Advocacy and Navigating Issues

The Office of the Dean of Students often meets with students who are experiencing challenges, obstacles, or crisis in their life that may affect their success at UD, and we serve as a resource hub to connect students to resources both on- and off-campus. We are happy to meet with you to discuss what has been happening and how we can help ensure your success at UD.

Our staff advocates on behalf of all undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your Blue Hen experience and discuss advocacy needs. We understand that select student populations have different needs around support and advocacy. Please explore the sections below to learn about resources for various student populations.

Building Self-Advocacy Skills

We are here to support you during your time at UD. We believe that the ability to advocate for oneself is an important life skill that we incorporate into our conversations with you. Self-advocacy does not mean doing it all by yourself without the assistance of others. Self-Advocacy is learning how to speak up for yourself, making your own decisions about your own life, learning how to get information so that you understand things that are of interest to you, finding out who will support you in your journey, knowing your rights and responsibilities, problem solving, listening and learning, and reaching out to others when you need help.

Addressing Academic or Nonacademic Grievances

From time to time, you may encounter a barrier at the University of Delaware. This may come in the form of a decision that was made about your academic work, your behavior, or a policy that perhaps you feel, unjustly, keeps you from participating in something at the University in which you believe you are entitled to participate. Though the staff in the Office of the Dean of Students are rarely the decision makers in these policies, we serve as guides and advocates for students who find themselves in these types of situations. We welcome you to come in and make an appointment so that we can hear your concerns. We will listen to you, ask you key questions, explain your options, connect you with relevant resources, and refer you to the correct grievance process to have your matter resolved. For specific information about the Grade Grievance Process, please see the Guide to the University Policies.

Navigating University of Delaware Policies

Navigating University policy
There are many policies at UD which can seem overwhelming to navigate at times. Contact us, and we would be happy to speak with you further about the policy(ies) that pertain to your situation to make sure that you understand them fully as well as your rights and responsibilities.

Excused Absence Policy
The University of Delaware Excused Absence Policy can be found in the University Catalog. It is the policy of the University of Delaware not to cancel classes on religious holidays. However, students and faculty are encouraged to exercise their own judgment pertaining to their attendance on these days. In addition, faculty are encouraged not to schedule examinations or require the submission of special assignments on the following days: the evenings before as well as the first two days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Good Friday, and the evening before and the first two days of Passover. If you have questions about this policy you can also contact the Assistant Dean of your college.

Living Off-Campus or Commuting from Home

Off-Campus Living
Visit our Living Off Campus page for a complete guide to off-campus living, links to relevant services and contacts, and resources for making the most of your time at UD.
Commuting from Home
We recognize the unique needs of commuter students and are here to help you maximize your UD experience. We are happy to meet with you to discuss any questions or concerns that may arise during your time at UD.

Lockers are available for rent in Trabant University Center for students who need a place to store belongings throughout the day. Contact University Student Centers for more information.

Attending UD as a Military Veteran or Service Member

The staff of the Office of the Dean of Students stands ready to support all student veterans and service members to help you navigate and succeed within the university environment. Visit the Student Veterans page to find resources and connect with UD’s Student Veteran Services Coordinator.

Dealing with Homelessness or Food Insecurity

Get Help with the Essentials
Visit our new Help with the Essentials webpage for details on several resources available to UD students experiencing food insecurity, financial concerns, or difficulty maintaining access to housing or technology.