Welcome to the Office of the Dean of Students
About Us
The Office of the Dean of Students primary responsibility is to enhance the quality of student life outside of the classroom. The Office of the Dean of Students collaborates with many departments within Student Affairs and the academic division to help students integrate their out of classroom experiences with their academic learning. We encourage every student to take advantage of the leadership development opportunities, co-curricular programming, diversity initiatives, and volunteer services that the Division of Student Affairs has to offer.
The Office of the Dean of Students is also concerned about the moral and ethical development of our students. We expect our students to play an active and respectful role in community life at Fairfield University and adhere to University Code of Conduct. We help students make responsible decisions through peer mentor programs, one-on-one meetings with agents of the Dean's office, and creative, educational programs.
Contact Information
Barone Campus Center, 4th floor
Main Number: (203) 254-4211
Fax: (203) 254-4014
DOSoffice@fairfield.edu
Staff
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Karen Donoghue Dean of Students |
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Kimberly L. Nickolenko, M.A. Associate Dean of Students |
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Caroline Fain Program Assistant |
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Madeline Minerly Program Assistant |
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Rita Sherwood Administrative Assistant |
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Fr. Michael Doody Director of Restorative Counseling |
Student Handbook
All students should be familiar with the contents of the Student Handbook.
Leadership Opportunities
Peer Conduct Board
The Peer Conduct Board serves the very important function of enabling students to undertake the responsibility of self-discipline and self-governance in the area of student conduct. The Peer Conduct Board serves as an arm of the Office of the Dean of Students and is authorized by that office to serve as a student conduct hearing body for violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Apply to the Peer Conduct Board
Formative Sanctions
Crossroads Retreat
Crossroads Retreat is a disciplinary sanction program that is offered once a semester. The Retreat is designed for our students who have violated a number of community standards and find themselves at risk of losing their opportunity to be members of the Fairfield community.
This retreat has been designed to empower students to reflect on their behavior and to make respectful and responsible decisions in regards to their personal lives, and as members of the Fairfield University.
Peer Mediation
Peer mediation is a voluntary option for students who make informal complaints to the Dean of Students Office. The program offers trained student mediators who help other students resolve conflicts. The mediator facilitates communication and helps explore new ideas. The parties to the conflict make all final decisions about the outcome .Students create their own solutions with the mediator’s guidance
Restorative Mentoring
Restorative Mentoring is a disciplinary sanction program that encourages and provides an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and conversation in the areas of student behavior, moral development, responsible community participation, and our Jesuit Mission.
Students will meet with the Director of Restorative Mentoring on a regular basis to reflect intentionally about their choices. Students will be encouraged and learn how to make decisions more aligned with our Jesuit mission and their personal values.
Stag Explorers
Stag Explorers is a program to provide an opportunity for first-year students to connect with a peer after a first offense of non-serious policy violation in their first eight weeks.
Students who participate in this program will have the opportunity for non-judgmental, candid dialogue intended to glean the types of decisions they are making in their lives and challenge them to better understand their needs, the needs of the Fairfield community, and implications of further conflicts with policy on their lives within this community and beyond.