Dean of Students Office
202 Peabody Hall
Phone: (352) 392-1261
Fax: (352) 392-5566
www.dso.ufl.edu
The Dean of Students Office is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing a variety of programs and services which are designed to assist and support students in achieving academic and personal success.
Mission
The staff of the Dean of Students Office provides important educational and developmental opportunities, serves as student advocates, empowers students to be successful and promotes students’ rights and responsibilities.
The Dean of Students Office achieves this purpose by helping students to:
• Develop leadership skills
• Appreciate diversity
• Engage in critical thinking
• Utilize campus resources
• Make informed and ethical decisions
• Develop a sense of belonging
• Make a positive contribution to the university and surrounding communities
We support students and their pursuit of academic success by educating and
partnering with faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
Strategic Priorities
The Dean of Students Office is committed to developing collaborative partnerships
within the department, the Division of Student Affairs, and the University to achieve the
following strategic priorities:
• Service
• Education
• Advocacy
• Building Community
• Assessment
Greek Life
The Dean of Students Office oversees the 56 fraternity and sorority organizations at the University of Florida. The Greek Life staff provides various programs and services; has active oversight of chapter events; maintains communications with alumni, advisors, and national offices; organizes leadership retreats and workshops; monitors academic performance of fraternity and sorority members; and recognizes positive achievements of the organizations.
Judicial Affairs
Student Judicial Affairs is responsible for the judicial aspects of the Code of Student Conduct at the University of Florida, insuring that students receive fair treatment in all hearings. Students, faculty, and staff who believe there has been a violation of the code can contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss options available for reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.
New Student Programs
New Student Programs provides ongoing programs that support new students and families in their transition to the University of Florida, provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, connects students to university resources and people, acquaints students with institutional expectations and values, promotes learning and discovery both inside and outside the classroom, and fosters pride in the Gator community. Programs include Preview, Transfer Preview, Family Orientation, Weeks of Welcome (WOW), Family Weekend, Campus Diplomats and First-Year Florida.
Disability Resources
The mission of Disability Resources is to foster a sense of empowerment in students with disabilities by educating them about their legal rights and responsibilities so they can make informed choices, encouraging them to engage in critical thinking and self-advocacy, and supporting them in being successful students, campus leaders, and positive contributors to the campus community. Programs and services include Vocal Eyes; accommodations requests such as interpreters, note-takers, and testing needs; and learning specialists.
Multicultural and Diversity Affairs
Multicultural and Diversity Affairs seeks to promote awareness, understanding of differences, collaboration of cross-cultural groups, and foster a sense of communal relationships among all students. They also assist students in their personal development by providing programs and initiatives that educate, motivate, and challenge them as members of UF. Programs and services include the Institute of Black Culture, the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures, Asian Student Union, Native American Indian Council, Women’s Leadership Council, Women’s History Month, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender resources.
Off-Campus Life
The Dean of Students Office provides programs and services to meet the needs and concerns of commuter students, to connect them to the university, and to assist them in making a positive impact on the Gainesville community. Students are educated about their rights and responsibilities, housing resources, and free legal services. The Dean of Students Office partners with the City of Gainesville to promote positive relationships throughout the community.
Emergency Assistance
The Dean of Students Office provides support and assistance to students and their families in emergency situations. A professional staff member within the Dean of Students Office is on duty to respond to emergency situations involving students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, DSO provides coordination for the Division of Student Affairs Trauma Response Team.
Dean of Students Office Services
The staff within the Dean of Students Office provides advice and support to individual students, student groups, students withdrawing from the University, and students and their families in emergency situations.