Student Development
The Division of Student Development provides institutional leadership by guiding departments that create community both on and off campus, strengthen character and spiritual development, offer career and academic-assistance services, develop student leadership, explore service and ministry opportunities, support student transitions, including incoming and international students, coordinate campus activities, and enforce community standards.
Offices & Departments
Career Services
Discover and discern your calling in life and make a successful transition into meaningful work and career. Student Services Bldg., ext. 4875.
Chapel
Chapel is a crucial part of the Biola undergrad experience. The Office of Chapel Accountability helps you track and maintain your attendance status; Student Services Bldg., ext. 3854. The Chaplain's Office oversees Chapel at Biola and provides leadership in campus worship and pastoral care; Metzger Hall midlevel, east wing, ext. 5148.
Commuter Life
Did you know that almost one-third of our undergrad population commutes to campus? Commuter Life also oversees the Commuter Collegium. SUB upper level east, ext. 4070.
Housing Services
Helping undergrad students find the best on-campus living situation possible, including matching roommates for incoming freshmen. Student Services Bldg., ext. 5648. Grad housing and facilities/repair questions are handled by our partners in Auxiliary Services.
International Students
Assisting you through your cultural transition by personal encouragement, counseling, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. SUB Mosaic Center, upper west wing, ext. 4008.
Leadership Development
Assisting students in on-campus leadership positions (such as Associated Students) in developing appropriate leadership skills. SUB, lower level, ext. 5840.
Learning Center
Assisting students in gaining and maintaining an adequate level of academic proficiency in order to be successful within Biola University's competitive and rigorous intellectual environment. The Learning Center also oversees disability services for students. Library, top level, ext. 4542.
Residence Life
Working with students to offer training in interpersonal relationships and leadership, organize Bible studies, provide peer counseling, and generate lots of good clean fun. Student Services Bldg., ext. 5842.
Spiritual Life Office
Serving as a lighthouse to inspire students in their spiritual development; challenging students to take intentional steps to develop a closer relationship with Christ and to share their testimony. SUB, upper east wing, ext. 4754.
Student Communications
Providing clear and creative communication to current students; helping curricular and co-curricular departments and programs reach students. Student Services Bldg., ext. 3855.
Student Transitions
Helping both entering and graduating students prepare for their new environments. Student Services Bldg., ext. 5845.
Meet Our Team
We share the task and responsibility, along with the academic faculty, of creating, enhancing, and maintaining an intentional and flexible learning environment that is sensitive and responsive to the broad spectrum of student needs.
Student Development Department Heads
John Back
Dean of Students
Ivan Chung
International Students
Kevin Grant
Learning Center
Ron Hafer
University Chaplain
Matthew Hooper
Residence Life
Claudia Huffine
Student Transitions
Jeanie Jang
Career Services
Eric Lapointe
Leadership Development
Barbara Miller
Spiritual Life
Danny Paschall
Associate Dean for Community Life
John Tuttle
Student Communications
Katie Tuttle
Commuter Life
It's Not Just Us...
The Office of Student Development provides many, but by no means all, of the co-curricular educational opportunities at Biola. We stand alongside our colleagues in
Auxiliary Services,
Athletics,
Associated Students,
Campus Safety,
Health Center,
Counseling Center,
Enrollment Management,
the Art & Music Depts,
and many other offices. In crafting these tangible links, our goal is that you would be equipped "in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ."
