Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Vice President for Student Affairs: Michael Whaley, North College, Room 220, extension 3160, e-mail: mwhaley@wesleyan.edu.

The primary mission of Wesleyan is to create a dynamic learning environment in which each student is inspired to acquire academic, intellectual, creative, and leadership capabilities that prepare her or him for a life of learning and active citizenship in a rapidly changing global community. The Vice President for Student Affairs Office is primarily responsible for developing, organizing, and integrating academic and nonacademic resources in support of this mission.

The Vice President for Student Affairs  is responsible for the supervision, coordination, and integration of resources, services, programs, and personnel that support student learning and development. The dean also serves as a member of the University's senior staff, as an ex officio member of the Honor Board, and as co-chair of the Student Life Committee.

• Class Deans

  Each class year has a class dean. While class deans have many responsibilities, their primary responsibility is to support students in their pursuit of an excellent learning experience. Class deans serve as sources of information about services and opportunities available to students. They are also sources of information about the requirements for graduation and other University policies and procedures.

  Many Wesleyan students meet regularly with their class deans to discuss academic, social, and personal challenges, for example, how to develop effective study and time management skills, how to deal with homesickness, and how to achieve personal goals. Some students consult with their class deans about how they can improve their academic standing and take advantage of the many opportunities and resources at the University as well as in Middletown and the surrounding area.

  Class deans also monitor each student's academic progress toward fulfilling the requirements for graduation. Students who are on academic probation are required to meet with their class deans to discuss what steps they are taking to return to good academic standing.

  Dean for the Class of 2021: Louise Brown, North College, Room 202, extension 2762 e-mail: lsbrown@wesleyan.edu.
  

  The first year is an exciting year for discovery and challenge on many levels. First-year students meet with their class dean to discuss concerns ranging from how to make a successful transition from home and high school to Wesleyan, to what courses to take in their sophomore year. Some first-year students seek information about University resources and services, and others seek assistance in working through personal and academic challenges.

  Dean for the Class of 2020: Marina J. Melendez, North College, Room 215, extension 2764, e-mail: mmelendez@wesleyan.edu

  The sophomore year may be the hardest year of college. With the intimidating but exciting first year behind them and the pressure to declare a major ahead, many sophomores really do feel the proverbial slump. However, it may also prove to be their most fulfilling year if students use all available resources to explore, challenge themselves, and refine their interests.

  Dean for the Class of 2020: David Phillips, North College, Room 217, extension 2757, e-mail: dphillips@wesleyan.edu

  Sophomores visit their class dean at various points in the year to discuss the process of choosing a major. Questions range from whether a student should double-or triple-major to what a student should do if he or she is absolutely stumped about a major.

  Just as often, however, sophomores visit their class dean to learn about the academic support resources at Wesleyan, as sophomores exploring the curriculum will find that certain subjects in which they excelled in high school are more challenging in college. The class dean is a perfect resource in this common predicament, helping the student create strategies for building skills and confidence, as well as discussing appropriate support resources.

  The sophomore class dean is also the contact for general information about the Dean's Office Tutoring Program. All students are encouraged to speak with their individual class dean if they feel they might benefit from tutoring.

  Dean for the Class of 2019: Jennifer Wood, North College, Room 215, extension 2774: jpwood@wesleyan.edu.

  Juniors start out their year with a major and have the freedom to focus more specifically on their chosen field of study as well as to continue to pursue other areas of interests. In that process, the junior class dean is an excellent resource for juniors who are exploring career options, internships and other opportunities; she also provides advice on how to manage the transition to senior year.

  In addition to providing academic advising and support, the junior class dean coordinates the University Major, the Twelve-College Exchange Program, and the University Scholars Program. Dean Brown serves as the campus representative for the Truman and Beinecke Scholarships, and she coordinates the annual awarding of academic scholarships, fellowships, and prizes to outstanding members of the Wesleyan community.

  Dean for the Class of 2018: Renee Johnson-Thornton, North College, Room 217, extension 2764, e-mail: rjohnson01@wesleyan.edu

  The senior year offers the opportunity for a culminating learning experience as students take advantage, for the last time as undergraduates, of all that Wesleyan has to offer both in and outside of the classroom. They spend the senior year not only in in-depth study, but also preparing themselves for graduation and life after Wesleyan.

  To this end, the senior class dean works closely with the seniors on their programs of study and academic records as well as on postgraduate options and issues of leaving. She certifies students for graduation and is involved in various activities and committees related to graduation. The senior class dean coordinates Academic Review, the Operational Committee, and the Readmission Committee, and processes law school recommendations. She also serves as the campus representative for the Watson Fellowship .