Director, Time Away Office

Duke University:

 

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

 

 

JobSummary:  

 

The director of the Time Away Office (TAO) leads the coordinated care of all undergraduate students separating from the university and facilitating their return. The director partners with Trinity and Pratt academic deans throughout the time away process to ensure a supportive and successful return to an academic setting. The director remains in regular communication w with students during their separation from campus to guide them in securing the necessary resources to prepare for a return. The director fosters collaborative relationships with key programs across Duke (e.g., Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Disability Access Office, Housing and Residence Life, Academic Resource Center, DukeReach, DuWell, Student Health, etc.). The director identifies trends and gaps throughout the process and shares those trends with university administrators and key campus partners in both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs in order to further improve support for students taking time away. The director leads the multidisciplinary review for all return requests and ensures that all forms and supporting documentation are complete, accurate and meet requirements. The director remains engaged in the student’s return to campus for at least one semester to support their transition.

 

The Office of Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment, and an educational experience that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of academic and organizational excellence. Candidates who can contribute to that goal, and who meet the qualifications for this position, are encouraged to apply and identify their strengths in this area.

 

Work Performed:

 

Student Support (40%)

·        Lead all conversations with students exploring time away and engaging with the return process. Support students evaluating their options through on-campus meetings, virtual sessions, or on-site trips to a treatment facility where applicable.

·        Help students on voluntary and involuntary leaves develop individualized time away and return plans that outline both clinical and academic support services (academic, behavioral health, physical health, financial, etc.).

·        Connect students with both on- and off-campus treatment providers.

·        Help students navigate challenges they experience while on time away (behavioral health, safety, physical health, financial needs, familial challenges, etc.).

·        Assist students with the completion of the Time Away Office documentation.

·         Communicate with treatment providers to ensure the university has appropriate documentation to complete a return process.

·        Complete I-20 letters for all J-1 and F-1 visa-holding international students to obtain appropriate documentation for visa applications.

·        Coordinate “WelcomeBack” events to help students connect with one another and successfully transition back to campus.

·        Develop and maintain a Time Away Office Student Advisory Group to provide feedback on the time away process.

 

ProgramAdministration (35%)

·         Develop and maintain a web-based tracking system for each student’s materials and return plan.

·        Complete all university leave and return documentation, including letters, attritions, and return to program forms, and notify relevant campus partners.

·         Ensure that the TimeAway Office is adhering to university policies regarding tuition reimbursement and other university policies.

·        Oversee and advise on student’s documentation submission and return plan.

·        Serve on the Office of Undergraduate Student Success Division leadership group and StudentAffairs Leadership Counsel.

·         Oversee Time Away Office budget.

 

Supervision (10%)

·        Supervise Time Away Office staff, including the case manager.

·        Facilitate searches for open positions.

·        Provide orientation and ongoing training/professional development.

·        Meet regularly with staff for case