The Office of the Dean for Student Affairs of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) was, under the leadership of Associate Deans Lester Janka and Roger Leeds, known as the Office of Admissions and Career Information from 1969-1973. The Deans who headed this office were responsible for handling SAIS student admissions (for SAIS Admissions see record group 07.220), providing career counseling for students, acting as liaison to student groups and functioning as an ombudsman for individual students.

Under the leadership of George L. Crowell, Assistant Dean from 1976 to 1978 and Associate Dean from 1978 until his death on August 25, 1995, the position developed increased responsibilities. The offices of Admissions, Career Services, Financial Aid, and the Registrar all reported to the Associate Dean, who played a major role in admissions recruiting and interviewing, review of admissions files, financial aid decisions, cultivation of potential employers, and academic advising of both faculty and students. In addition, Crowell's position included chairing an external affairs committee, maintaining relations with the District of Columbia government, fundraising especially in the Middle East, and working with Alumni Affairs, the Petitions Committee, and the Development Office. He also assisted the directors of the JHU Centers in Bologna, Italy and Nanjing, China, and took a significant role in developing a student exchange program between SAIS and The Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. Finally, the Associate Dean managed joint programs with the Wharton School of Business, Stanford University School of Law, and the JHU School of Public Health.