Letter from the Dean of Student Life

Greetings!

As the Dean of Student Life, I have the awesome pleasure and responsibility to lead the Division of Student Life in promoting our vision that all students have a sense of belonging at Mills College. The Division of Student Life is comprised of four units that are all here to assist you during this important journey: Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (APER) – located in Haas Pavilion; Community Life, comprised of Office of Residential Life (ORL), Office of Student Activities (OSA), and Student Diversity Programs (SDP),Spiritual and Religious Life (SRL) – mostly located in Rothwell Center except ORL located in the Cowell Building and the Residence Halls and Independent Living buildings and SRL in the Chapel; Student Services, comprised of Career Services Office (CSO), Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), and Wellness and Community Outreach (WCO) – mostly located in the Cowell Building; Operations, comprised of central systems and the Administrative Support Team(AST) – located in the Cowell Building in partnership with the Dean of Student Life Office. To contact someone in the Division of Student Life, please call 510.430.2130 or email deanofstudents@mills.edu.

We encourage your full participation in Orientation and to get involved in substantial ways in the life of the College. Look out for opportunities to connect with a program or service sponsored by the Belonging Initiative. Research shows that students who are involved both in and outside of the classroom are more likely to succeed academically and persist to graduation. Orientation will give you a head start in making meaningful connections with your new classmates, continuing Mills students, and your academic advisor. It will provide an introduction to a host of resources to assist you in utilizing your brilliance to meet your goals as Mills women who “make the world more!” We know that this is not only an important milestone for you, but also for your family, loved ones and other important people in your life who may be impacted by your decision to join the Mills community.

We look forward to having you join our amazing Mills community! I look forward to meeting each of you, and to challenging and cheering you on through this amazing journey.

All the best,

Joi D. Lewis
Dean of Student Life and Vice Provost