About

The Dean of Students Office is dedicated to building an inclusive residential and social community where all students can feel welcome and supported at Harvard College.

 

Pfoho students on Housing Day

Mission

In partnership with students and colleagues, the Dean of Students Office cultivates engagement, belonging, and respect; fosters an integrated living and learning community; and inspires self-discovery among Harvard College students.

Students studying in Smith Campus Center

Vision

With students at the center of our work, the Dean of Students Office will set the standard for a four year, outcomes-based campus and residential life experience which will enable Harvard College students to thrive intellectually, socially, and personally. We create the conditions where students can be inspired and will find a sense of belonging.

Our Values

learning


Excellence
 

We operate at the edges of our learning in pursuit of personal and professional development.

speech

Collaboration


We find power in partnerships and in the sharing of ideas and resources.

love


Inclusion

 
We affirm the value of individuals and our voices, our communities and our interdependence.

greystar


Integrity 


We remain accountable to ourselves and to our community.
 

DSO Goals Framework

Accountability to student development

Create outcomes-based learning experiences grounded in developmental principles and continuously improved by assessment

 

 

Accountability to resources

Serve as good stewards of College resources, ensuring that our policies and practices reflect our goals, strategies, and high ethical standards. 

 

 

Commitment to each other

Create structures that empower people to communicate, to work together, and to support and celebrate one another. 

 

 

Commitment to professional growth

Identify and create opportunities for staff to build and deepen core competencies within their roles.

 

Our Teams

The Dean of Students Office is made up of three units including Residential Life & Housing and First-Year Experience, Student Engagement, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. These areas are responsible for developing the conditions for a thriving learning environment where students can succeed intellectually, socially, and personally.

Learn about our teams

First Week of Class

Stay Connected

Emails from the Dean of Students Office

View an archive of recent messages we send to students or subscribe to our office newsletters!

View recent emails

Navigating Campus Day-to-Day

Your resource for student life and support at Harvard.

View the guide

  

 

Policies

Harvard College seeks to build a community where every student can thrive, and it does so on the foundation of a set of shared values including belonging, inclusion, and non-discrimination.

View all policies

Policy on Unrecognized Single-Gender Social Organizations

The policy on Unrecognized Single-Gender Social Organizations (USGSO) is designed to dedicate resources to those organizations that are advancing principles of inclusivity, while offering them supportive pathways as they transform into more inclusive organizations.

View USGSO Policy

   

 

Contact Us

Need to find a specific office within our department?
 

View office directory

Find a Dean of Students Office staff member
 

View Staff Directory

GA4 tracking code