Rachel Barbarisi

Rachel Barbarisi

Dunster House Administrator
Rachel Barbarisi portrait

As House Administrator, I manage all aspects of student housing, as well as House events and finances for the Dunster community of over 450 undergraduates and 25 residential staff. I also work closely with the House Office Staff, HUDS, Building Staff, Resident and Non-Resident Tutors, and student leaders to coordinate many of the wonderful activities we offer throughout the year including Sophomore Orientation, Class and Faculty-Student Dinners, Family Weekend Receptions, Retreats, Open Houses, Study Breaks, SIP outings, Commencement, and more. Lastly, I serve as a sophomore academic adviser here in the House, and greatly enjoy supporting Dunster students in both advisory and administrative roles.

Originally from New York, I moved to Boston to earn my undergraduate degree from Tufts University, with a focus on English literature, history, and Japanese. After graduation, I worked for the Harvard College Dean of Student’s Office, serving as Executive Assistant to the Dean, and helping organize HoCo Retreats, Tutor-Proctor Orientation, Freshman and Junior Parent Weekends, and other College programming. I then completed a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education just prior to joining the Dunster community.

Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at education access organizations in Boston and taking art classes. I also love spending time at home with my husband, who teaches English and special education, our 3 year-old son Jake, and our dog-like cat, Clove. I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled a great deal, and have explored the carvings of Petra, swam with manta rays in Hawaii, and taught English in Costa Rica. I always enjoy hearing stories of your travels and adventures, so please don't hesitate to share!

Students are always welcome to reach out to my office with any housing-related questions, including everything from the rising sophomore placement process, to the spring housing lottery, to roommate concerns. During the term, I partner with, and advise, students in House leadership positions, including the Grille Managers, Art Room Manager, Library Team, and HoCo Chairs, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any interest in serving in one of these roles! I work closely with students on House events and programming, as well, so let me know if you have an idea for a Specialty or SIP event for the Dunster community!

I’m here to support Dunster students during their time at the College, and strive to be a friendly face for them in the House. My office is an inclusive space and I’m always eager to get to know students, so please do stop by East 303 to say hello!

Contact Information

East 303, 945 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02138
p: (617) 495-2262

Community