Who We Are

The Dean of Students Office assists students with a variety of concerns by working directly with them and connecting them to appropriate resources on campus. We also consult with and serve as a resource for faculty and staff, parents, families, and friends, working together to serve students.

Mission & Vision

We want to support student success by creating a culture of caring on campus, so when students need help, they know The Dean Of Students Office is the place to go.

What we do

Inform

We provide accurate & timely information on University policies and procedures.

We identify the campus and community resources necessary to achieve positive outcome to student concerns.

Guide you to the right place

We provide referrals so concerns are brought to the attention of the appropriate University official.

We help facilitate contact with the proper office or service.

Consult

We provide advice about how to deal with any situation which may be causing difficulty.

We offer guidance and coaching to enhance student’s capacity to succeed.

Provide Title IX assistance

We provide assistance to students who are victims of incidents involving sexual harassment or violence, investigate complaints, assist with interim measure and accommodations for both the victim/complainant and respondent.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students oversees the Dean of Students Office, is an integral part of Student Affairs, and collaborates broadly across campus units and programs that serve students, such as the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement and University Housing, to enhance UW–Madison as a welcoming and inclusive community for all students.

Christina Olstad

Credentials: EdD (she/her)

Position title: Dean of Students

Email: doso@studentaffairs.wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Address:
Dean of Students Office
70 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706

Staff

The staff of the Dean of Students Office are typically the ones you will engage when you need the resources the office provides.

Hope Dymond

Position title: Student Assistance Specialist

Email: hope.dymond@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Elaine Goetz

Position title: Graduate Student Assistance Specialist

Email: egoetz2@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Jennifer Horace

Position title: Assistant Director - Bias Response

Email: jennifer.horace@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Kathy Kruse

Position title: Associate Dean of Students, Director of the Dean of Students Office

Email: kathy.kruse@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Angela Ramos

Position title: Case Manager

Email: angela.ramos@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Tynille Rufenacht

Position title: Case Manager

Email: tynille.rufenacht@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Jeff Turner

Position title: Student Assistance Specialist

Email: jeff.turner@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

Rachael Willits

Position title: Associate Director

Email: rachael.willits@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5700

The Behavior Intervention Team

Chaired by the Director of the Dean of Students Office, the team includes membership from campus units that support students’ success, health, and well-being. The team addresses student behavior which demonstrates a risk of harm to self or the campus community, recommending and facilitating appropriate interventions, including, but not limited to, referrals to campus and community resources.

Behavior Intervention Team

We're here for you

Drop-In Appointments

Anytime you'd like to chat, we'd be glad to talk about any concern you have, without judgement. Schedule a same-day Drop-In appointment in person or via phone or video conference.

Staff members holding up the Wisconsin "W" hand symbol.

Contact

Dean’s Office Contacts

How can we help?

Call us at:
608-263-5700

Email us at:
doso@studentaffairs.wisc.edu

Line art image of Bascom Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Dean of Students Office
70 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1380


Monday-Friday: 8:30am -4pm
during Fall and Spring semester

After Hours Contacts

Crisis response:
Call Mental Health Services
608-265-5600 (option 9)
Emergencies:
Dial 911 for immediate help from the
UW Police Department
UWPD Non-emergency line: 608-264-2677