• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000

Position Summary

University Life was created to develop and enhance the student experience at Columbia. Working in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, University Life strengthens resources, policies, and conversations, and builds community outside of the classroom. Our efforts all connect to core values for the Columbia community: 

• Inclusion and belonging

• Health and well-being

• Sexual Respect

• Community Citizenship

University Life is a central division focused on enhancing the student experience across Columbia’s 17 schools and colleges. We serve as a student life hub for the University and are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus culture where students can thrive in all dimensions of their lives. In University Life, we focus on connecting students to each other, to the broader University and surrounding community, and to opportunities beyond their schools. 

We work to educate students about Columbia’s values and policies and share essential and timely information with students from the University. Through our programs, services, and partnerships, we support students’ educational enrichment during their time at Columbia.

Report to and support the strategic direction of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and supports critical work, including freedom of expression, student activism, crisis management, and the Rules of University conduct. The Director supervises a professional staff member, manages the overall Rules of University Conduct investigative processes, and works with University leadership and the University Senate to assist in the review of student conduct cases in respect of the Rules of University Conduct. 

The Director will have primary responsibility for the administration of the Rules of University Conduct investigative process and be responsible for the review of student conduct cases through Columbia’s Rules of University Policy process. The Rules process emphasizes education and individual accountability, in addition to personal and community responsibility. It includes the coordination of the investigatory process, implementing informal resolutions, attending and providing information for the University Judicial Board hearing panel, and administration of all related documentation, including notice, file review information, outcome letter, and associated correspondence. Within the parameters of FERPA regulations and as applicable, the Director advises all parties involved in the Rules process. The position refers students to other resources or departments for additional assistance when necessary. 

The Director also supports students through student organization advising, along with education and training efforts throughout the year. The Director collaborates with many colleagues and offices on campus including the University Senate, Deans of Students, the University Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Residential Life, Academic Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Columbia Health, Ombuds Office, and Parent and Family Programs, faculty, staff and students. 

Responsibilities

Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate regularly with various colleagues and departments throughout the University including but not limited to the Senate Executive Committee, University Judicial Board (UJD), Appeals Board, and additional boards or persons to coordinate the delivery of services and ensure student needs are met through the Rules of University conduct process and adhere to the policies and procedures.

• Ensure all student support efforts are transparent to students and stakeholders. 

• Serve as a primary liaison and educator for graduate and undergraduate schools regarding the Rules review process. 

• Develop and maintain programs that support freedom of expression, student activism, civic engagement, and student well-being.

• Draft communications and reports. 

• Establish student learning outcomes for the portfolio in alignment with divisional SLOs.

• Partner with University Life and University stakeholders to provide comprehensive support to University-wide prevention and response to University-wide crises.  

• Supervise professional staff.

Student Conduct Rules Review

• Under the direction of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs, lead and manage any conduct review through the Rules of University Conduct process.

• Manage all aspects of the Rules of University Conduct investigative processes.

• Implement informal resolutions of Rule violations, when appropriate, that emphasize education and individual accountability, in addition to personal and community responsibility. 

• Coordinate the Rules investigatory process, including gathering information, fact-finding, file creation, and referral to the University Judicial Board for a hearing.

• Administration of all related documentation, including notice, file review information, outcome letter, and associated correspondence. 

• Oversight of sanctions implemented by the University Judicial Board. 

• Within the parameters of FERPA regulations and as applicable, advise all parties involved in the Rules of University Conduct process. 

• Refer students to other resources or departments for additional assistance when necessary. 

• For cases appealed, compile student file information and review file information with the appellate officer. 

Record management and compliance

• Ensure compliance for internal and external release of records in accordance with the Rules of University Conduct policy.

• Ensure compliance with ADA Section 504 by working with Health Services (Counseling and Psychological Services, Primary Care, and Disability Services) and Housing and Dining to provide support and follow-up for students with disabilities involved with the Rules of University Conduct process. 

Student Organization Advising

• Advise student organizations recognized by IGB, including education on policy, event planning, and financial management.

• Support the embedding of diversity, equity, and inclusion within all student engagement opportunities.

Education, training, and program development.

• Through professional organization involvement and independent research, the Director is responsible for staying current on trends and issues related to the field of student activism, investigation strategies, and informal resolutions.

• Leads efforts to educate the University community about the Rules process to create transparency and share resources available. 

• Provide information, training, and coaching to administrators, student groups, and student leaders. 

Other Duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required and 5-7 years of related experience in the areas of student conduct, behavioral intervention, or counseling.
• The applicant demonstrates and has an understanding of FERPA, Clery, Title IX, and trends pertaining to student activism, protest response, and student conduct reviews.
• The Director must possess excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to exercise superior judgment and discretion. 
• Has demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. The applicant will be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and detail-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred in higher education, student personnel administration, counseling, law, social work, psychology, or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.