Office of the Dean of Students restructures for enhanced student accountability and support

The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) at the University of Utah recently implemented organizational changes to enhance student accountability and support. These changes allow staff to improve case management, ensure timely interventions, and address the growing student population's evolving needs. Additionally, the new structure streamlines referrals and provides more specialized care to students. 

Enhancements to Student Support 
In an effort to support student persistence, the Student Support wing in ODOS proactively engages students, faculty and staff in skill-building and interventions. This includes connecting distressed students with campus and community support services and facilitating intentional conversations about the impact of behavior. This assistance also includes addressing academic concerns, helping students in navigating personal challenges, and providing accommodations during difficult times, such as when a student experiences a death in the family. 

To further streamline referrals and support students more efficiently, the Basic Needs Collective (BNC), a coordinated resource referral hub, has been fully integrated into ODOS. Previously, BNC and ODOS worked in close collaboration, often referring students between their services. This transition provides students with faster and more efficient access to basic resources, such as housing, food, and financial assistance. 

Additionally, the Athlete Advocate program has expanded staff support to ensure student-athletes have better access to advocates and more personalized support when addressing concerns related to coaching or other athletic matters. 

"We understand that the challenges our students face are not just academic but deeply personal," said Ken Stonebrook, deputy dean of students. "By fostering a supportive network and providing tailored resources, we aim to empower every student to overcome obstacles and thrive academically and personally.” 

 Enhancements to Student Accountability 
The Student Accountability wing in ODOS manages student violations of university policies, including but not limited to Policy 6-400. Furthermore, Student Accountability is responsible for providing appropriate responses to these violations, creating learning opportunities for all parties. 

To better provide support and care to students living within university Housing and Residential Education (HRE), ODOS has partnered with HRE to absorb student accountability and care cases for on-campus residents, streamlining the process for handling university policy violations. This partnership ensures students receive consistent care and attention throughout all university housing.  

“This new centralized model streamlines support by eliminating unnecessary meetings and retelling of stories,” said Stonebrook. “With direct access to university resources, students receive the help they need in one stop. It also gives staff more time to focus on providing meaningful support for personal and academic challenges. 

The new accountability process will have one member of ODOS looking at all reports, including those generated in residence halls. This centralization will allow HRE staff members to focus their efforts on the support and education system, managing only housing community standard violations, while ODOS will manage all university policies violations. 

Learn more about the ODOS here.