About Us

Staff Directory

Mission

The mission of the Dean of Students Office is to enhance the quality of life of Iowa State University students by supporting the university's commitment to the academic success and holistic development of each individual student. The Dean of Students Office specifically fosters intellectual, physical, and social development through programs and direct services which challenge and support students as they develop attitudes, abilities, and skills for life-long learning within a global environment.

Intellectual Development

Intellectual development is fostered by the open and free exchange of ideas. The Dean of Students Office assists in providing an environment conducive to open exchange and in training students to participate in the process; to discuss, interpret, challenge, assimilate, and understand new ideas.

The Dean of Students Office encourages discussion on controversial topics and recognizes students' rights to their ideas and opinions. The exchange of ideas is possible if participants are open-minded, and that open-mindedness is predicated on the ideals of civil discourse. Those who are involved in the discussions should not only express their ideas, but also be receptive to ideas from others.

Our office supports the intellectual development of the individuals by encouraging participation both in and out of the classroom. We coordinate programs in which students can acquire and practice life management and learning skills in both individual and group settings. We create environments in which students live and work collaboratively; further, we seek to foster a culture of safety and productivity for its positive impact on learning. We assist in providing services and facilities which accommodate all learners, and we link students to other resources that will help them learn.

The Dean of Students Office provides opportunities for experiential learning by offering and acting as liaisons to internships, practica, and graduate assistantships within the university and beyond.

Social Development

In addition to academic pursuits, students are also preparing themselves for global citizenship. We empower students to learn about, understand, and act upon their responsibilities, rights, and freedoms. As a corollary, we hold students accountable for respecting the rights of others as well as the authority of the law. We ask students to recognize their social responsibility to others by fostering a spirit of service and volunteerism. We encourage participation in student organizations whereby they learn about organizational structures and the dynamics of working within complex systems.

Students of Iowa State are not only learning to be good citizens; they are also learning to be leaders. To promote effective leadership within the university and after graduation, the Dean of Students Office sponsors programs in which students can enhance their leadership skills. We also encourage and support the assumption of leadership in student organizations and university activities.

The university maintains an environment which is diverse. Students are encouraged to explore the diversity in which they live by opening themselves to and appreciating others' unique views, ideas, and perspectives. The Dean of Students Office facilitates this process by supporting events and activities which educate all students about the commonalties and differences in people within the university community and throughout the world. We assist students and groups which traditionally have faced challenges of discrimination and exclusion to take part fully in the university community, and we work to eliminate barriers for all students to discuss their feelings and experiences.

Physical Development

Recognizing that physical activity is counterbalance to mental activity, that the balance of the mind and body as a whole is important, and that physical activity is a means to relieve stress, the Dean of Students Office promotes physical development and well-being. We offer facilities and programs in which students can determine and meet their own fitness and recreational needs. Students build a sense of teamwork and leadership in a traditional setting and are given a place to challenge themselves, impose limits upon themselves and break those limits, and reach new goals. We provide assistance to organizations which sponsor activities which focus on physical wellness.

A large part of physical wellness is the understanding of one's body. The Dean of Students Office promotes wellness programs and alcohol and drug awareness. We seek to educate students on the use of reasonable judgment by supporting organizations on campus which sponsor substance-free events, and we support educational programs specifically surrounding wellness issues.