Student Advocacy and Assistance

General Information

Student Advocacy and Assistance guide students in resolving educational, personal, and other campus impediments toward the successful completion of their academic goals. Student Advocacy and Assistance links students with appropriate university and community resources, agencies, and individuals, collaborates with faculty and staff in the best interest of the students, and follows through to bring efficient closure to student concerns.

Office Hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 480-965-6547

How Can We Help You?

At some time, students may experience a number of different issues that affect their ability to be academically successful such as a death in their immediate family, illness, accident, critical incidents such as sexual assault, harassment, domestic and relationship violence, and other emergency situations. Student Advocacy and Assistance works with students and their families to make appropriate referrals and contacts to help address their personal concerns and negotiate through the various administrative options available to them as a student of ASU. This office strives to provide guidance, explain relevant policies and procedures, and discuss possible ramifications while respecting students' rights to privacy within the confines of the law and university policy. Even during difficult times, students should be empowered with the resources to make informed decisions and take a proactive role in the resolution process.

Some of the possible means for resolving educational barriers and difficulties include:
Absence Letters
Course Incomplete
Course Withdrawal
Compassionate Withdrawal
Medical Withdrawal

Absence Request Form

We ask that students who are ill and unable to attend classes communicate directly with professors and consult syllabi to understand absence, make-up, and documentation policies. In an emergency situation (such as prolonged hospitalization and/or times when students are unable to access email) we may notify instructors of these circumstances. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or if you need additional support.

Request an official absence letter from the Office of the Dean of Students by completing the Absence Request Form.

Submit form

Resolving Educational Barriers and Difficulties

Student Advocacy & Assistance works closely with many other campus departments and programs to ensure appropriate referrals and resources are made available to students. In addition to the following options, students should consider how decisions made to resolve educational barriers and difficulties may affect their ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships. Students on academic probation or facing disqualification should consult with their academic advisor or college to discuss possible academic repercussions and how to best plan for subsequent semesters toward graduation. Reinstatement, readmission or both may be necessary steps for returning to resume studies at ASU. To determine which option below fits most appropriately, students should consider their personal circumstances, read through the descriptions of each option, and consult the ASU academic calendar or the University Registrar's Office Semester Calendars for the availability of each particular option.

Other Issues

Other issues commonly referred to as Student Advocacy and Assistance include any campus issue that cannot otherwise be resolved, when all other avenues have been exhausted, or instances in which an "advocate" is needed when dealing with issues or concerns.

Maxient

Arizona State University and the Office of the Dean of Students utilize Maxient, a secure, web-based system to communicate with faculty, staff, and students.  This system supports the institution by managing conduct records and sending out correspondence to students in need of support.  Please contact deanofstudents@asu.edu or 480-965-6547 if you are unsure about any communication received from Maxient or the Office of the Dean of Students.