Office of the Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students provides opportunities and experiences that support student learning and development. Our core values of advocating for the needs of all students, helping community members navigate the university, encouraging student responsibility and leadership, and promoting a diverse and socially responsible learning community are reflected in the programs and services provided by our office.
- The First Year Achievement Initiative is a peer-mentoring program designed to strengthen relationships with prospective students, parents, and families in select geomarkets and Texas high schools. This program strives to create an individualized experience for both prospective students and their families that results in a smooth application process as well as a strong transition from high school to the University setting.
- Legal Services for Students provides advice, representation, access to mediation, and other services to students with legal problems. The area also offers seminars, workshops, and presentations to student groups and classes to educate students about legal issues before conflicts arise.
- New Student Services administers the presemester and summer orientation sessions for new students, events at the beginning of the fall semester, and various programs, activities, and services for students in their first year on campus.The area also administers the Horns Helping Horns program.
- Student Activities registers student organizations; facilitates space reservations and other administrative services for student organizations and activities that occur on the campus; and manages the Student Organization Center. The area also coordinates risk management and safety programs and resources for student organizations. These services are designed to minimize potential harm and ensure student well-being during co-curricular activities.
- Student Emergency Services provides immediate professional assistance to students who are faced with emergencies. Emergencies include, but are not limited to, interpersonal or sexual violence, missing students, student death or serious injury, weather-related disasters, and loss of residence due to fire.
- Student Judicial Services implements and interprets University regulations related to student behavior and works with faculty members regarding academic dishonesty.
- Student Veterans Services provides resources and services or students, prospective students, and family members that help ease the transition from military to campus life.
- Sorority and Fraternity Life serves as liaison to the Interfraternity, Latino Pan-Hellenic, Multicultural, National Pan-Hellenic Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic, and University Panhellenic Councils, as well as affiliated organizations.
- The Research Institute is a dynamic, multidisciplinary research collaborative housed within the Office of the Dean of Students. A major aim of the Dean of Students Research Institute is to conduct and translate applied research for improved decision-making and practice. Research programs are collaborative, utilizing university faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and university staff, as well as outside agencies.
- The Office of the Dean of Students also provides comprehensive leadership training through the Leadership and Ethics Institute and advises and supports the Student Government and Senate of College Councils.