Office of the Dean of Students
Our primary purpose is to enhance student thriving on campus reflective of the values and traditions inherent in the Jesuit vision of education.
Care, advocacy, and accountability for every Blue Streak
This is the office to come to when life on campus gets complicated — when you need someone in your corner, a clear next step, or help navigating university processes.
We support you through challenges, uphold the standards that make our community possible, and connect you with the resources that help you thrive.
Need help right now?
Start here based on what you're facing.
In an emergency
Contact JCU Police 24/7 for immediate safety concerns on campus. Dial 911 for off-campus emergencies.
(216) 397-1234 →Talk to someone
The University Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling, crisis support, referrals, and psychiatry — free to current students.
(216) 397-4283 →Report a concern
Report harassment, ethics violations, or policy concerns confidentially through EthicsPoint, JCU's third-party hotline.
1-866-860-1886 →For faculty, staff & families
Worried about a student?
If you've noticed something that doesn't seem right — a sudden change, a missed pattern of classes, a worrying conversation — you don't need to be sure something is wrong to reach out. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll take it from there.
Signs worth noting
- Sudden change in attendance, grades, or engagement
- Marked shifts in mood, appearance, or behavior
- Talk of hopelessness, self-harm, or withdrawal from peers
- Concerning written or verbal communication
- A situation that just doesn't feel right to you
Common questions & processes
Quick answers to the situations students and families bring us most often.
How does the student conduct process work?
Owned by Dean of Students
When a possible policy violation is reported, the Dean of Students Office reviews the report and determines next steps under the Community Standards Manual. Students involved are notified, given an opportunity to share their account, and informed of any outcomes or expectations. Our focus is on accountability and education — not punishment for its own sake.
How do I request a withdrawal or leave of absence?
Routed through Student Enrollment & Financial Services
When a student decides to discontinue enrollment, formal notice must be given to Student Enrollment and Financial Services (SEFS). Students can initiate either a Permanent Withdrawal (no intent to return) or a Leave of Absence (intent to return). A Leave of Absence does not delay program expiration dates.
The Dean of Students Office can help you think through whether withdrawal or a leave is the right path, and can connect you with the right people in Financial Aid, the Registrar, and your academic dean.
SEFS: Rodman Hall, Room 249 · (216) 397-4248 · enrollment@jcu.edu
I need to miss class for an extended period. What should I do?
Owned by Dean of Students
For an extended absence due to illness, hospitalization, family emergency, or another significant circumstance, the Dean of Students Office can coordinate communication with your faculty. This is not an excused absence — your faculty decide how to handle missed work — but it ensures everyone is informed and you're not making the same explanation multiple times.
For shorter absences, contact your professors directly.
I'm a parent. Can the office talk to me about my student?
FERPA — Registrar's Office
Under FERPA, students at the college level own their education records. We can listen to any concern a family member shares with us, and we will follow up with the student. We're often unable to share specifics back to the family unless the student has given consent.
Students can grant their parents or other third parties view-only access to records like schedule, grades, billing, and financial aid through the Proxy Access system.
Registrar: St. Ignatius Hall Annex, Room B102 · (216) 397-6650 · registrar@jcu.edu
I want to report something — harassment, misconduct, or a policy concern.
You have options depending on what you'd like to share and how:
- Contact the Dean of Students directly if you'd like to talk through what happened with someone first.
- File a report through EthicsPoint, JCU's third-party hotline, for matters including harassment, ethics violations, or violations of university policy. Reports can be made by web form or by phone at 1-866-860-1886, and can be made confidentially.
- In an emergency or safety situation, contact JCU Police at (216) 397-1234.
I live on campus and have a question about residence hall policies.
What we do
We're the connective tissue for the moments — joyful, difficult, or somewhere in between — that don't fit neatly into one department.
Student Conduct & Community Standards
We administer the Community Standards Manual and the student conduct process — focused on accountability, learning, and restoration rather than punishment.
Advocacy & Support
When you're facing a crisis, family emergency, or a situation you're not sure how to handle, we're a confidential first call. We help you find the right office, person, or resource.
Absence & Leave Coordination
We coordinate communication to your faculty for extended absences related to illness, hospitalization, or family emergency, and partner with other offices on withdrawals and leaves.
Family Communication
We partner with families when concerns arise about a student, within the bounds of FERPA. Families can also be granted Proxy Access through the Registrar's Office to view student records.
Bias, Harassment & Reporting
We help you report incidents of harassment, discrimination, or policy violations — and connect you to EthicsPoint, Title IX, or law enforcement as needed. Reports can be made confidentially.
Related offices
We work closely with these partners. If you already know what you need, go directly to the source.
