Thousand Oaks, California DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY SUMMARY California Lutheran University (CLU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the newly formalized Graduate School of Psychology. The Dean will become one of five deans reporting to the Provost, along with the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, the Graduate School of Education, and the soon-to-be-merged Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Berkeley). With the main campus located in the community of Thousand Oaks, halfway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and 15 miles from the coast, CLU is a growing comprehensive university serving 2,800 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students. CLU provides a challenging academic environment supporting its mission to educate leaders for a global society. Contributing to this vibrant atmosphere for purposeful learning are a distinguished faculty, a talented and diverse student body, values-centered education, individualized attention, and an experiential approach to teaching, all fostering individual growth, academic excellence, and community involvement. The Graduate School of Psychology represents a new entity at CLU, established to house the University s existing psychology graduate programs. Within this new structure as one of CLU s principal academic units, the School offers the doctorate (PsyD) in clinical psychology and master of science degrees in clinical psychology and counseling psychology (with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy). The School enrolls a total of 200 students, 179 of whom are full-time and 21 part-time. The appointee to this attractive leadership opportunity will be expected to assume office on July 1, 2014. THE UNIVERSITY: AN OVERVIEW California Lutheran University (CLU) welcomed its first students in the fall of 1961, following the institution s formal founding and incorporation in 1959 as California Lutheran College. CLU is an independent, co-educational institution that is dedicated to excellence both in the liberal arts and in professional studies. In 1986, the institution s name was changed to California Lutheran University better to reflect the breadth of its
undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, particularly the founding that year of schools of education and business. A significant strength of the University is the location of the main campus in Thousand Oaks, 55 years ago a rural Ventura County village and now a dynamic community of 128,000, 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, California Lutheran University is well positioned to play a vital role in these industries, in other key industries of the area, and in higher education in the region. The main campus of California Lutheran University 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, the Student Center, and several residence halls as well as a venue for the popular summer productions of the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. The newest academic centers at CLU are the Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (2011), CLU's first LEED-certified building, housing nine classrooms, 43 offices, two computer labs, a psychology lab, a conference room and faculty/staff lounge, and The Spies-Bornemann Center for Education and Technology (2002), a $6.2 million, 23,000-square foot facility featuring high technology. In addition to the main campus in Thousand Oaks, where the traditional undergraduate programs are housed, CLU offers courses in its graduate and professional programs including those in the Graduate School of Psychology at nearby campuses conveniently located in Oxnard, Woodland Hills, and the Central Coast (Orcutt). KCLU-FM, the area s only National Public Radio Station, was launched at CLU in 1994 and broadcasts to over 70,000 listeners as a community service in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and around the world at www.kclu.org. In 2008, CLU acquired KIST- AM (Santa Barbara), making it the only NPR station on AM radio in Southern California. California Lutheran is one of 26 universities and colleges affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and it is the only ELCA college or university founded since the first World War. 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. 2
THE MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY California Lutheran University is guided by the following statements of identity, mission and vision: Identity and Mission. California Lutheran University is a diverse scholarly community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies. Rooted in the Lutheran tradition of Christian faith, the University encourages critical inquiry into matters of both faith and reason. 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. Vision for the 2012-2017 Strategic Plan. California Lutheran University will pursue excellence in the fulfillment of its mission with a focus on intellectual accomplishment, academic challenge, experiential learning, an inclusive campus community, and a commitment to serving others. New facilities, innovative academic programs, and improved services will support faculty, staff, students, and administration across all programs in order to prepare graduates to improve our community and the world. STRATEGIC PLANNING In May 2012, the Board of Regents of the University adopted the CLU Strategic Plan 2012-2017. The Plan established five strategic goals for the five year period: Guide students to discover and live their purpose, with real-world learning experiences, excellent academic and career mentoring, and a campus environment that promotes inclusion; Continue to set high institutional academic standards, with distinguished faculty who embody and embrace diversity and with widely respected academic programs; Support student achievement across all programs, with equitable treatment for all students, by enhancing student services and by utilizing the most pedagogically appropriate delivery methods for student learning; Build and modernize sustainable facilities, for an environment that sustains social, cultural and intellectual activity while respecting and protecting the planet; and Attract students of high ideals and promise, by enhancing regional and national awareness of CLU s mission, by raising the profiles of students who are drawn to our mission, and by offering new programs and scholarships to attract these students. Included in the strategic plan are strategic initiatives pertinent to the formation of the Graduate School of Psychology and its programs. These initiatives are discussed later in this position profile. For the full text of the Strategic Plan, see: http://www.callutheran.edu/strategic_planning/mission.php. 3
