Get to know the Division of Student Affairs at UM-Flint (2025-26 academic year)

Student life is a central part of the UM-Flint experience, and DSA provides services, programs and opportunities that support students throughout their time on campus. With more than 100 student clubs and organizations, as well as resources ranging from counseling and wellness services to leadership development and community-building programs, DSA works to ensure students have access to the tools they need to succeed.

The division's work is guided by three pillars: access & opportunity, engagement & support, and health & well-being. Together, these pillars address key aspects of college life by connecting students to resources, building inclusive communities and promoting balance and well-being. Grounded in the values of belonging, leadership, wellness and real-world learning, DSA supports the whole student experience from enrollment to graduation.

Learn more about the areas within DSA, who they are and how they support students.

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 

DSA is led by Christopher Giordano, vice chancellor for student affairs. He has served in this roles since 2018, bringing more than 25 years of experience in higher education and student affairs to the role. He leads a division comprising 11 departments that deliver programs, services and support designed to foster student success, belonging, equity and engagement across campus. Giordano's support staff—including communications and administrative specialists—help ensure the division operates smoothly and that students can access the resources and assistance they need throughout their UM-Flint experience.

Staff:

• Christopher Giordano, vice chancellor for student affairs
• Caroline Rathbun, communications specialist
• Mary Velasquez, executive secretary
• Mariann Quaderer, senior accountant

Location: 237 University Pavilion  
Phone: 810-762-3434  
Email: flint.studentaffairs@umich.edu
Web: DSA Website | Student Affairs Instagram 

Engagement & Support

Office of the Dean of Students

ODOS provides resources and services to support students' academic, personal and social well-being, with a focus on engagement, advocacy and leadership development. The office leads the engagement & support pillar within DSA, supporting campuswide engagement efforts and student-centered initiatives.

ODOS manages key aspects of campus life, including student activities, clubs and organizations, fraternity and sorority Life, leadership programs, and signature campus events such as the Mgagement Fair, Maize and Blue Days, Homecoming, and the Celebrating Wolverine Excellence awards ceremony. The office also oversees Housing & Residential Life and Conferences & Events, coordinating community-building and involvement opportunities for all students.

Student-focused programs and resources include Wolverine Essentials, which provides access to supplemental food, housing and clothing resources, hygiene items, and basic needs support. The C.A.R.E. Team assists students facing personal, academic or behavioral challenges and connects them with appropriate resources. ODOS partners with sustainability initiatives such as Planet Blue Ambassadors and administers the DSA Emergency Grant Program and other emergency funds to help students overcome financial barriers that may disrupt their academic progress.

Staff:

• Julie Snyder, associate vice chancellor and dean of students
• Anthony Webster Jr., assistant dean for student support
• Lucas Langdon, assistant dean for student engagement
• Mandy Myers, administrative assistant senior – business operations
• Christine Hogarth, senior administrative assistant – office management
• Jazlynne Cathey, sustainability program coordinator
• Beth Green, case manager
• Jaleesa Herrington, program manager
• Hope Hariston, student engagement manager

Location: 359 University Center  
Phone: 810-762-5728  
Email: flint.deanofstudents@umich.edu
Web: ODOS website |  ODOS Instagram

Conferences and Events

CAE assists students, faculty, staff and community members in planning successful gatherings on campus. The CAE team guides users in reserving appropriate locations and coordinates details for university and non-university events, including meetings, workshops, lectures and special celebrations. The staff is knowledgeable about campus spaces and is committed to customer service for all event types. Partnerships with departments and organizations help create and sustain campus and community programs, making it easy for students and others to host gatherings of any size at UM-Flint.

