The Dean's Office functions as a generalist within the division of Student Services and offers a myriad of Student Support Services that assist with the retention and successful matriculation of students. Academic support services and referrals, advocacy for international students and students with disabilities, planning and implementing the orientation program for new and transfer students, and providing oversight for the campus' judicial program among the many services that is offered by the Office. In addition, the Dean's Office provides general advocacy for students who need assistance with academic and personal issues. The Office arranges intervention sessions to establish individualized support programs for students with disabilities. Orientation is a year-long process that aims to provide new community members with a transition to college life at Occidental.
Students also become familiar with the academic expectations of faculty.
Campus resource information includes tours of the library, an overview of campus employment, campus safety information and academic support programs. During the course of the Fall semester students are afforded the opportunity to attend additional one hour sessions as a part of Continuing Orientation. Programs offered include sessions on effective note taking, procrastination, networking, mediating stress, time management, and computer literacy skills. Students sign up for at least four Continuing Orientation sessions during the first full week of classes. These sessions are intended to support the students' academic work and give essential skills for successfully completing their first year at Occidental.