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Spelman College Class of 2019

Dean of Students


Dean of Students

Headshot photo of Sylvia Griffin,Ph.D.
Sylvia D. Griffin, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
smaddox@spelman.edu
404-270-5242

Meet the Dean


Yvonne Pitts Spelman College Assistant Dean of Students
Yvonne Pitts 
Assistant Dean of Students
yvonnepitts@spelman.edu

About the Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students' Office is ultimately responsible for working closely with a variety of agents, offices and departments to create a vibrant community that enhances the quality of student life on campus.

Spelman has established expectations, policies and procedures designed to build a strong transparent, collaborative, ethical and just community of learners. All students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the educational mission of Spelman College. 

We understand that learning and living in a community is not without difficult dialogues, personal challenges, and the need for support, reflection and guidance. The Office of Student Affairs, its staff, and particularly the dean of students is charged with helping student learners to be successful in the Spelman academic community.


The Student Handbook: A Guide for Student Success

Every Spelman student is expected to read, understand and abide by all campus policies, procedures and College expectations outlined in the 2023-2024 Student Handbook (PDF).

The document contains student organization policies, campus resources, residence life and housing policies and procedures, Standards of Excellence Honor Code, academic integrity policies and the student code of conduct to support your educational journey.

The statements in the Student Handbook are for informational purposes only and do not create a contract between Spelman College and any student. Spelman College reserves the right to change, add to, or discontinue any provision in this handbook at any time without prior notice to students.

Spelman College admits female students without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Spelman does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other prohibited factor in any of its educational or employment policies, programs, or practices. Further information about Spelman's academic programs and the cost of tuition, room, board and other fees can be found in the Spelman College Bulletin.

Student Advocacy and Assistance

We provide guidance and support to students as they seek to resolve educational and personal challenges that may affect their academic progress. If you need assistance in situations such as a death in the family, medical or other illness, accident, or if you just don't know where to go, we encourage you to call or stop by our office in the Manley College Center, Room 210. We will provide one-on-one consultations with students seeking guidance in resolving educational and personal challenges; providing assistance and resource referrals that are focused on encouraging and empowering students to make informed choices and decisions. 

Incident (Conduct) Reporting



FERPA


The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was enacted to give students access to their education records and to protect their privacy. Unless a student is legally dependent, the university is prohibited by FERPA from releasing student account information to a parent or guardian or other unauthorized third party without the student's consent.

Get More Information on FERPA


Students who wish to authorize an individual to have access to their student records should complete the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Waiver FERPA Authorization Release Form for more information regarding access to student records. 



A Message From the Dean of Students

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Dear Students,

Headshot photo of Sylvia Griffin,Ph.D.Welcome to the 2023-2024 academic year. My name is Sylvia Griffin, and I am the Dean of Students. I am beyond excited to meet each of you virtually and hopefully in person for the Spring semester.

College is one of the most unique and exciting times of your life. I want you to make this year your best year.

Your Spelman journey is unique because you are the first to walk it. Many have come before you, but you’re paving a journey unlike rest because it is YOURS. Therefore, you must seize the great opportunity before you!

One of the first ways to make this year your best year is to get active and get involved. Though we are learning in a virtual environment, the Spelman College faculty, staff, and students are continuously finding ways to ensure you are receiving the best of the Spelman experience. Spelman is a special place with engagement opportunities for everyone. Take some time to reflect on your passions as well as push yourself with new adventures that you might not have considered before. We want you to share your time and talents and to connect with the people, traditions, and culture that are uniquely Spelman.

Spelman is the ideal place to challenge yourself, set new goals, form new philosophies on life, and without a doubt, HAVE FUN. Spelman is not simply a school but an experience. Cherish each day, as your time here will move quickly!

I want you to know that I am here to assist with any and every situation that might come up during your time here at Spelman. Please feel free to contact me via email smaddox@spelman.edu or phone 404-270-5242.

Sincerely,
Sylvia D. Griffin, Ph.D.

Meet the Assistant Dean of Students

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Contact Us

Dean of Students on Twitter   Dean of Students on Instagram


Sylvia Griffin, Ph.D.

Dean of Students
smaddox@spelman.edu
404-270-5242

Yvonne Pitts 
Assistant Dean of Students
yvonnepitts@spelman.edu


Summayyah Hollins Muhammad
Senior Assistant to Dean of Student's
Office of Student Affairs
summayyahmuhammad@Spelman.edu
404-270-5131


Student & Parent Resources

2023-2024 Student Handbook (PDF)