In accordance with section 2.8 of the Faculty Manual, “A dean must qualify to be appointed with tenure and at the rank of full professor in one of the academic departments in the school to which he/she is appointed.” Section 2.6 of the University’s Faculty Manual outlines the role and responsibilities of a Dean. Specifically, 2.6 states:

The deans are the chief administrative officers of the University’s colleges/schools. The deans provide leadership in formulating educational policy and serve as the faculty members’ agents in the execution of such policy. In addition, all deans foster the mission and vision of the University. Among other duties, the deans represent the college in relations with other colleges of the University; ensure that faculty members enjoy academic freedom and exercise academic responsibility; ensure that faculty evaluation, where appropriate, is part of the policies and procedures of all academic departments; review departmental recommendations for appointment, reappointment, promotion, tenure, termination, and dismissal, and forward recommendations to the provost and send annual letters of reappointment or non-reappointment of employment to tenure-track faculty.

The deans also assess annually all personnel under immediate supervision (i.e. department chairpersons), develop proposals, programs, brochures, etc., within the college; assist departments in faculty recruitment; serve as liaison among the provost, departments, faculty, and students. The deans also review the annual evaluation of each faculty member of the college. The deans also allocate budgets for instruction, supplies, and equipment, etc., and monitor the expenditure of all college funds and hear faculty grievances pursued beyond the departmental level and cooperate in formal grievance procedures. The deans also monitor faculty workloads and schedules and recommend approval of requests for faculty development leaves and leaves of absence. The deans also establish ad hoc committees of the collegiate faculty; recommend appointment of department chairs within the procedures outlined...and other academic administrators from within departments in accordance with policies and procedures specified; and serve on various councils, commissions, and committees as set forth in University policy. The provost reviews the performance in office of each college dean annually with a comprehensive review every five years. Deans hold faculty rank and engage in teaching, research, and public service functions to the extent feasible. In some colleges of the University associate and/or assistant deans and/or directors assist the deans who are assigned responsibilities by their deans and who report directly to them.