KAMARO ABUBAKAR
Worcester,MA
Summary
Relationship-driven Associate Dean of Students focused on maximizing student learning by developing positive student culture and structured, supportive environments. Excellent disciplinarian with a compassionate, analytical approach to addressing and solving behavior issues. Skilled in overseeing daily activities and planning special events. Goal-oriented Associate Dean dedicated to strengthening administrative operations to streamline costs and enhance procedures. Cultivate long-lasting relationships with students and staff to strengthen program success—a motivational leader with top-notch communication, organizational, and strategic planning abilities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Dean of Students
Clark University
06.2021 - Current
- Oversee the leadership, visioning, and supervision of residential living for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Provides oversight to the functions under Residential Life and Housing, inclusive of residential education, a residential connection, community building, housing operations, and student leadership development
- Updating and promoting education for the Student Handbook and the Clark Code of Conduct for best practices.
- Oversee the comprehensive emergency protocol and procedure for the Clark community.
- Assist in assessing and responding to risk management, including coordinating emergency response and training.
- Oversee residential staff on-call rotation coordination and the university emergency response team.
- I represent the University in responding to student and University community emergencies.
- The response may involve working with off-campus agencies, university police, and university departments.
- Serve as a liaison to parents/guardians, families, and designated contact of students, as appropriate, on behalf of the Division.
- Serve as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator and conduct investigations as needed.
- Oversee residential life operating budgets and strategic revenue objectives.
- Organized individualized behavior improvement plans for students struggling with compliance.
- Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
- Partnered with senior administration to create cohesive vision, balancing structure and creative expression to drive productive student learning.
- Collaborated with faculty, staff, and students to identify and address institutional challenges.
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
- Improved policies and procedures to maximize student safety and campus security.
Assistant Dean of Students
Tufts University
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Oversaw the assignment, tracking, documentation, and resolution of students of concern cases
- Facilitated Case Management Team meetings weekly and implemented behavioral intervention plans and ongoing follow-up
- Functioned as the primary facilitator of all First-years, graduate, and undergraduate hospitalizations and medical leave exit and return requests
- Track all necessary paperwork in coordination with University Health and Counseling Services, area hospitals, treatment centers, and clinicians in private practice;
- Convened the Return from Medical Leave Committee
- Serve as the primary liaison with colleagues in Health and Counseling Services, and follow up with Academic and Student Affairs departments regarding tuition refunds, holds, and courses.
- Assist students of concern with on- and off-campus coordinated medical and mental health care as appropriate.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with a vast network of off-campus medical providers through consultations, referrals, and collaborations.
- Maintain an updated and informative Student Affairs website supporting students of concern, medical leaves, and hospitalizations.
- Present regular workshops and participate in orientations to parents, faculty, staff, and students to educate the Tufts community on supporting students of concern.
- Manage special conduct cases in consultation.
- Provide training and supervision for the Administrator On-Call program and perform on-call responsibilities throughout the academic year and summer session.
Assistant Director
Campus Life, Clark University
08.2016 - 03.2019
- Develop and implement student leader training, monthly in-services, and mentorship program.
- Ensure an inclusive student leader selection process that results in a diverse staff of Peer Advisors and Residents Advisors.
- Coordinate departmental efforts to provide education outside of the classroom experience, focusing on the first-year experience, leadership development, and social justice.
- Collaborate with the Dean of Students Office, Career Services, Academic Advising, Athletics department, and Counseling Center on identifying and intervening with at-risk individuals.
- Serve as an on-duty staff person for the residential community on a rotating basis.
- Conduct judicial meetings to educate students regarding community standards.
- Assist and mentor students individually and in groups regarding personal, academic, and housing-related concerns, including roommate conflicts.
- Develop multiple methods for ongoing training of student leaders, including workshops, seminars, online modules, printed materials, and more.
- Manage the Hall Governance Program (Residence Halls Associate and National Residence Hall Honorary)
- Manage the budget lines related to residential education and large-scale programming.
- Develop a cohesive approach to the residential experience by building responsive programming models grounded in assessment.
- Oversaw Upper Class and Graduate Communities and directly supervised a Professional Staff and three graduate paraprofessional Managers for Undergraduate and Graduate Clark Houses.
Residence Coordinator
SUNY Purchase College
06.2014 - 07.2016
- Directly supervised, trained, and evaluated 8-15 Resident Assistants (RA)
- Maintained and budgeted accurate records for RA funds
- Reported and provided follow-up on facilities-related issues for over 400-800 beds
- Coordinated accurate and timely reports of operational components of the area, including, but not limited to, work orders, fire drill reports, fire extinguisher checks, critical inventory, census rosters, equipment inventory, etc
- Assessed damage billing reports and billed students accordingly based on departmental policies and timelines
- Acted as a liaison between Residence Facilities Management and the Heating & Cooling Plant members, including regular communication with area supervisors
- Instructed one First-Year Seminar (FYS) section and served as their academic advisor.
- Provided leadership and support for departmental programs and events through review, advisement, participation, and attendance
- Reviewed all incident reports and police reports received from Student Affair promptly
- Provided crisis management, support, and intervention for emergencies on campus
- Provided after-hours and weekend emergency support based on an on-call duty system.
- Participated in staff meetings and training to stay informed on policies and procedures.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order and safety in the residence hall.
- Planned and organized social and educational activities to promote student community building and personal development.
- Mediated conflict to provide a safe and secure environment through policy enforcement.
- Promoted diversity and inclusion to create a welcoming and inclusive living environment for all students.
- Supervised and mentored students to promote safety and well-being.
- Assisted students in handling challenging situations to resolve problems.
