#  About 

 



##  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.



 

 

 

       ![Veritas shield with flowers](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/dso/files/veritas.png?itok=CIno7y1d) 

 

 



 

 



Year-End Highlights

### 2025-2026 DSO Year-End Highlights Book 

 

Each year, the Dean of Students Office publishes their year-end highlights book that showcases some of the year's work in alignment with the College's set goals and priorities.



 [ Review this year's year-end highlights book arrow\_circle\_right ](/2025-2026-harvard-college-dean-students-office-year-end-highlights-book) 

 



      ![Front cover art of the year-end highlights report with first-year students and PAFs crossing the Anderson bridge to the Harvard Allston campus.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-06/DSO_YearEndHighlightsReport_FY26_FrontCover%20Large.jpeg?itok=5WdsetRL) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

 ### 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.



 

   ![Pfoho students on Housing Day](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dso/files/pfriends.png?itok=TOPaaCAq) 

 

 

 

 ### 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.



 

   ![Students studying in Smith Campus Center](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/dso/files/scc.png?itok=Cx8rr8O8) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

##  Our Values 

 



 ### Excellence

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



 

   ![learning](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_learning_2103124_1.png?itok=zB1NnT8B) 

 

 

 

 ### Collaboration

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



 

   ![speech](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_speech_bubbles_708196_1.png?itok=NJyPcXQw) 

 

 

 

 ### Inclusion

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



 

   ![love](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_love_1173446_4_01.png?itok=priYJe1F) 

 

 

 

 ### Integrity 

We remain accountable to ourselves and to our community.



 

   ![greystar](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_star_1227615_1.png?itok=xna_NVF-) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

##  DSO Goals Framework 

 



 ### Accountability to student development

Create outcomes-based learning experiences grounded in developmental principles and continuously improved by [assessment](/assessment "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 & 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.



 [ Learn about our teams arrow\_circle\_right ](/our-teams) 

 



      ![First Week of Class](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/dso/files/090518_week_ks_290.jpg?itok=Xj-NIe1y) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

##  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.



 

 [ Learn about these projects & initiatives arrow\_circle\_right ](/dean-students-initiatives-special-projects) 

 

      ![A group of students wave and greet Dean Tom Dunne at his residence on Housing Day Eve.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__960x960/public/2025-04/2024HousingDayEve_030624_0076%28forweb%29.jpg?itok=OwIzBZSX) 

 

 



 

 



##  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](/emails "Emails")



 

   ![Students from the Class of 2028 collect flyers and posters from staff at the Athletics complex.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-03/Harvard2028PepRally_082924_0612%28forweb%29.jpg?itok=diFgDnFl) 

 

 

 

 ### Navigating Campus Day-to-Day

Your resource for student life and support at Harvard.

[View the guide](https://college.harvard.edu/guides/navigating-campus-day-day)



 

   ![The weeks bridge on a fall day framed by deep red fall foliage tree and view of Dunster House.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-03/IMG_0210%202.jpg?itok=V6c05_aG) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 ### 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](/policies "Policies")



 

 ### 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](/accommodation-statement "Accommodation Statement")



 

  

 

 

 

 

##  Contact Us 

 



 ### Need to find a specific office within our department? 

[View office directory](/our-teams "Our Teams")



 

 ### Find a Dean of Students Office staff member

[View Staff Directory](/people-type/staff)