Administrative offices, under the direction of the chief of staff, provide support to the college's teaching, research, and outreach mission in the areas of information technology, budget and finance, human resources, and external relations (alumni relations, communications, development).

The College's research and outreach units include centers, laboratories, museums, consortia, and institutes of regional, national, and international importance.

Student Services staff in 12 McNeal Hall and 107 Rapson Hall offer a full range of services and opportunities to meet the needs of undergraduate CDes students. Student services for graduate students help ease the transition from undergraduate student to graduate student to professional. Advising for graduate students is handled in the academic departments, through the directors of graduate studies. The Student Services office offers other services, such as connecting with alumni and locating study abroad information.