Dean of Students Office

Dean of Students Tomas Aguirre meets with students in One World Cafe.

The Dean of Students Office provides assistance and support to students in navigating a complex university life so that UB students can flourish during their time here.

Dean of Students Team

A seasoned team of multidisciplinary professionals provide direct support to students and advise faculty, staff, parents, and partners in student success.

  • Tomás A. Aguirre, EdD, Dean of Students
  • Carmella Marinaccio, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students
 
  • Colleen Connolly, MS, Director for Student Support and Resources
  • Benjamin Fabian, MS, Associate Director for Student Support and Resources
  • Katie DeStefano, MEd, Student Support Coordinator
  • Elise Lang, MSW, Student Support Coordinator
  • Brianna Bengert, LMSW, Student Needs Coordinator
  • Krysta Edwards, Administrative Services Coordinator

Contact

University at Buffalo
315 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: 716-645-2982; Fax: 716-645-2260

Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Announcements

  • Horns Up for Hope
    11/7/25
    As Western New Yorkers across our communities face disruptions to food access, the University at Buffalo is stepping up to help.

Featured Support Services

  • Bias-Related Concerns
    8/26/22
    If you have been the victim of a bias-related incident — or you know of an incident that has occurred — we encourage you to take the appropriate steps. 
  • Emergency Funds
    6/10/25
    Unanticipated circumstances can prevent students from continuing their education and achieving academic success. UB has unique resources to connect students to emergency funding. 
  • Food Support
    2/6/25
    Consistent access to food is a necessary part of being a successful, healthy student. Should you experience an unanticipated hardship or emergency, we can help connect you to groceries.
  • Good Samaritan Policy
    7/25/23
    The Good Samaritan Policy eliminates disciplinary consequences for you and the people you are with if you call for help when drinking or using drugs. 
  • Students of Concern
    10/22/25
    Being part of the UB community means that we take care of one another, especially when someone needs help. If you are concerned about a student and not sure where to turn, the Dean of Students Office is here to assist.
  • Victim Assistance
    9/13/22
    If you’ve been affected by a crime, we’re here to help you make a report and connect to supportive resources.

Dean of Students Units

The Dean of Students provides leadership to five Student Life units that each offer distinctive help and care to UB students.

  • Accessibility Resources
    12/1/25
    Accessibility Resources coordinates reasonable accommodations for equitable access to UB for students with disabilities.
  • Intercultural and Diversity Center
    12/2/25
    The IDC is committed to supporting all students at UB by creating a sense of belonging and celebrating our differences just as we celebrate our commonalities.
  • LGBTQ+ Center
    9/19/25
    The LGBTQ+ Center is a welcoming and affirming space where students can connect, build community, and access support. Whether you're looking to get involved with LGBTQ+ student groups, find resources on and off campus, or simply meet others in a safe and inclusive environment, the Center is here for you.
  • Student Conduct
    8/4/25
    Student Conduct helps maintain a safe campus by enforcing rules and regulations, managing conduct, and assisting students with navigating questions or concerns.
  • Veteran Services
    11/21/25
    Veteran Services helps student veterans transition into civilian life, as they learn more about balancing college with other life obligations.

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Email Legitimacy

The University at Buffalo uses a web-based messaging tool called Maxient. Several units including the Dean of Students Office, Campus Living, Academic Integrity, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Student Conduct use Maxient for the purpose of official email correspondence. Messages from notifications@maxient.com are legitimate.