Office of the Dean of Students

We work to affirm the values adopted by the Division of Student Life in all we do. The values that guide our work include:

Students

University of Delaware students are central to all that we do, and we commit to maintaining their success as our primary focus and celebrating each student as an individual.

Learning & Development

We create learner-centered and goal-focused educational experiences. We empower students to explore, engage and reflect in order to cultivate their overall development and broaden their capacity for lifelong learning.

Partnerships & Connections

We collaborate with students, colleagues, faculty, parents, alumni and community members to ensure student success. Our partnerships both strengthen the work we do, and contribute to the overall ability of the University to achieve its mission and strategic priorities.

Inclusive Community

We create and support an inclusive campus community in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity, and where understanding and perspective-building is actively encouraged through civility, compassion, curiosity and dialogue.

Personal & Social Responsibility

We promote communities in which individuals take ownership for their ideas and their well-being, are responsible for their actions, recognize their capacity to make positive change and commit to making a difference.

Excellence

We role model excellence because we recognize the potential for greatness in all students and staff. We develop and implement innovative programs and services, use professional standards and assessment to guide our work, and are steadfast stewards of fiscal, environmental and human resources.

ODS also supports the StUDent Government Association in upholding these student-defined values for all Blue Hens: 

RESPECT | INNOVATION | MENTORSHIP | ENGAGEMENT | OPENNESS 

We as Blue Hens are part of a community of scholars that is committed to giving back and making a difference. We create a community where diversity is essential, fearlessness is admired, and pride is born. Our legacy is built as we uphold these values defined by students for students:

Respect – We support the inherent right for all members of our community to have a voice and freely share their ideas. We acknowledge that an environment where there is mutual respect and dialogue leads to greater learning.

Openness – We believe that diversity is not enough. Diversity is acknowledging that differences exist. Openness means that we are accepting of learning from and engaging with all members of our community.

Innovation – We challenge all Blue Hens to be bold and creative as we strive for a better world. We will be committed to progress, while recognizing the value of past experiences. Our education provides us limitless opportunities to move ourselves and others forward.

Engagement – We will take an active role in the life of the university, both as learners and contributing community members. We know that true growth comes from being an active and engaged participant in our experiences.

Mentorship – We seek to become visionary and passionate Blue Hens who understand our role in fostering society’s next generation of responsible and ethical leaders. We will build relationships that foster excellence, support, and accountability.

It is our responsibility as Blue Hens to enable and empower each other to attain these values. As Blue Hens, we are committed to these ideals and will work to hold one another accountable. Through this work, we are doing our part to ensure that “with a Daring Spirit Bold, Delaware Will Shine.”