The Dean of Students Office (DSO) is a department of the Division of Student Affairs that provides advocacy and support for students and their families or supporters. Dr. Aaron Haight, the Dean of Students, recognizes that being a life as a college student is busy and stressful, so she and the DSO provide the resources to succeed. Dr. Aaron Haight, says the mission of the DSO is to empower learners to be intentional and engaged citizens by providing a culture of equity, self advocacy, and care through programs, resources, and support. 

One DSO program is the CARE Program, a referral process that provides support for students experiencing challenges like food insecurity, homelessness, grief, health insurance, and menstrual product needs. It’s a great way to look out for other Lakers anonymously.

The CARE team (Coordination, Assistance, Response, and Education) consists of Grand Valley staff who aim to support a variety of challenges that students can experience through a referral process and providing resources. It’s important to the CARE Team that students are in an environment that will lead to their academic success. 

Dr. Haight’s goal is to let students know the DSO is available for their support. “We have opportunities to provide health and support to students when they don’t even know it’s there, and that makes me proud of the team and the work we do,” Aaron says. Now that the DSO has recently become its own department, the focus of the office is truly about students and their well-being. 

Check out the Dean’s Office’s resources like CARE, Laker Meal Shares, and equity and inclusion, if you’re in need of support or have concerns for a friend or for your classes. It’s hard to get through college without support, so turn to the DSO!

Check out the DSO