Mark DiPerna

Mark DiPerna serves as the Assistant Vice Provost & Deputy Dean of Students at Stanford University. In this role, he provides leadership in strategy, policy, compliance, and communication for the Dean of Student's office.1

Professional Background

DiPerna's career at Stanford began in the Office of the General Counsel, where he worked as University Counsel. Prior to joining Stanford, he practiced law for seven years at a large international law firm in San Francisco.1

At Stanford, DiPerna has held several positions:

1. Associate Dean of Students & Director of the Office of Community Standards (OCS)
2. Director of the Office of Community Standards (starting January 2018)
3. Current role as Assistant Vice Provost & Deputy Dean of Students

Responsibilities

In his current position, DiPerna oversees a team within the Dean of Students office that coordinates campus responses to students in distress and in need of support.1 He has been instrumental in revamping the Office of Community Standards, which adjudicates violations of Stanford's Honor Code and Fundamental Standard.2

Philosophy and Approach

DiPerna's approach to his work is characterized by:

1. Emphasizing that it's okay to fail and learn from mistakes
2. Helping students embrace their imperfections
3. Understanding the diverse backgrounds of students
4. Providing support and encouragement to students facing challenges

He believes in the importance of not making assumptions about students and recognizes the pressure of Stanford's high-performance culture.2

Education and Personal Life

DiPerna earned his undergraduate degree in Philosophy, magna cum laude, from Boston College and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.1

Outside of work, he is involved with:

• SF La Raza Lawyers Association (member)
• Mind Body Awareness Project (board member)

In his free time, DiPerna enjoys spending time with his cat, Lilo, supporting his hometown Boston/San Antonio sports teams, and exploring San Francisco with his partner and their Boston Terrier, Sancho.1