The Dean of First-Year Students counsels and advises all first-year students on academic matters and oversees academic regulations as they affect first-year students.

The Dean of First-Year Students is a member of the faculty and serves on a number of faculty and administrative committees responsible for the welfare of Vassar students. The dean also assigns faculty pre-major advisors and co-chairs the New Student Orientation Committee.

The Dean of First-Year Students works closely with students who may be experiencing difficulties and helps them make full use of the college’s resources and support systems. When appropriate, the dean of first-year students can also offer students some form of academic relief. Any first-year student who needs to be away from campus because of an illness or family emergency or who is considering a leave of absence or withdrawal from Vassar should consult the dean of first-year students.