The Division of Student Affairs is critically engaged in all aspects of students’ lives and collaborates with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and many others in the delivery of key services and support to students and all whom the Division serves.
Student Affairs provides programs and services that support the optimal growth of Duke students, enhance their intellectual, social, cultural and physical development, and complement Duke’s academic excellence by providing opportunities for students to experience education and explore interests beyond the classroom.
Mary Pat McMahon, Vice Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs
As the chief student affairs officer at Duke, Mary Pat McMahon is directly involved in decisions that shape the undergraduate and graduate student experience, including responsibility for residential and dining services, student wellness services, specialized services for parents/families and student veterans, as well as other student-directed services such as student extracurricular support and the university’s identity and cultural centers. McMahon is a proven leader in student affairs, and is committed to student development, team leadership and building strong community, academic and student partnerships.
Before coming to Duke in July 2019, McMahon was dean of student affairs at Tufts University’s Schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. There, she was broadly responsible for fostering meaningful growth and connection in students’ co-curricular experience, coordinating developmental, leadership and health and safety resources for students.
Prior to Tufts, McMahon served as associate dean of student affairs at Bowdoin College, where she helped develop a highly regarded residential learning program, oversaw the first-year experience, provided academic and personal advising to students and offered guidance for the judicial and sexual misconduct board hearing processes.
Previously, McMahon was associate director of doctoral programs at New York University and assistant director of undergraduate admissions at Yale University. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Yale University and a master of science degree in history of international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Recent Messages Sent to Students
See recent messages related to disaffiliations here.
March 2021
March 5, Important reminders about days off next week
February 2021
February 25, Campus Housing for 2021-2022, additional information
February 20, Off-campus gathering in violation of COVID-19 expectations
February 17, Campus Housing for 2021-2022
February 2, Action required: important undergrad COVID-19 update
January 2021
January 28, Important news about Duke’s Summer 2021 plans
January 25, Reminder on Student Sexual Misconduct Resources and Reporting Options; Policy Comment Period Opens Today
January 13, You're invited! BCAP Town Hall
January 6, On the events in Washington, and a reminder of resources
December 2020
December 18, Pre-arrival testing and entry information for undergraduates
December 14, ICYMI: Next Gen 2.0 Town Hall recording and how to get involved
December 8, Next Gen 2.0 Student Town Hall
November 2020
November 19, Announcing Duke’s Next Gen Living & Learning 2.0 Efforts
November 6, Exit testing from campus/Durham, departure registration, and other end-of-semester updates
October 2020
October 29, Don't give each other COVID. Yep, that's it.
October 1, Spring 2021 housing information
September 2020
September 29, Updates on our commitment to tangible action and partnership
September 9, Update on Duke Policies around Student Sexual Misconduct, Including Title IX
August 2020
August 30, The time is now: 2020 national election season
August 18, COVID updates, Compact compliance, and enlisting your help
August 13, Pool testing for undergrad students
June 2020
June 30, Additional information for undergraduates regarding return to campus
June 23, Student input in fall plans
June 8, Help with Duke’s planning efforts for this academic year
June 4, John Blackshear named Duke's dean of students
June 2, Mentoring Program for Our First-Years
June 2, A Request for You
June 1, A commitment to tangible action and partnership
May 2020
May 20, Survey: Understanding college students' needs during COVID-19 pandemic
Undergraduate Student Newsletters & Conduct Updates
2021:
February 23: Stop partying, what's new at the Mary Lou, essential travel only, #findsanctuary, and more
February 10: Dr. Fauci talk happening now, Headspace pilot, and two ways to share your feedback
February 4: Conduct Update
January 26: Town halls, COVID cases rising, policy comment period open, RA applications
January 14: Vivek Murthy tonight, travel safety tips, MLK events, BCAP town hall, gender pronouns
2020:
December 6: Conduct Update
December 3: Winter Break resources, Next Gen Living & Learning, and Title IX FAQs
November 24: Gratitude, wellness, and how to stay engaged over break
November 3: Election week wellness, free rides to the polls, and post-election spaces
October 29: Conduct Update
October 22: Stay safer this Halloween, Winter Breakaway, early voting continues, and POC Koru
October 8: Mask your face (not your voice), selective org planning pause, and #FindSanctuary with Duke Chapel
October 2: Conduct Update
September 23: Pop-up activities, flu shots, and wellness tips from a dog (yes, you read that right)
September 10: Stay two Nuggets apart, a chance to get involved, and show us your study space!
September 6: Conduct Update