Resources for Students
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office assists students throughout their academic careers and serves as their advocate. The Dean is available to speak with students about all aspects of their experience at CIIS and assist them in resolving any conflict or concern that may arise. Any student with an unresolved complaint may contact Shirley Strong, Dean of Students.
In addition, the Dean of Students Office produces the Student Handbook; conducts New Student Orientations; coordinates campus safety, housing, and health insurance information; offers services and support to international students and students with disabilities; works closely with the Student Alliance and other student groups; offers field placement and career development services; administers the annual Student Satisfaction Survey; and plans and conducts the annual spring commencement ceremony.
Open-Door Policy
You will always find an open door at the Dean of Students office. The Dean is available to speak with students about all aspects of their experience at CIIS and assist them in resolving any concerns that may arise.
The Dean of Students Office welcomes all suggestions on how CIIS can better serve its student community. It is located across the hall from the Financial Aid Office, which will assist you in demystifying scholarship, loan, and grants processes.
DOS Office Staff
Shirley Strong, Dean of Students and Director of Diversity
Shirley has been engaged in education, philanthropy, community building, and social action for nearly 30 years. Her academic experience includes service as an administrator at a variety of colleges and universities including the University of New Mexico, San Francisco State University, and Mills College.
Shirley has spent the past 13 years as the Executive Director of Project Change, a Tide Center organization founded by the Levi Strauss Foundation, which develops and supports multiracial community coalitions, partnerships, and alliances in local communities throughout the U.S.
Shirley holds a master's degree in educational psychology/counseling from the University of Illinois, and she has studied in the doctoral program in counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. Shirley can be reached in Room 407 at (415) 575-6171 or at sstrong@ciis.edu.
Margie Lam, Student Affairs Coordinator
Margie joined CIIS in August 2008 with a background in educational administration and communications. After living in Los Angeles for 10 years, she returned to the Bay Area to be closer to family and to establish her career in Student Affairs. A graduate of UCLA with a BA in Communications, Margie is pursuing a graduate degree in the field of College and Career Counseling at San Francisco State University. Her passions are facilitating student success, gardening, and spending time with her dog Issa. Margie can be reached at in room 401 at (415) 575-6118 or at mlam@ciis.edu.
Jody O'Connor, International Student Advisor
Jody joined the CIIS community in November 2005 as the International Student Advisor, bringing with her 3 years of international student advising experience and a deep appreciation and interest in world cultures. She assists F-1 visa students with immigration issues as well as other non-academic matters. She holds an interdisciplinary BA degree in Japan Business Studies from the University of Hawaii, Manoa and is an active volunteer at the Asian Art Museum and with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
Jody spent 3 years in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan, teaching English on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. Jody's goal is to help continue to build a welcoming place for international students at CIIS and in San Francisco. In her spare time, you will find Jody listening to music and taking urban hikes. Jody can be reached in room 401 at (415) 575-6157 or at joconnor@ciis.edu.
