Beyond the Classroom
We recognize that like the practice of law, the study of law will require that you find activities outside the classroom that enrich your life. Like lawyers, you will find reward in using your newfound skills to serve the public by sitting on local boards and participating in our Miller Center Pro Bono Matching Program. Our student organizations not only initiate projects that benefit the community, but they also organize and sponsor diverse social events. We place equal emphasis on sharp legal mind and healthy body by offering mindfulness and yoga sessions, intramural sports, and plenty of outdoor recreational and cultural activities that support your well-being.
Office of Student Services
Our Team and Services
The mission of the Office of Student Services is to build community through programs, services, and partnerships that enhance the experience for all Penn State Dickinson Law students. Our office acts as the liaison for law students with the faculty and administration and provides a wide range of support for students and student organizations.
Core Services
Our office provides a variety of services that are focused on holistic student development and support. We help students navigate both personal opportunities and challenges that may arise in pursuit of their legal education. Additionally, our team members help students understand the law school guidelines including the Honor Code and Student Academic Handbook.
We work closely with student organizations to plan activities for the law school community, and we serve as a resource to foster interaction among students and faculty. Members of our team can connect you to useful resources at the law school, around the university, and in the local community.
Our Work
- Coordinate orientation, graduation, and other school-wide events;
- Advise the Student Bar Association and other student organizations;
- Manage disability accommodations;
- Coordinate academic success, wellness, and advising programs;
- Provide academic and personal counseling;
- Initiate Title IX and bias-related complaints;
- Collaborate with a variety of University and law school offices to provide a wide range of support and services; and
- Refer students to Penn State and other community resources, rules, and processes.
Meet Our Student Services Team
Valerie James
Senior Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Services
Email: vdj5027@psu.edu
Giselle Santibañez-Bania
Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Services
Email: gps5491@psu.edu
Phone: 717-240-5015
Meet Giselle Santibañez-Bania
Schedule a Meeting
Titichia Jackson
Director of Academic Success and Bar Passage and Assistant Professor of Law
Email: tmj5510@psu.edu
Phone: 717-240-5264
Meet Titichia Jackson
Schedule a Meeting
Kalene Faircloth
Assistant Director of Student Services
Email: kmr21@psu.edu
Phone: 717-240-5104
Meet Kalene Faircloth
Marcus Englert
Associate Director for Student Services
Email: mje160@psu.edu
Phone: 814-867-2808
Tammy Cecil
Student Services Coordinator
Email: txc31@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-1920
Counseling and Crisis Services
- Franco Psychological Associates, PC call 717-243-1896 to make an appointment.
- Contact Helpline (24 hours/7 days/week) call 717-249-6226
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (24 hours/7 days/week) call 888-999-1941
- Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week) call 877-229-6400
- Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week) text LIONS to 741741
- Steve Fund text STEVE to 741741
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24 hours/7 days/week) call 988