- I fostered a productive and supportive environment for academic and social success.
- Maintained communication with students' counselors, instructors, and staff members to promote a supportive environment.
- Established consistent relationships with students to maintain professional boundaries.
- Guided students to integrate into both academic and social communities on campus.
- Provided referral services and connected students with resources to facilitate access to support and meet individual needs.
- Conducted timely evaluation of student progress to update post-conflict and post-disaster goals aligned with campus expectations.
- Facilitated minor care needs of the facility by reporting issues to the maintenance department for a quick resolution.
- Assisted residents with transitioning into the new living environment and maintained strong relationships with residents.
- Enforced policies and safety standards through building and room rounds.
- Provided crisis management and intervention during emergencies.
- Developed, implemented and monitored residential policies and procedures.
- Promoted a culture of respect and understanding among students.
- Helped develop and implement programs to foster community growth and development.
- Monitored student behavior and responded to disciplinary issues in accordance with established policies.
- Provided swift and knowledgeable emergency support in line with campus crisis protocols.
- Evaluated student progress to identify areas of improvement and provide feedback.
- Assisted in the recruitment and selection of student leaders.
- Supervised student employees and provided feedback on performance.
Chair of Student Staff Recruitment and Selection
SUNY Purchase College
07.2014 - 09.2016
- Recruitment Selection Committee
- Served as a member of the Housing Operations Committee
- Participated in Wellness Committee
- Acted as a liaison to counseling, wellness, and athletics.
Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Committee
SUNY Purchase College
06.2015 - 09.2016
- Promoted and implemented new programming initiatives to fit the campus culture
- Developed strategic plans to address campus climate
- Collaborated with other campus diversity committees in developing ways to forester an inclusive campus.
- Liaised with the internal communications team to develop an engaging and inspiring inclusion and diversity communication strategy.
- Developed and implemented new programs based on leading inclusion and diversity practices using project management principles.
- Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
Leadership Educator
Roosevelt University
09.2013 - 05.2014
- Oversaw two undergraduate student leadership programs to develop knowledgeable, ethical, and service-driven leaders that are equipped to identify needs and stimulate change within their communities
- Built strong relationships between Roosevelt University students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community through experiential learning excursions and social justice education
- Stimulated personal growth by providing the tools for students to develop critical thinking skills, utilize creative outlets, and reflect on their experiences
- Advised a campus programming board in planning events for 960 students and managing a budget of $30,000
Assistant Residence Director
Loyola University Chicago
07.2012 - 05.2013
- Supervised and evaluated 14 Resident Assistants (RA)
- Advised RA programming as well as assisted RA’s in fostering a healthy and inclusive environment for academic achievement
- Supervised and evaluated 16 Desk Receptionists (DR) and one Desk Manager (DM), who maintained the safety and security of the residence hall community
- Oversaw 150 freshmen, international, and transfer students, including daily operations of one to four buildings, management of keys, and maintenance of facilities
- Interviewed prospective RA, DR, and DM candidates and completed recommendations for hire
- Adjudicated conduct hearings for student behavioral concerns and assigned appropriate educational sanctions
- Facilitated conflict management and resolution techniques through roommate mediation and floor concerns in area communities of 450 – 600 residential students
- Collaborated regularly with Campus Ministry and Wellness Center staff to address student issues and concerns
- Provided crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals for 4200 residential students on a 24-hour duty rotation
Assistant Residence Director
University of Vermont
01.2011 - 05.2012
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated 12-17 Resident Advisors
- Managed a 420-720 student traditional and suite-style complex of buildings with the Residence Director
- Advised Residence Hall Council in planning and implementing programs for 650 residents and managed a budget of $5000
- Co-facilitated a 6-week course for Resident Advisor candidates to explore their identities and leadership styles
- Served as the first responder to crisis while on duty for five residential complexes of 3000 students
- Responded to, assessed, and administered the conduct process for alcohol, drugs, and other violations in the Residence Hall; engaged with and supported students in understanding the impact of their decisions
- Provided support, referrals, and follow-up for students in crisis
- Assisted in roommate and community conflicts by serving as facilitator and mediator with Resident Advisors
- Created inclusive communities with integrated, proactive, and responsive Restorative Practices
Education
Doctor of Education, Higher - Education Administration
New England College
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Clark University
Social Justice Training Institute Certification (SJTI) - undefined
Master of Education - Higher Education Administration Education
Loyola University
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of Vermont (UVM)
Skills
- Emergency Support
- Intervention Management
- Parental Communication
- Conduct Policies
- Behavioral Management
- Policy and Procedure Improvement
- Staff Development
- Staff Management
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Crisis Intervention
- Student Services
Timeline
Associate Dean of Students
Clark University
06.2021 - Current
Assistant Dean of Students
Tufts University
04.2019 - 05.2021
Assistant Director
Campus Life, Clark University
08.2016 - 03.2019
Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Committee
SUNY Purchase College
06.2015 - 09.2016
Chair of Student Staff Recruitment and Selection
SUNY Purchase College
07.2014 - 09.2016
Residence Coordinator
SUNY Purchase College
06.2014 - 07.2016
Leadership Educator
Roosevelt University
09.2013 - 05.2014
Assistant Residence Director
Loyola University Chicago
07.2012 - 05.2013
Assistant Residence Director
University of Vermont
01.2011 - 05.2012
Doctor of Education, Higher - Education Administration
New England College
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Clark University
Social Justice Training Institute Certification (SJTI) - undefined
Master of Education - Higher Education Administration Education
Loyola University
Bachelor of Science - undefined
University of Vermont (UVM)
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