Dean: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
dean
[ diหn ]
academic role
A dean is an academic administrator in a university or college, typically in charge of a specific division or faculty. The dean oversees academic programs and policies within their area and is often responsible for managing faculty and staff. They may also be involved in student affairs and curriculum development. In some institutions, the dean may represent their college or school to the broader university administration, playing a significant role in university governance.
Synonyms
administrator, chair, director, head
Examples of usage
- The dean announced new scholarship opportunities for students.
- She met with the dean to discuss her academic progress.
- The dean's office organized a faculty meeting for next week.
- He was appointed as the dean of the engineering school.
Translations
Translations of the word "dean" in other languages:
๐ต๐น deรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคกเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Dekan
๐ฎ๐ฉ dekan
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะตะบะฐะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ dziekan
๐ฏ๐ต ๅญฆ้จ้ท
๐ซ๐ท doyen
๐ช๐ธ decano
๐น๐ท dekan
๐ฐ๐ท ํ์ฅ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุนู ูุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ dฤkan
๐ธ๐ฐ dekan
๐จ๐ณ ้ข้ฟ
๐ธ๐ฎ dekan
๐ฎ๐ธ dekan
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะตะบะฐะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dekan
๐ฒ๐ฝ decano
Word origin
The word 'dean' comes from the Old French 'dein' or 'doyen', which itself came from the Latin 'decanus', referring to a leader of ten. Originally, it referred to a church official in charge of ten priests or monks. Over time, its meaning evolved, especially in the context of secular education. By the Middle Ages, the term was being used in European universities to designate heads of colleges and faculties. Today, it is firmly associated with higher education institutions, where deans play crucial roles in the administration and academic life of universities and colleges. The role has expanded globally, reflecting the growing complexity of academic institutions and their governance structures.