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 salaries have significantly increased over the past eight years. On July 1, 2013, the endowment of California Lutheran University stood at approximately $62 million, with an annual University operating budget of $99 million. ENROLLMENT Applications and enrollment for both the undergraduate and graduate programs have been increasing for several years, and in Fall 2013 CLU welcomed 550 new freshmen, 280 transfers, 320 new graduate students (72 in the Graduate School of Psychology), and 45 new students in the adult undergraduate program. CLU draws its talented undergraduate student body from 38 states and 39 countries, while students in the Graduate School of Psychology come from across the nation and four countries. Thirty-four percent of the undergraduate students in the Fall 2013 entering class were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class, and incoming students averaged a 3.66 grade point average and a SAT 25th-75th percentile of 1040-1200. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS The academic programs of California Lutheran University are currently conducted within four organizational units: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Management, the Graduate School of Education, and the Graduate School of Psychology, with plans to incorporate a fifth unit, the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. There is significant collaboration and interaction among the schools in the planning and implementation of academic programs. College of Arts and Sciences. In the College of Arts and Sciences, 24 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs are organized into four divisions: Humanities, Creative Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. The University s curricula draw from strengths across these departments, programs, and divisions, contributing to a distinctive blending of liberal learning, professional preparation, and ethical reflection. A total of 34 majors and 31 minors are offered, as well as the CORE-21 general education, the Honors Program, and the Freshman Seminar Program. School of Management. The School of Management offers an undergraduate major in business administration and customized programs relevant to and practical for working professionals. Programs include several MBA s, post-mba certificates, and preparation for the Certified Financial Planner examination. The School and its faculty are advised by a Board of Counselors and an Executive College comprised of industry professionals. 4
Graduate School of Education. The Graduate School of Education (GSoE) is responsible for managing and coordinating all programs offered for the initial and advanced preparation of higher education leaders, teachers, and other school professionals. Programs include nine credential programs, six master s degrees, and two doctoral degrees. The GSoE is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and its credential programs are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Adult Undergraduate Degree Program. CLU offers this program for adults 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: three in the School of Management as well as computer information systems, computer science, liberal studies, and psychology. The Director of the adult undergraduate degree program works closely with the deans to coordinate offerings on the main campus and in Oxnard and Woodland Hills. THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY In June 2013, California Lutheran formally established the Graduate School of Psychology as the home of the University s three existing psychology graduate programs; the appointee resulting from this search will thus be the founding dean of the School. These programs are designed to prepare students for rewarding careers by developing proficiency in current theory and practice. In keeping with CLU s overall mission, the programs challenge students to develop strong professional identities by working closely with experienced faculty. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD): an innovative program that prepares graduates for careers as licensed clinical psychologists. This five-year program, located at CLU s Oxnard Center, provides students with a broad perspective of psychology that integrates research and clinical practice. The program is not yet APA-accredited, but the application is under development and will be completed in 2014, once students are enrolled in internship (fifth year) and before the new dean takes office. Master of Science in Clinical Psychology: a non-licensure program of preparation for a doctorate program, for another advanced degree, or for entering the professional field. Offered at the main campus in Thousand Oaks, it features a unique focus on the development of research and counseling skills, along with a heightened concentration on practical skills in the areas of interviewing, group therapy, and applied behavior analysis. Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (Marital and Family Therapy): a pre-licensure program focusing on the family as an interactive system, on developing an integration of academic knowledge and clinical skills, and on providing ideal preparation for a career as a professional marital and family therapist. It is offered at both the main campus in Thousand Oaks and at the Oxnard Center. 5
