Christina Olstad

About the Dean of Students

The dean of students’ main goal is to help students navigate campus life. They oversee departments that support students’ overall academic and personal success and act as a liaison between students and the greater university. The dean of students is a part of the leadership team for Student Affairs and reports to the vice chancellor for student affairs.

Departments Include:

• Associated Students of Madison (ASM) is the official student governance body of UW-Madison. Find more info on shared governance, ASM Bus Pass, and The Open Seat food pantry, here.
• Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) is the primary resource for students navigating personal, academic, or health issues to get the help they need, whether that be on campus or in the community.  Utilize drop-in services with the OSAS staff, refer a student of concern, or report a bias concern.
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) works with students to resolve academic and nonacademic disciplinary matters. It ensures students receive due process and fair treatment throughout the hearing process. Find resources for students and staff or report misconduct here.
• Office of Student Transition and Family Engagement (OSTFE) helps incoming students and their families adjust to life at UW-Madison and helps faculty and staff connect to first-year students.  Learn more about SOAR, Wisconsin Welcome, the Transfer Transition Program, and the Parent and Family Program here.

Office Hours

Dean Olstad holds office hours and is available to meet with students during the academic year on Fridays between 2–4 p.m. in Bascom Hall, Room 70.  To schedule an appointment or if you have questions, please contact dos@studentaffairs.wisc.edu or (608) 263-5702.

Dean of Students Advisory Board

The Dean of Students Advisory Board (DOSAB) is a dedicated group of student leaders at UW-Madison who advocate for their peers by raising student concerns and providing valuable feedback to the dean of students. Badgers are encouraged to apply to work directly with the Dean of Students by sitting on DOSAB.

Biography

Christina Olstad has served in various roles in student affairs and has nearly twenty-five years of experience in higher education administration, residential life and housing, student activities, and leadership development.  Christina received undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work at Augsburg University and an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Vermont.

Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Christina served as the Interim Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. She held previous positions at Augsburg University, University of New England, University of Vermont, and Semester at Sea.  Her academic interests include social justice education, developing intercultural competence, supporting students in recovery, financial literacy, crisis response and innovative approaches to retention and persistence to graduation. Outside of work she enjoys working out, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Executive Assistant to the Dean of Students: Cate Urbas

Dean Olstad’s News