Dean's Comment Box

We welcome your thoughts, ideas, questions and comments. Please type in this form and your comments will be collected and sent to the dean. Please note: this is not for emergency purposes.

Letters from the Dean

• September 11, 2009 The Flu: Resources from Student Life

• August 31, 2009 A message from the MIT Division of Student Life for students and parents

• May 18, 2009 Letter to Students
  This letter congratulates students who are graduating this spring, and tells of ways to get involved or stay involved with MIT. 

• February 11, 2009 Letter to the Community
  This letter aims to provide an update on important student issues and a preview of the Task Force on Student Engagment spring agenda.

About the Dean

In August 2008, Costantino “Chris” Colombo became MIT’s second Dean for Student life. Colombo came to MIT from Columbia, where he served as dean of student affairs, as dean of undergraduate admissions and financial aid (1995-1998) and as dean of students for the School of Engineering and Applied Science (1992-1998). From 1975 to 1992, Colombo worked at Johns Hopkins in a variety of positions, including dean of students and Dean of Homewood Schools Services. Colombo, a native of New York, received a BS from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in applied behavioral science with a concentration in organizational development from the Johns Hopkins University. Dean Colombo resides on campus as Housemaster at Next House with his wife, Bette. They have two sons, Michael and Paul. 

Responsibilities

The Dean for Student Life is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the mission of the Division of Student Life and its functional areas, including: Administration, Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation, Residential Life, Student Development, Community Development and Substance Abuse, Student Support and Religious Life. The Dean is accountable for setting organizational direction, including priorities, budget, issue identification and resolution, communications, policy issues, and the delivery of results in alignment with the mission of the Institute. The Dean oversees an annual budget in excess of $90 million, more than 400 staff members, 200 service contract employees and 29% of MIT’s physical plant, as well as the stewardship of the auxiliary and student activities cash flows. He serves as a member of Academic Council and as a senior officer of the Institute for stewardship of student welfare and advocacy for student interests. He ensures accountability and senior level commitment to a well-integrated student life program that emphasizes leadership and values both formal and informal learning.