Introducing the Dean of Students Office | June 27, 2023

Hello Jumbos!

In today's email, we introduce the Dean of Students Office, which focuses on building community and advancing many aspects of the student life experience. In this week's featured video, students share their insights into our campus culture. Please take your time to explore the information here and on our web page. Feel free to contact any of the departments with further questions.

Community and campus culture are at the heart of our residential experience. I hope you enjoyed hearing about them today from our current students in this week's featured video.

Living on campus is similar to being part of a small, close-knit village. There are so many personal relationships you will forge in your early days and weeks, starting with your roommates and the people living right around you.

Your network can quickly expand through meeting people in the dining centers, at the student organization fair in September, in your classes, at events sponsored by athletics, campus life, the identity centers, and the chaplaincy.

The pace and style for building relationships will look different for each one of you. Some of you may connect with others right away, while others may take time. There is no one way or timeline to find those with whom you will build good relationships, so try to keep perspective and trust that it will happen. What is true for everyone is that it takes effort and intentionality. That is why I encourage you to engage. Keep an open mind and a generous heart. Embrace living a little bit out of your comfort zone. Get to know as many of your classmates and peers as you can and get to know faculty and staff too. Help us build a community that is both joyful and purposeful.

The offices within Student Life that are supported by me and my team focus on empowering your ability to thrive in this community and beyond. During your time at Tufts, we will help you develop and hone life skills that will prepare you to lead other communities and organizations throughout your lifetime.

Through the webinars and these weekly messages, you've met me, the Orientation team, Residential Life and Learning, and Health and Wellness. Today you'll be introduced to the Student Support and Community Standards offices.

Once you are here on campus, I hope you'll regularly drop by the Dean of Students Office to meet me and my immediate colleagues to share your thoughts or ask us anything!

Yours in happy anticipation,

Dean L 

Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E

Part of your Tufts education includes learning how to navigate complex challenges and make thoughtful, independent decisions. The Student Support team can help you develop and hone these skills and access the many resources and supports at Tufts. If you encounter health challenges, personal or family concerns, hospitalizations, or housing or food insecurity or just feel like you could use some support and aren't sure where to start, reach out to Student Support. We're here to listen and help you figure things out.

Because we are a community that cares about each other, the university has established community expectations through policies that apply to all students. Take time this summer to read the Student Code of Conduct, and contact the Office of Community Standards if you have questions about our policies or what is expected of you as a student at Tufts. You will see the Academic Integrity Tutorial on your New Student Checklist later this summer as part of the proactive efforts our office provides.

Tufts has many co-curricular resources, supports, and opportunities for students. The Dean of Students Office is here to help you get the most out of your Tufts experience holistically. If you need something, or if you have a question and you aren't sure where to start, the Dean of Students Office should be your first stop.

We want to remind all first-years that the deadline to send your final transcript to Undergraduate Admissions is June 27.

Also, make sure to send your official AP, IB, and/or A-Levels scores to Tufts by August 1.

Consider enrolling in optional Tuition Insurance: Tuition Insurance protects financial commitments if you elect to take time away from your studies through a Medical Leave. Enrollment in the Tuition Insurance Plan will be open until the first day of classes, September 5, 2023.

Learn about upcoming events, get reminders about dates and deadlines, and stay in touch with all things Tufts! Follow Orientation on Instagram and join the Class of 2027 Facebook group!

No worries! All webinars have been recorded and posted to our Orientation Programs and Communications web page. You'll find an archive of all of this summer's messages there, too!

Please contact Student Services at 617-627-2000 or StudentServices@tufts.edu.