Michael Varano, MBA

Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Wellbeing

New Brunswick

120 Albany St. - 356

(732) 235-5919

  • Student Engagement and Wellbeing

Duties of the Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Wellbeing

  • Lead all aspects and staff of the Department of Student Engagement and Wellbeing across all four sites of the Rutgers School of Nursing.
  • Oversee the astute planning of all events associated with the matriculation of graduate and undergraduate students including new student orientation, graduation activities including commencement coordination and planning of school-wide convocation.
  • Responsible for all large-scale special events related to students planned on behalf of the School of Nursing.
  • Provide oversight of student government, peer mentorship, student community service, and student leadership involvement in student governance of the school.
  • Facilitate and support the personal, academic, and co-curricular development of a diverse student population in the areas of health and wellness through the effective management and supervision of wellbeing initiatives for the School of Nursing.
  • Provide consultation, education, and recommendations on issues pertaining to student wellness, including student mental health and disability.
  • Collaborate with others within the School of Nursing to develop a plan for enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the School of Nursing while serving as an advocate and mentor to students for DEI resources.
  • Manage positive relationships within the School of Nursing and with student affairs divisions and departments on all Rutgers University campuses where School of Nursing education occurs, as well as off-campus sites.
  • Manage an operational budget and approve purchases made within the Department of Student Engagement and Wellbeing.
  • Coordinate and manage the disbursement of all School of Nursing scholarship funds.