Our mission
The division of student life develops and maintains programs, policies, and services that focus on five strategic goals: supporting the well-being and safety of all students; enriching student social, athletic, and residential experience; providing co-curricular learning experiences to complement the academic program; cultivating a diverse community committed to full participation; and promoting an organizational culture committed to continual improvement and staff development.
Get to know us
Victor J. Arcelus joined Connecticut College in July 2013 as the Dean of Student Life reporting to the Dean of the College and in July 2015 was promoted to Dean of Students reporting to the President. He is charged with enhancing and extending the personal and intellectual development of the College's diverse student body.
A specialist in holistic learning, Victor provides leadership for all aspects of the student residential experience. Victor manages residential programs and services focused on student well-being, leadership development, and life skills and learning beyond the classroom. The division of student life includes staff in residential life, student engagement, athletics, student counseling services, student health services, wellbeing and health promotion, campus safety, the College’s honor code and the student conduct process. From 2020 to 2023, Victor also served as the College’s COVID-19 coordinator providing leadership for and oversight of the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Student Success
Student Wellbeing
The Office of Wellbeing and Health Promotion infuses health and wellbeing in all aspects of college life where students live, study, work, and play. We support student learning, development, and success through prevention education, targeted outreach and campus-wide partnerships.
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Student Health Services
Connecticut College Student Health Services, in partnership with Hartford HealthCare, is committed to providing all students high-quality, coordinated, confidential health care and wellness education. Student Health Services is a licensed, outpatient clinic attending to the immediate health needs of all Connecticut College students.
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Student Counseling Services
Student Counseling Services (SCS) promotes the emotional and psychological growth and well-being of the students at Connecticut College. Our goal is to enhance each individual’s ability to learn, to create and to be fully participating members of the college community by utilizing evidence-based, culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to mental health treatment.
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Student Engagement
Student Engagement strengthens the student experience and fosters a culture of community by cultivating student leadership, creating opportunities for students to connect with their peers, and developing dynamic social and learning experiences.
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Residential Life
Residential Life fosters responsible citizenship by cultivating safe, inclusive communities that advance learning in and outside the classroom.
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Campus Safety
Campus Safety provides a safe and secure campus for our community in order to facilitate teaching and learning and the overall college experience.
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Dean of Students
Mailing Address
Connecticut College
Box: 5256
270 Mohegan Ave.
New London, CT 06320
Dean of Students
Victor Arcelus
varcelus@conncoll.edu
Office Hours
Monday — Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m (Appointment only)