# Talk with Us ## expand\_more ## Whether you'd like to share an idea, voice a concern, or tell us more about yourself, students are invited to stop by and talk with the deans – we hope to meet you soon! [### Lauren Brandt, Ph.D. ](/people/lauren-brandt) Associate Dean of Students I serve as the Associate Dean of Students within the Dean of Students Office, overseeing the Residential Life Unit, which includes the First Year Experience program staff, the Dudley Community, student support and residential life programs. I also work... ![Lauren Brandt](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dso/files/lauren_brandt_03.jpg?itok=BWp9YzZq) ## Appointments To schedule a time, please contact Stephanie Macaris Alusow at . [### Alta Mauro, Ph.D. ](/people/alta-mauro-phd) Associate Dean of Students for Culture and Community Dr. Alta Mauro is the Associate Dean of Culture & Community. In this capacity, she guides a team of dedicated practitioners in embodying the University’s community values at the College level, cultivating a pluralistic environment where all undergraduate... ![Headshot of Dean Alta Mauro.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-04/Alta-Mauro-headshot-2%28forweb%29.jpg?itok=ibnc8Qjs) ## Drop-In Hours and Appointments To meet with me, please visit my [office hours on Zoom](https://harvard.zoom.us/j/94878048479?pwd=dlFOSjNiUUpYSFN6NnBjMHFUSVBCUT09) (Zoom meeting password: 264565) on Thursdays (3:00-4:00 pm ET) or [contact Lesley Kennedy](mailto:lesley_kennedy@fas.harvard.edu) to set up an appointment. [### Jason Meier ](/people/jason-meier) [jason\_meier@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:jason_meier@fas.harvard.edu)Associate Dean for Student Engagement As the Associate Dean for Student Engagement, I have the honor to guide and support the Student Engagement team in their efforts in partnering with students to create a robust extracurricular community, a community grounded in mutual respect, inclusion... ![Jason Meier's portrait](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dso/files/headshot_jason_meier.jpeg?itok=3rJdlTM_) ## Appointments If you’d like to set up an appointment with me, please email . [### Nekesa Straker, Ed.D ](/people/nekesa-straker) [nekesa\_straker@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:nekesa_straker@fas.harvard.edu)Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students In my role as the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students or Dean of First-Year Students, I am responsible for leading the First-Year Experience (FYE) office, which includes overseeing residential life initiatives to help orient... ![Nekesa C. Straker portrait](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dso/files/nekesastraker_-_new_2024_headshot.jpg?itok=kQIvvmnj) ## Appointments To meet with me, please reach out to me at .