Reporting directly to the Dean will be the three directors of the above degree programs along with the clinic director of the associated counseling centers. Counseling Centers. CLU s Community Counseling and Parent Child Study Centers offer services of high quality to individuals, couples, families, and children. These services, offered at the main campus in Thousand Oaks and the Oxnard Center, provide intensive clinical training to graduate students completing their studies toward the master s degree in counseling psychology and the doctorate. In the past year, there were over 17,000 appointments at the two counseling centers, representing more than 1,500 individual clients. Faculty and Staff. There are eight full-time faculty members in the Graduate School of Psychology, along with several half-time appointees. In addition to the directors mentioned above, the School has nineteen clinical supervisors (ten in Thousand Oaks and nine in Oxnard), fourteen post-graduate interns (seven at each location), and six administrative assistants (three at each location). Students. For 2013-14, there are 29 students enrolled in the clinical master s program and 114 in the MFT counseling master s program. Forty-seven of the latter are serving as counselors at the two centers. The PsyD program has admitted its fourth cohort for the five-year program, bringing the number of doctoral students to 56, and sixteen PsyD students are serving as counselors this year. LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY As a relatively young institution, California Lutheran continues to address issues arising specifically from its growth and maturation as well as issues common to all institutions of higher education. This is particularly true for the Graduate School of Psychology as a new school and as one whose programs are among the fastest growing of the University. The founding Dean will be expected to exercise effective management and visionary leadership in addressing the opportunities and challenges that present themselves to the School and the University. Accreditation. A significant leadership opportunity for the Dean is called out by CLU s Strategic Plan: Cal Lutheran graduate programs in psychology will apply to acquire accreditation from the American Psychological Association and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. APA accreditation for the PsyD program is seen as essential for its long-run success, and application will be filed in 2014-15 when students are formally enrolled in internship. The new Dean will be expected to lead and contribute to these efforts. The university acknowledges that pursuing such accreditations will require a special focus and possibly additional resources. The PsyD program is currently working with one of the most highly respected consultants for APA accreditation in the country, George Stricker, Ph.D. The MFT program has grown substantially in number of students and diversity of offerings, and COAMFTE 6
accreditation will require additional full-time faculty, approved supervisors, and related resources. Program Unification. This is a period of rapid growth, change, and division in the School s programs, and there is need and opportunity to unify efforts and bridge what differences may exist regarding the relative importance of teaching, research, and clinical work. The formal creation of the Graduate School is intended to bring the various programs closer together, and the new Dean is expected to lead in setting policy and in encouraging a collaborative and mutually beneficial work environment and a greater common purpose among faculty and staff. Faculty/Staff Leadership. The faculty and staff are indeed eager to work closely with a new Dean who is capable of providing productive and inspiring leadership for all of the School s programs over a substantial term, as well as mentoring for the substantial number of new, young faculty. Success in this regard will require exceptional teamwork and collaboration both within the School and with the other deans, as well as respect for equity among the University s five schools in terms of recognition and support. Program Development. Also from the Strategic Plan: (i) Additional graduate programs will be explored, evaluated and, if appropriate, implemented; (ii) CLU will develop new sites for graduate and nontraditional undergraduate programs to accommodate the planned enrollment growth. Much of CLU s physical expansion will occur beyond the main campus in Thousand Oaks, both because of the campus s limited size and in order to increase enrollment in these programs; and (iii) CLU will evaluate new recruitment strategies to significantly increase enrollment in graduate programs and the nontraditional undergraduate program. University enrollment will eventually reach 5,000 students, roughly evenly divided between traditional undergraduate and graduate/adult students. The new Dean will thus be expected to lead in development of an appropriate and inspiring vision for new programs and possibly new sites for the Graduate School, as well as plans for enrollment growth, particularly from international sources. Related challenges and concerns are to determine and maintain an appropriate balance between undergraduate and graduate programs, between clinical and researchbased work, and between the enrollment of commuting students and students-inresidence. In particular, there is an opportunity and sensed need for more productive synergy between the graduate and undergraduate programs. Community Outreach. A strong relationship with surrounding communities is seen as essential to the Graduate School. This is particularly true for the University s relationship with Ventura County and its Latino community, through the Oxnard Center. The Dean will have the opportunity to sustain and advance the School s reputation there and throughout Southern California and to compete successfully with many other schools, graduate psychology programs, and counseling clinics. Policy Development. Joining the Dean s Council as it grows from three to five members in 2014 provides the new Dean an opportunity also to work collaboratively with fellow 7
