Staff: Julie Song, Floyd Lai, Rameen Talesh, Ellen Whitehead, Stephanie Van Ginkel

About the Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students is the executive branch of the Student Life & Leadership family of departments in Student Affairs.  We actively advocate for students and student interests, and we support them through our centers, programs, and services.  We also serve as liaisons to help ensure open lines of communication and mutual understanding between students and the university.

Ellen Whitehead, Ed.D.

Dr. Ellen Whitehead

Associate Dean of Students

Hello! I’m excited to be one of the Associate Dean of Students and to work with the amazing team of professionals and students at UCI. I directly support the following departments: Basic Needs Center, Student Outreach and Retention Center (SOAR), Sustainability Resource Center (SRC), Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL), Center for Student Leadership (CSL), and Campus Organizations and Volunteer Programs (COVP). I look forward to working with students, staff, and faculty to foster a reciprocal learning environment.

Also see E. Whitehead Bio.

Floyd Lai

Floyd Lai

Associate Dean of Students

(coming soon)

Also see F. Lai Bio.

Julie Song

Julie Song

Project & Policy Analyst

Julie joined the Student Life & Leadership family in May 2013. As the Project & Policy Analyst, she works closely with Dean Rameen Talesh on various projects and the Associate Deans on large programming, mainly the All-U Leadership Conference. Before this position, Julie worked in the Vice Chancellor Student Affairs office. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Irvine in 2006.

Rameen A. Talesh, Ed.D.

Dr. Rameen A. Talesh

Dean of Students
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Life & Leadership

Rameen joined the Student Life & Leadership family in October 2006.  As the Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life & Leadership, Rameen oversees all the departments in Student Life & Leadership.  He is also commonly known as the Fist-Bump Dean on campus.

Also see R. Talesh Bio.

Stephanie Van Ginkel

Dr. Stephanie N. Van Ginkel

Associate Dean of Students
Executive Director, Student Government Student Media

I am humbled to represent the students and professional team of Student Government Student Media (SGSM) as the Executive Director & Associate Dean of Students. The mission of SGSM is to represent the student body through leadership, advocacy, programs, and services that enhance the student experience. Every day, our team works alongside our students – your student representatives, to help them meet their goals and become the best leaders they can truly be. Not only to others but to themselves. We are honored to be a part of their life’s journey and experience at UC Irvine.

Also see S. Van Ginkel Bio.