Deans' Offices

Office of the Hobart and William Smith Deans

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Office Hours

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (Summer hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) 
To schedule an appointment with your dean, please contact the office by phone at (315)-781-3467 or by email at hwsdeans@hws.edu. We look forward to connecting with you.

Located on the first floor of Smith Hall, the four Hobart and William Smith Deans are available to assist students in many aspects of college academic life. New first-year students are assigned to their dean in their first-year seminar and get to know them as part of that experience; students will continue to be advised by the same dean throughout their time at HWS. Transfer students will be assigned a dean upon admission to HWS.

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HWS students can meet with their academic dean for guidance on any topic, such as:

  • Successfully transitioning from one academic semester or year to the next
  • Identifying or changing an academic advisor
  • Building scholarly relationships with faculty
  • Becoming more engaged in academic and research opportunities
  • Selecting major and minor programs
  • Achieving academic recognition and attending academic ceremonies
  • Applying to college Honor Societies
  • Participating in campus traditions including Convocation, Blackwell-Hale, and Moving Up Day
  • Planning for study abroad, internship or research experiences
  • Transferring credits
  • Taking a leave of absence
  • Experiencing academic difficulty and understanding the Academic Review process
  • Helping students plan next steps, such as graduate and professional schools

Meet the Deans

AboutThe Office of the Deans

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HWS Office of the Deans Mission Statement

At the heart of our work in the Office of the Deans is a commitment to helping every student thrive. We believe that students are most successful when they feel connected—to their faculty, their peers, and the broader campus community. 

We partner with faculty to strengthen their roles as advisors and mentors, recognizing that meaningful faculty relationships are essential to students' academic success and sense of belonging. Across campus, we connect students with the offices, resources, and opportunities that support every aspect of the college experience.

We guide students through academic decisions and moments of uncertainty, helping them make informed choices that align with their academic and personal goals. We clarify college policies and procedures, introduce students to the culture and values of our institution, and advocate for their success as they navigate challenges and opportunities.

From a student's first days on campus through graduation and beyond, we celebrate achievement in all its forms and are committed to fostering a community where every student can learn, grow, and succeed.

HWS Deans Statement of Goals and Objectives

HONOR SOCIETIES

The Office of the Deans supports honor societies for sophomore, junior and senior students. Honor society members are selected based on their scholarship, leadership, character and service. Typically, they are student leaders who foster a sense of community on campus. Students interested in becoming part of an honor society should inquire about the application process with their Dean.

Hobart and William Smith Honor Societies

DEAN'S LIST

The Committee on Standards has established the following standards for Dean’s List Distinction: Students must complete four full credit courses or their equivalent for the academic semester; at least three of the courses must be taken for grades, with no grades below C-; courses taken for CR/NC must receive a grade of CR; no incomplete initiated by the student for non-medical reason may be taken; and a grade point average of 3.5 must be attained.

The Dean's List is calculated each semester. A notation of this honor is made on the student's transcript.

HWS Dean's ListHWS Scholars

Traditions

Maintaining traditions serves to connect students to the past, present and future of HWS. The traditions encourage students to understand Hobart and William Smith in a historical perspective. 

Hobart TraditionsWilliam Smith Traditions

PARENTS AND FAMILIES

The Deans are important contacts for parents and families as they are responsible for the academic and co-curricular well-being of all students. Families should not hesitate to contact the Office of the Deans with questions or concerns regarding their student’s well-being or academic progress. When appropriate, the Deans can often connect students to necessary resources or facilitate relationships with other parties on campus.

 

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