Message from the Dean of Students

Portrit of Dean Will Johnson

Dear Students,
Whether you are a student from our newest class, the Class of 2028, a returning undergraduate student, or graduate student, there is a great sense of renewal that accompanies the beginning of each academic year. I encourage you to take part in the many enriching and exciting academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Fairfield. Learning is a dynamic experience. The Office of the Dean of Students is just one of many offices within Student Life and the University as a whole here to assist you in making those important connections and pushing you towards success in all your endeavors on campus. That is our commitment to living and learning, and to you.

The Student Handbook applies to all Fairfield University students. In addition to the policies, procedures, and residency and meal plan agreements contained herein, the Student Handbook provides valuable information about services and resources available to you. Your enrollment at the University implies that you accept and agree to comply with the entire contents of the Handbook, and that you agree to be bound by all policies, procedures, and agreements set forth herein. For that reason, you should read and familiarize yourself with the Student Handbook and make use of it over the course of the academic year. The Student Handbook may be revised from time to time during the academic year. Any such revisions will be posted here at www.fairfield.edu/studenthandbook.

Fairfield University is your school, your community, and your home. When we speak of a Fairfield education, we often refer to the concept of a holistic learning process. We are interested in students' needs, well-being, and formation, both within and outside the classroom. You will see collaborative practices and programs that support this interest. Additionally, the Office of the Dean of Students is committed to the holistic development of all students in a manner consistent with the University’s Jesuit ideology, which seeks to develop individuals who know themselves, advocate for others, and are invested in serving the broader community. We expect students to respect themselves, each other, and the community in which they now belong. In addition to communicating the Student Conduct Code and other policies contained in the Student Handbook, the Office of the Dean of Students serves informational functions as well. We often say to students, if you have a question and are not sure where to go for an answer, our office is generally a good place to start!

During this academic year, I encourage you to make the most out of your Fairfield education by embracing our diverse community. Your presence and contributions to our community are what make Fairfield such a special place. Please feel free to stop by our office at any time. I wish peace, blessings, and success throughout this academic year.

Sincerely

William H. Johnson, PhD
Dean of Students

 

2024-25 Student Handbook

The Student Handbook contains many of the policies and procedures for students at Fairfield University. It also contains information about Fairfield's history, mission, and culture, as well as a number of the services and resources available to students.

The policies contained in this handbook are applicable to all Fairfield University students - undergraduate, graduate, and part-time. For consideration of all policies and procedures related to being a student at Fairfield University, the university deems a student as an individual who is registered for classes and received and/or made payment on the charges associated with attendance at Fairfield University. Students are responsible for being familiar with and complying with the current version of the handbook, as well as any additional Fairfield University Handbook(s) issued by the program or activities in which they are enrolled. Responsible behavior is required of Fairfield students, wherever they are, and the Student Conduct Code applies to students both on and off campus. This handbook is disseminated upon enrollment at Fairfield University, at which time all students are responsible for its contents and compliance therewith.

The provisions of the handbook do not and are not intended to create either an express or implied contract with any student. The University reserves the right to modify, add, delete, or amend the provisions of this handbook at any time and without prior notice, or to grant exceptions from the applicability of its terms.

* The version of the Student Handbook published on this webpage, excluding attached and linked versions, reflects the most accurate version.

View 2024-25 Student Handbook