California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. The emphasis of the University is a "Learn by Doing" educational experience for its more than 20,000 students. The primarily undergraduate student body is attracted to the University's commitment to small class sizes, hands-on learning, and an emphasis on student success.
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) has the unique distinction of housing eight degree programs in five departments contributing to the built environment: Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, and City and Regional Planning. All CAED programs are highly ranked, and offer students the opportunity to undertake sophisticated projects, collaborate with industry partners, and work across disciplines. As a result of Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy, all CAED students gain impactful practical and scholarly experiences and are prepared to work globally within innovative teams creating sustainable, compelling surroundings within the built environment.
ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATE DEAN
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED), the Associate Dean of Student Success and Inclusion will provide leadership for the college in its efforts to sustain continuous and innovative improvement in providing a vibrant and equitable experience for faculty, staff, and students in the CAED and to contribute to related university-related initiatives and strategic plans.
The Associate Dean for Student Success and Inclusion also interfaces with senior management in the divisions of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and other offices as appropriate. The Associate Dean for Student Success and Inclusion will play a key role in supporting the college leadership in leading, creating, and enhancing initiatives, policies, and practices related to universal student success. Additionally, the Associate Dean for Student Success and Inclusion is responsible for the college’s Inclusive Excellence Plan and leads the CAED Faculty and Student Inclusive Excellence Committees. Other duties include managing the Curriculum evaluation processes at the college level, including course and program approval, and leading the college in assessment planning in accordance with university accreditation competencies.
Under the direction of the Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Success and Inclusion assumes general responsibilities that include: providing vision, leadership and coordination of the CAED Dean Student Advisory Council; managing student organizations, working collaboratively with the CAED Department Heads to achieve continuous improvement in curricular and student success matters; assisting with student matters related to inclusive practices; developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with faculty, staff and students to support the College’s mission and goals; conducting supervision and evaluation of staff and lecturer faculty, as appropriate; staying in close contact with the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion to provide information to the college; representing the college on various university committees as assigned by the Dean; representing the Dean at functions when Dean is absent, as requested; and carrying out all additional responsibilities as assigned by the Dean as appropriate to the position.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. or terminal degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline in the college,
- Academic record that satisfies eligibility for appointment to the rank of tenured associate or full professor in one of the academic departments in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic institution.
- Evidence of successful teaching experience in higher education.
- Knowledge of literature, research, and best practices in student success, retention, and equity/inclusion in higher education.
- Experience developing and leading initiatives that support underrepresented students, staff, and/or faculty.
- Experience with curriculum development and assessment.
- Demonstrated cultural competence/humility, diplomacy, and professionalism in working with diverse communities.
- Strong conflict management, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to respond effectively to sensitive issues.
- Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, and effective working relationships across diverse units and groups.
- Experience using data and assessment tools to inform decisions and improve student outcomes.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency with a variety of computer applications and systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience with student forms, articulations and transfer pathways, admissions and student recruitment efforts, or block scheduling.
- Demonstrated ability to mediate and resolve student-faculty concerns with tact, diplomacy, and equity.
- Demonstrated ability to respond with empathy, professionalism, and discretion to students and supporters in challenging or sensitive situations.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
- Must be able to work occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.
- This position classification has been defined as "Exempt" and is not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- Full-time MPP employees are required to disclose outside employment at time of hire or within 30 days of taking additional outside employment subsequent to time of hire.
- This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
- Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
- Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
- Pursuant to Article 2.3, Section 42740, MPP employees shall provide a written disclosure statement of all outside employment for which the employee is being compensated. Outside employment refers to any employment not compensated through the CSU payroll, which includes CSU foundation and CSU auxiliary employment. To view the complete policy and disclosure and acknowledgment form, please visit http://www.calstate.edu/HRAdm/pdf2013/HR2013-11.pdf.
- In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.
- For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
- Retired CalPERS members selected for this vacancy must request and be approved for reinstatement from retirement prior to the start date.
- The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Compensation
The anticipated salary range for the position is $177-190K.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Nominations and Applications
Please email nominations to Justine Gentilini at jgentili@calpoly.edu by Monday, November 3, 2025. Interested candidates should attach (1) a resume/curriculum vitae and (2) a cover letter that includes a statement of interest in the position. These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. Review of applications will begin on November 12, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received after that date may be considered. Position is open until filled.