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
Please note: For all messages to students sent from the University containing with COVID-related and return to campus information, visit the Updates for Students page on Duke's Coronavirus response website.
Summer 2022
June 16: Blue Devil Buddy Initiative
Spring 2022
April 28: Hey Seniors! Last chance to share your thoughts, win prizes!
April 19: Reaffirming our commitment to sexual misconduct prevention and accountability at Duke
April 7: Action Requested - Update your personal data-sharing preferences
April 6: Halfway There event, affinity group grad celebrations, Bryan Center Space workshop and more
April 2: A message from Coach K and Final Four game day reminders!
April 1: NCAA Men's Final Four game day information
March 27: Conduct updates, March 2022
March 27: NCAA Men's Final Four student ticket lottery
March 22: Vigil at 5 pm, Quad welcome parties, academic guide templates, DSG Common Hour, and more!
March 20: Nominate your faculty members to be QuadEx Faculty Fellows!
March 9: Resources for students, Young Trustee finalists, Orientation Leader applications, and more
March 5: New safety and security actions for off campus housing
March 3: Important game day reminders for K-Ville and the potential bonfire
March 1: Working together toward a more welcoming and inclusive community for all
Note: We want to make sure we also honor the advocacy of our students from Blue Devils United who, in partnership with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, worked with Housing and Residence Life in the design and implementation of gender-inclusive housing for students.
February 22: Campus Climate town hall, Quad Council elections, Spring Break testing, and more
February 18: Reminder to complete Co-Mapping Space Survey
February 6: Message regarding bonfire in violation of local laws and Duke policies
January 25: Leadership Week, Sophomore Spark Summit, Mental Health Resource Guide, COVID reminders and more
January 20: KN95s available to all students, testing sites closed Friday
January 11: Extending deadline for required booster shots
January 3: Important message regarding a member of the Duke student community