Staff:

• Gina Rose, director of conferences and events
• Angela Alderman, program manager, external events
• Sydney Sayre, program manager, external events
• Ronald Bailey, program manager, internal events
• Launa Collins, university events manager
• Steven Landis, program manager, internal events
• Jennifer King, administrative assistant intermediate

Location: 172 University Center  
Phone: 810-762-3436  
Email: flint.cae@umich.edu
Website: CAE Website

Housing & Residential Life

UM-Flint provides undergraduate and graduate student housing, offering convenient access to classes, campus resources and a variety of dining, arts and cultural venues. Housing & Residential Life oversees First Street Residence Hall and Riverfront Residence Hall, both of which feature modern living spaces designed to support student learning and engagement.

HRL prioritizes affordability, safety and comfort for all residents. On-campus housing options foster a sense of community while supporting students' academic and personal development throughout their time at the university.

Staff:

• Melissa Winter, director
• Joslyn Brown, associate director
• Ally Miron, program manager, housing and dining
• Amy Clolinger, office manager
• Heather Hutchinson, administrative assistant senior
• Jalen Dickerson, First Street Residence Hall director
• Stephanie Svob, Riverfront Residence Hall director

Riverfront Residence Hall Office
1 Riverfront Center West, Suite 101

First Street Residence Hall 
301 East First Street

Phone:  

• Housing & Residential Life: 810-237-6571  
• First Street front desk: 810-762-0161  
• Resident adviser duty phone: 810-814-0251

Email: flint.housing
Web: HRL Website | HRL Instagram

Student Health & Well-Being

Student health & well-being is one of the three pillars of DSA and encompasses Counseling and Psychological Services, Recreational Services, and Disability and Accessibility Support Services. The division provides academic, health and extracurricular support that promotes overall student well-being.

Health and well-being initiatives are expanding, supported by the Michigan Integrated Assessment for Learning and Engagement in Prevention grant and the recent hiring of a well-being educator. These efforts aim to enhance resources and programs for the physical, mental and emotional health of all UM-Flint students.

Key Personnel: 

• Lisa Sancrant, assistant vice chancellor for health and well-being  
• Manasa Mandla Boya, well-being educator

Web: Website | Health & Well-being Instagram

Counseling and Psychological Services

CAPS offers free and confidential mental health services to all enrolled students, including individual, couples and group counseling, as well as support groups and workshops. Appointments, both virtual and in-person, can be scheduled by calling 810-762-3456 or by requesting an intake online. CAPS also provides 24/7 crisis support, referrals, presentations and access to a Wellness Room.

Staff:

• Juanita Tookes, assistant director  
• Amanda Burleson, social worker/counselor  
• Angelica Pineda, counselor  
• Matthew Oxie, social worker/counselor  
• Reilly Chabie, counselor  
• Janice Jones, senior administrative assistant

Location: 264 University Center  
Phone: 810-762-3456  
Web: CAPS Website | CAPS Instagram

Disability and Accessibility Support Services

DASS collaborates with students to provide individualized accommodations based on documented needs, including extended test time and note-taking assistance. The office, located in University Pavilion, supports all students—those with visible and invisible disabilities or chronic health conditions—through a confidential and welcoming environment.

DASS collaborates with faculty and staff to implement accommodations and enhance accessibility across campus, encompassing both physical and digital environments. Offerings include assistive technologies, advocacy and workshops to support student success and inclusivity at UM-Flint.

Staff: 

• Elizabeth Stradinger, assistant director  
• Kelly Sowa, coach and outreach coordinator

Location: 245 University Pavilion
Phone: 810-762-3456  
Email: dassflint
Web: DASS Website

Recreational Services

Recreational Services manages the Recreation Center, including fitness classes, intramural sports, esports, and club sports programs. The facility, located next to the Harding Mott University Center, has three levels with weight and cardio areas, multipurpose gym courts and racquetball courts; currently, the gym and suspended track are closed for repairs.

UM-Flint students have free access to the Recreation Center, including drop-in fitness classes and intramural leagues. REC promotes health and well-being, helping students stay active and engaged on campus.

