Metadata
Title
About
Category
general
UUID
745eae34336d46099a5ca855c73d1253
Source URL
https://dso.college.harvard.edu/about
Parent URL
https://dso.college.harvard.edu
Crawl Time
2026-03-09T03:13:25+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown

About

Source: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/about Parent: https://dso.college.harvard.edu

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.

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.

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

Excellence

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

Collaboration

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

Inclusion

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

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 .

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 & First-Year Experience, Student Engagement, and the Office of Culture & Community. These areas are responsible for developing the conditions for a thriving learning environment where students can succeed intellectually, socially, and personally.

Special Project & Initiatives

Dean of Students Office

Special projects and initiatives housed in the Dean of Students office are projects born from generous gifts made to improve campus life, and driven by the office's mission to cultivate engagement, belonging, and respect through intentional student partnership.

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!

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.

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.

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Accommodation Statement

The Harvard College Dean of Students Offices welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.

If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the appropriate office or person in advance of your participation or visit. 

Read our full accommodation statement

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