About Student Affairs

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs provides strategic leadership and guidance to departments within the Division of Student Affairs and fosters collaborations throughout the university in order to support student success and well-being. The office assists students in navigating campus policies and procedures and is as an advocate for services and programs that improve the quality of the student experience. The office plays a central role in promoting student well-being, responsible student behavior and ethical conduct.

The Office of the Vice President provides administrative oversight and direction for the services offered by departments within the division. In doing so, the office maintains a vigorous program review and student assessment that seeks to advance specific student-learning and service outcomes. The office is also responsible for administering and/or interpreting procedures concerning ethical student behavior, student records, use of campus facilities, students’ right to privacy and academic grade appeals.

We invite students, parents, faculty and staff to make full use of the information available through the university and Student Affairs websites. If you need further assistance, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and we will do our very best to assist you.

Sincerely,

Dr. William Watkins
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

The Division of Student Affairs furthers the mission of California State University, Northridge by advancing student learning and success while promoting wellbeing, fostering personal and career growth, and encouraging social and civic responsibility. We deliver support services and co-curricular programs, create opportunities for access, and advocate for student needs and aspirations at every milestone of their academic journey. We engage students and communities so that every Matador feels they belong.

Our culture is aligned with the university’s commitment to
Respect, Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
and these additional values guide our work:

Integrity | Collaboration | Compassion | Service | Innovation

Grounded in data and systematic inquiry, we believe…

  • equity and inclusion enhance the quality of the educational experience.
  • creating spaces that promote respectful debate and dialogue help us understand and learn from each other.
  • opening doors of access and removing barriers to academic success elevates communities.
  • each student has the potential to succeed.
  • intentionally created co-curricular experiences lead to individual transformation, foster social change, and help develop a sense of belonging.

Erika Beck
President
California State University, Northridge

Student Affairs & Dean of Students

William Watkins
Vice President for Student Affairs
& Dean of Students

Robin Ferguson
Executive Assistant

Nyla Dalferes
Director
Career Center

Zeina Otaky Ramirez
Assistant Dean of Students
Student Conduct & Ethical Development

Julie Pearce
Director
University Counseling Services

Madalynn Gayheart
Special Assistant to the VP
Finance and Operations

Patrick Bailey
Executive Director
Associated Students, Inc.

Ederlina "Lynne" Landeta
Interim Director
Klotz Student Health Center

Paul Schantz
Director
Web & Technology Services

Megan Bell
Senior Coordinator
SA Assessment & Evaluation

Student Life

Shelley Ruelas-Bischoff
Associate Vice President
Student Engagement and Well-being

Maria Elizondo
Interim Assistant Director
Basic Needs

Aja Butler
Director
Matador Involvement Center

Christopher Aston
Director
Student Development and Transitional Programs

Dr. Kevin Conn
Executive Director
Student Housing & Residential Life

Enrollment Services

David Dufault Hunter
Associate Vice President
Enrollment Services

Aaron Lindberg
Director
Office of Admissions

Shelline Warren
Director
Financial Aid & Scholarships

Marta Lopez
Director
International & Exchange Student Center

Todd Wolfe
Registrar
Office of the Registrar

Juana M. Valdivia
Director
Student Outreach & Recruitment Services

Student Access and Support Services

Freddie Sanchez
Interim Assistant Vice President
Equity & Inclusion

Debra Hammond
Executive Director
University Student Union

Julia Santiago
Interim Managing Director
Center on Disabilities

Jodi Johnson
Director
Disability Resources & Educational Services

Catherine McLeod
Director
NCOD: Deaf &amp Hard of Hearing Services

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