deans to contribute to the development of consistent University-wide policies on curriculum and appointment, promotion, and tenure standards. Communicative Leadership. The University seeks a Dean with exceptional communication skills as a speaker and writer to represent the School effectively to internal and public audiences. An important aspect of this responsibility is working effectively to maintaining open and transparent communication with all School constituencies faculty, staff, and students about decisions made and those under consideration, in an atmosphere of reciprocal openness, and trust. Leadership in Gaining Resources. In the context of CLU s current five-year strategic plan and the several initiatives related to the School, the University recognizes that new resources are required to accomplish all that is envisioned. In particular, fund raising for the School s various programs is an evident need, especially regarding scholarship support for graduate students. The Dean is expected to play an important role in cultivating a culture of philanthropy among alumni and friends of the psychology programs, working closely with the Office of University Advancement in seeking increased financial support. DESIRED ATTRIBUTES FOR THE DEAN The successful candidate for Dean of the Graduate School of Psychology will be an accomplished and visionary leader, bringing a combination of professional capabilities and personal qualities that will enable him or her to address the opportunities and the challenges that exist for the School and the University. In addition to such required personal characteristics as honesty, integrity, high moral and ethical character, and the energy and stamina for the rigors of the office, CLU considers important the following: Academic Credentials: an earned doctorate in psychology either a PhD or a PsyD preferably in a subfield pertinent to one or more of the Graduate School s programs. Also expected is evidence of excellence as a teacher, scholar, and clinician in a tenured faculty appointment. These credentials should be appropriate for appointment as a full professor with tenure at CLU. Counseling licensure would also be desirable. Administrative and Educational Expertise: successful administrative experience and resulting acumen in organization and broad academic leadership of psychology programs, as well as knowledge of and appreciation for multiple mental health disciplines. Highly preferred is experience as a leader in a higher education and graduate setting. This experience should have produced the following abilities: To manage effectively a range of academic programs, offices, and budgets at the graduate level, while simultaneously keeping focused on the big picture ; To understand and deal effectively with complex educational regulations, such as those required for accreditation by the APA and COAMFTE; To recognize the work of faculty and staff colleagues, support their many efforts, and show appreciation for their contributions; 8
To appreciate the role of clinical and counseling education in a liberal arts setting, including the distinctive history and body of knowledge of MFT counseling; To appreciate the growing range of technology and educational delivery systems and to lead others in making wise choices in their implementation; and To delegate responsibilities wisely, express expectations clearly, and hold faculty and staff colleagues accountable without micromanaging. Venturesome Spirit: an ambition to succeed, accompanied by an openness to experimentation and exploration and the ability to innovate and take intelligent risks. This includes a desire to work flexibly and productively with new ideas of others rather than simply imposing one s own ideas, and the ability to use all these skills effectively in attracting new resources in support of the School s programs. Inspiring Leadership Style: the ability to motivate and inspire through bold vision, good ideas, and a commitment to openness, collaboration, and consensus. This includes the ability to listen carefully and hear many voices, to be firm yet transparent and collegial, and to be a natural team-builder. Willingness to roll up one s sleeves and jump in to assist when necessary is highly desirable. Experience with the culture of a small, independent institution with a mission grounded in a tradition of faith would be a valuable asset. Commitment to Diversity: a strong and evident appreciation of the value of ethnic and gender diversity in academic settings, along with a deep commitment to achieving such diversity in the School. This is particularly important given the substantial Latino representation in the School s programs and clinics. Communication Skills: a natural eloquence in speaking and writing, including the inclination to communicate frequently, clearly, and concisely with internal and external constituencies and to come alive in the spotlight of public settings. Positive Disposition: a distinctive set of people skills, including the abilities: to be a natural extrovert, open and friendly in all types of settings and with a wide range of people; to make effective use of a genuine sense of humor and perspective; to be drawn to students, appreciate their accomplishments, and enjoy being visible and accessible to them; to read people and their intentions accurately; and to retain a positive attitude in the face of tough situations and decisions, being assertive when necessary and not shrinking from conflict. Additional information about California Lutheran University may be found at: www.callutheran.edu. In particular, the website for the Graduate School of Psychology is: www.callutheran.edu/gsop. 9
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 on July 1, 2014. Applications received by October 25, 2013 will be assured of full consideration; these should include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and names of five professional references with e-mail 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: CLUPsychologyDean@academic-search.com Dr. R. Stanton Hales, Senior Consultant Academic Search, Inc. rsh@academic-search.com 707-545-2203 California Lutheran University is an equal opportunity employer. 10