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Office of Student and Diversity Affairs

three students sitting outside on a bench

Welcome to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs!

The Office of Student and Diversity Affairs (OSDA) assists and supports students, faculty, and staff with all matters related to admissions, student services, student life, and diversity and inclusion. OSDA members are available on site on the first floor of the College of Dentistry in Room 104 on Mondays through Fridays. OSDA has an open door policy. We are available by phone, internet, and in-person.

Your Information & Resource Center Is Always Ready to Assist You!

Dr. Darryl Pendleton Heading link

Dr. Darryl Pendleton

Associate Dean for Student and Diversity Affairs

Dr. Pendleton leads OSDA with expert assistance from the staff team. You may contact Dr. Pendleton with any questions related to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs. Dr. Pendleton is available via email and for both an in-person and virtual meeting.

Dr. Rhonna Cohen Heading link

Dr. Rhonna Cohen, Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Programs

Advisor of Pre-Dental Undergraduate Programs

Dr. Cohen advises UIC Pre-Dental students, is the faculty advisor for the Pre-Dental club and oversees the Dentistry Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) program. Dr. Cohen can be reached via email or by scheduling a virtual meeting.

Dr. Sheela Raja Heading link

Dr. Sheela Raja, Director of the Dentistry Resilience Center

Director of the Dentistry Resilience Center

Dr. Raja is the Director of the newly created College of Dentistry Resilience Center. The Resilience Center provides information and opportunities to: 1) promote physical and mental health; 2) facilitate strong social support networks for all members of our college; and 3) encourage activities that foster equity, community engagement, and public service. The goal of the Resilience Center is simple: to create a college community where everyone is valued and respected. Dr. Raja can be reached via email or by scheduling a virtual meeting.

Braulia Espinosa Heading link

Braulia Espinosa, Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

You may contact Braulia with any questions related to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs, including questions about accessing College and University student services, student leadership development programs, and student organization information. Braulia also manages all areas of student admissions and enrollment including management of the Dentistry Urban Health Program(UHP). Braulia is available via email and for both an in-person and virtual meeting.

Carloyn Feller Heading link

Braulia Espinosa, Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

You may contact Carolyn with any questions related to the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs, including questions about accessing College and University student services, student leadership development programs, and student organization information. Carolyn also manages all areas of student admissions and enrollment including management of the Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA). Carolyn can be reached via email or by scheduling a virtual meeting.

Meah Rogers Heading link

Meah Rogers

Assistant Director of Student and Diversity Affairs

Meah joined the College of Dentistry in April 2020. She previously worked with the UIC College of Medicine as a Program Student Advisor in the Office of Student Affairs. Meah assists in the delivery of College and University student services, student leadership development programs, and student organization management.

Meah also assists in all areas of student admissions and enrollment including management of the UHP Post-Baccalaureate Program. Meah is available via email and for both an in-person and virtual meeting.

Millie Mendez Heading link

Millie Mendez

Student Advocate

The goal of the Student Advocate is to provide students with guidance and support free of judgement and approached with an open mind and positive attitude. The Student Advocate serves as a sounding board and resource for students that may need assistance or advice with concerns or issues including academics, personal and or general life situations. Advocate Millie Mendez, provides neutral, confidential and independent guidance by listening, providing encouragement and connecting students with the appropriate university and community resources. The resources provided will be aligned to meet the student’s personal needs. Faculty and staff assisting students with academic or personal challenges also have access to these resources and are encouraged to contact the student advocate as needed.

Laura Macias Heading link

Laura Macias

Extra Help

Laura assists in all areas of the Office of Student and Diversity Affairs. Laura also assists with student admissions and enrollment for the DMD, DMDAS, UHP Post-Baccalaureate Program, and the Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA).

Contact Our Team Heading link

OSDA Office Hours Heading link