Staff: 

• Julia Stulock, director  
• Jessica Viertlboeck, assistant director for fitness  
• Ervin Leavy, assistant director for facility operations  
• Vance Arrington, program manager, intramural/club sports  
• Luke Rimarcik, program manager, esports  
• Connor Quigley, member services manager  
• JoAnn Ford, marketing coordinator

Phone: 810-762-3441 
Email: reccenter@umich.edu  
Web: Rec Center Website  | Rec Center Instagram   

Access & Opportunity

Wolverine HOPE

The Wolverine Hub of Opportunity, Persistence and Excellence is UM-Flint's central source for student support, belonging and success. Under Wolverine HOPE and DSA, units include the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives, the Center for Gender & Sexuality and the Intercultural Center. These centers provide safe and inclusive spaces, multicultural programming and comprehensive support for all students—from their first campus visit to graduation.

Staff:

• David Luke, assistant vice chancellor for access and opportunity  
• Mai Lee, executive secretary

Intercultural Center

The Intercultural Center, established in 2014, provides spaces for cultural student organizations and supports students from diverse backgrounds. Located in the University Center, the ICC offers reservable meeting and event spaces, serving as a hub for cross-cultural interaction and community building. While its primary focus is supporting cultural and marginalized identities, ICC resources and programs are open to all members of the university community.

Staff:  

• LaQwana "Q" Dockery, assistant director

Location: 115 University Center  
Phone: 810-762-3045  
Web: ICC Website | ICC Instagram

Center for Gender & Sexuality

CGS is a vibrant hub that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusivity. The center offers a welcoming space for all students, especially those who identify as women, LGBTQIA+ or survivors of sexual violence. It features a range of programs and services designed to educate, support and empower the campus community.

CGS offers a LGBTQIA+ safe space, a gender and sexuality-themed residential community, educational workshops and advocacy for domestic violence survivors. Peer educators offer guidance on topics such as consent, healthy relationships and gender identity. Weekly events include Women Talk Wednesday and Queer Thursday, offering numerous opportunities to get involved in activism and social justice.

Staff:  

• Samara Hough, director  
• Hilary Murmers, LGBTQIA coordinator  
• CJ Karow, advocacy and outreach coordinator

Location: 213 University Center  
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday  
Phone: 810-237-6648  
Email: cgs.umflint
Web: CGS Website | CGS Instagram

Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives

EOI empowers underrepresented and special populations of students from Flint and the surrounding community. Through high-quality programming and a holistic approach, EOI supports diverse populations, with a focus on access to and preparation for postsecondary education.

Key programs include:

• Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
• King-Chavez-Parks Select Student Support Services Program
• Mpowering My Success (Department of Health and Human Services, Youth in Transition)
• Michigan College/University Partnership
• Morris Hood Jr. Educational Development Program

These grant-assisted initiatives offer high-quality support tailored to student needs, helping them succeed academically and connect with their community. EOI is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus where all students can thrive.

Staff:

• Bianca Torbert, program manager, MHED
• Diamond Wilder, assistant program manager, pre-college 
• Jerry Alexander, assistant program manager, GEAR UP  
• John Girdwood, program manager, KCP 4S  
• Desiree Fischer, life skills coach

Location: 280 University Center  
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday  
Phone: 810-762-3365  
Email: eoi-programs
Web: EOI Website 

Student Veterans Resource Center

UM-Flint's SVRC offers dedicated support to veterans, service members and their families, assisting with GI Bill benefits, admissions and veteran-specific campus and community resources. Annual events include the Veterans' Graduation Ceremony, Veterans Day Ceremony and regular meet-and-greets to foster community.

SVRC is located in the University Pavilion and provides a welcoming lounge for study and social interaction and access to computers and printing. UM-Flint is recognized as a gold-level veteran-friendly school and offers the Valiant Veterans Scholarship and Go Blue Guarantee to further support veterans' educational success.

Staff:  

• Helen Budd, program manager  
• Michelle Smith, SVRC coordinator  
• Monique Allen, administrative assistant

Location: 131 University Pavilion   
Phone: 810-424-5589  
Email: dept.svrc
Web: SVRC Website