About Us

The Division of Student Affairs supports the Suffolk University mission by striving to provide a welcoming, supportive and engaging environment that enriches the academic, social, and personal experiences of all students, where the full potential of success can be achieved. Our goal is to empower and develop the multiple facets of the identities of our students (artistic, spiritual, athletic, leadership, academic, etc.), which will in turn help to shape the Suffolk community and beyond.

Our office strives to:

  • Provide leadership and support for university-wide student affairs programs
  • Support students in their intellectual, moral, ethical, social, cultural emotional, and physical development
  • Challenge students to create a diverse community of mutual respect through cultural exploration and understanding of social justice issues
  • Promote the common good while listening to the individual voice, encouraging independent thought and interdependent actions
  • Motivate students to contribute as leaders, team members, professionals, and world citizens through experiential learning opportunities
  • Utilize the City of Boston as an educational environment where learning has no boundaries
  • Create local and global academic, professional, and personal connections

You may visit our office if:

  • You would like to request a leave of absence or withdrawal from the university.
  • You're having personal, financial, or academic difficulties, and want to speak with someone to find out what you can do and/or get support.
  • You're applying to graduate school or for a job and need a letter of recommendation from the Dean of Students.
  • You received a letter from the Academic Standing Committee, the Student Financial Services, or Student Accounts, and you don't know what to do.
  • You've violated a policy or otherwise gotten into difficulty and have received a notice to appear for a discipline hearing.
  • It's graduation time and you need to pick up your commencement materials or you would like to apply to become the student commencement speaker.

The Student Affairs Division Is Comprised of the Following Departments

The Athletics Department's programs of intercollegiate, intramural and life fitness skills are designed to offer activities that reveal sports as a meaningful component of a student's total educational experience.

The Center for Community Engagement engages Suffolk University students, faculty, staff and alumni in a variety of meaningful service opportunities designed to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for individuals.

The primary goal of Counseling, Health & Wellness is to provide timely and comprehensive short-term counseling services and medical care to Suffolk University undergraduate and graduate students.

The Office of Diversity Services is at the center of Suffolk’s efforts to maintain a welcoming climate on campus for everyone. We’re proud to be the primary resource for African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American (AHANA), and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members of the campus community.

The mission of the Office of Health and Wellness Services is to assist all Suffolk University students in maintaining optimum physical and emotional health, by making available comprehensive, high-quality, easily accessible, cost-effective primary care.

The Interfaith Center is an on-campus resource helping students, faculty, and staff meet their spiritual, moral, and social needs.

The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs coordinates all orientation and transition programs for incoming new and transfer students.

The Performing Arts Office works to create, support, and increase student performance opportunities on campus through its ongoing groups, various theatrical productions, and campus community events.

The goal of the Department of Residence Life & Housing Services is to provide all Suffolk University resident students with a community which is safe and secure; fosters academic and intellectual achievement; supports personal growth and development; and encourages community living, and appreciation of diversity.

The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement is committed to providing Suffolk students with opportunities to develop and realize their personal potential and leadership capacity through involvement in co-curricular activities.

The Guiding Principles of Our Work

Assist students to actively embrace and craft their experience at Suffolk, while teaching the aptitudes of self-advocacy, intellectual curiosity, leadership, and personal responsibility. Encourage and provide opportunities for involvement in co-curricular activities that enhance leaning (artistic, spiritual, athletic, leadership, academic, etc.). Engage students in developing personal and professional skills needed to be successful and cultivate versatile individuals who will have a strong, prideful connection to the University as active alumni.

Foster awareness, respect, and appreciation for individual experiences, beliefs, and ideas by cultivating a genuine understanding for the rich diversity of our community. Engage in conversations related to power and privilege in our society. Promote a community that is inclusive and supportive of independent opinions; that encourages students to be involved with the process of change; and where differences are celebrated.

Provide opportunities for students to become invested in their community’s quality of life while empowering them to positively change their surroundings. Instill the value of personal and civic responsibility through cultivation of personal integrity, including increased awareness of social issues, volunteerism, and community involvement. Provide meaningful opportunities for self-reflection and active participation in service to others to instill a sense of ongoing relationship with our communities.

Create an environment where students, staff, and faculty actively and sensitively support one another as equal members of the Suffolk University community, as well as cultivate empathy and compassion for those members who are the most in need. Focus on enabling students to manage personal and academic problems that can inhibit growth and development.