, utilizing the assistance of the Recruitment and Liaison Services; Encourage the development and application of new learning technologies that will assist the Faculty in carrying out its mandate; Oversee regular evaluation of programs with a view to encouraging improvements, innovations, multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity; Promote community placements for students to foster their research programs; Work with the Faculty of Graduate Studies in the strengthening of graduate programs; Plan and prioritize personnel needs for the Faculty and enhance its ability to compete in the recruitment and retention of high calibre faculty and staff; Allocate funds flowing from all sources to units within the portfolio, and ensure the effective management of the operating budget; Work toward strengthening the academic, physical and fiscal standing of the Social Sciences within the university through energetic advocacy of its interests; and, Contribute, as appropriate, to Brock University funding raising initiatives. Candidate Qualifications The Search Committee recognizes that no one individual is likely to meet in equal measure all of the expectations listed below; nevertheless, the following are seen to be highly desirable, and will be sought in candidates for the position of Dean: An earned doctorate (i.e. Ph.D. or equivalent); An academic background and record that makes the individual eligible for appointment at the rank of Professor; A demonstrated commitment to the pursuit of excellence in teaching; A strong research record appropriate to the individual s discipline; Successful administrative experience that is relevant to the role of the Dean; Experience in the development and administration of undergraduate and graduate programs; 4

5 Demonstrated commitment to student success, and to excellence and innovation in support of teaching at all levels; Proven ability in the allocation of resources and the setting of priorities. Personal Qualities and Attributes The ability to be an effective advocate for the Faculty of Social Sciences, while acknowledging the institutional interest and the limitations of the University; The capacity to develop and enhance the Faculty s priorities and vision; A strong understanding of the value of both research and teaching in their many forms; A strong commitment to supporting and facilitating the research of faculty and students; An administrative style that is consultative, collegial and transparent; Proven ability to understand collective agreements and to deal with personnel issues in a constructive manner; Strong listening and communication skills; A keen appreciation for the value of diverse styles; and, Humanity, honesty, energy and a sense of humour. The Appointment Consideration of candidates will begin in January 2008, with an appointment being made in July, Please respond or nominate candidates in confidence to the address below. Brock University is actively committed to diversity and to the principles of Employment Equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. All inquiries regarding this position will be treated in strict confidence and should be directed to Sam Scully at sscully@jwasearch.com or Daphne Randall drandall@jwasearch.com at Janet Wright & Associates Inc. (JWA), 174 Bedford Road, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2K9, Fax: , Phone: ; admin@jwasearch.com. 5