The Office of the Dean of Students serves as a resource for students throughout their academic careers at American University. Students are often faced with issues that reach across the boundaries of academic, social, and extracurricular activities and do not have to manage those issues alone.

Our team is here to assist students by:

• Providing guidance through personal difficulties that affect one’s academic success, such as hospitalization, injury, extended illness, family problems, or mental health concerns
  • Students wishing to take a medical leave of absence must provide documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students supporting such action and must also meet with a member of our team prior to returning from a leave of absence
• Connecting students to wellness programs and services that support responsible decision-making and healthy behaviors
• Supporting programs on important issues facing students such as alcohol and other drugs, sexual assault, body image, stress management, and civility
• Referring to campus resources to support academic and personal success
• Sharing resources regarding health and wellness, getting involved, and living in the neighborhood

Common Referrals for Students

Self-Care Opportunities

Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services

• Explore a full range of wellness-related services, including: individual psychotherapy, referrals to off-campus providers, group psychotherapy, consultations, victim/survivor advocacy services, alcohol and other drug education, and wellness programming

Student Health Center

• Look into the comprehensive care options, including but not limited to: preventative health care, LGBTQ-specific health care, laboratory testing, gynecological services, prescription refills (after consultation), referrals to off-campus providers, management of psychiatric medications, and other common health concerns

Academic Support & Access Center 

• Learn more about critical academic services, including: academic coaching, registering for academic and other accommodations, tutoring (peer-assisted, Writing Center, math and stats program), and supplemental instruction

Mantra Health App

• AU has partnered with Mantra Health to provide students with mental health resources, virtual coaching and teletherapy, referrals, and on-demand clinical support; create a profile to access your resources online or through their free app

You@American

• AU students now have access to a personalized wellness platform, You@American, with self-checks and evaluations to help each student assess their challenges, set their own goals, and support their emotional wellbeing

Engagement Opportunities

Center for Community Engagement & Service

• CCES offers programs and resources to connect students to volunteer and service-learning opportunities in the Washington, D.C. community and beyond - signature collaborations include: Welcome Week’s Explore DC service experiences, DC Reads tutoring, the Community Service-Learning Program (CSLP), the Eagle Endowment for Public and Community Service, and the Alternative Breaks Program

Center for Diversity & Inclusion

• CDI's mission is to advance AU's commitment to respecting and valuing students by serving as a resource for students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy. The center is dedicated to enhancing LGBTQ, multicultural, first-generation, and women’s experiences on campus and collaborating with campus partners, in particular those who work with international students, students with disabilities, and students with active religious affiliations, to create a safe, supportive, and empowering community for all

Center for Student Involvement

• CSI is the hub for the student experience at American University and facilitates leadership development, organizational advising, and programs that help foster a sense of belonging for the next generation of change makers - explore organizations and upcoming events

International Student & Scholar Services

• ISSS cultivates academic success and personal development for international students and scholars through providing immigration services and cultural guidance to the community by educating, advocating, and training while complying with federal regulations governing international education exchange

Kay Spiritual Life Center

• Kay is home to a rich array of faith communities and fosters a climate of interfaith understanding and cooperation. It serves as a crossroads where people of conscience and spirit find a place for their questions and life struggles. Chaplains from diverse faith traditions provide opportunities for prayer and worship and are available to students, faculty and staff for programming, counseling and guidance on issues of faith and ethics. The center also host programs designed to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of current social, economic and political issues affecting the nation and the world

Recreational Sports & Fitness

• RecFit helps students stay active through a variety of opportunities, including: group exercise, personal training, club sports, intramural sports, and managing the operation of the fitness centers and aquatics center