student asking question

What does "dean" mean? Is it like a "superintendent"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The term "dean" can mean different things in different areas. However since this is an American movie I will explain the American meaning. A "dean" is usually the head of a number of departments in a university and is responsible for hiring teachers, setting policies and the budget as well as other duties. It is different from a "superintendent", who is usually a person in charge of a number of schools or an entire school district within the public school system in the United States. Ex: I am the Dean of Sciences at the university. Ex: My father is the superintendent for New York State.

Popular Q&As

03/24

Complete the expression with a quiz!