Scott Peska
Director of the Office of Support and Advocacy
Scott Peska has a keen knowledge of the NIU campus community and his strong, collaborative relationships built via his role in Orientation & First-Year Experience provided him to lead the Office of Support and Advocacy staff and appropriately support the community it serves. Likewise, Scott's research interest in the area of student transition certainly takes on a new meaning in light of our tragedy and will inform his work in a powerful way.
About Us
The Office of Support & Advocacy has been created at NIU to provide central resources and one referral point for those students, families, faculty, and staff most directly impacted by the February 14, 2008 tragedy. Additionally, our goal is to facilitate "one voice" (that incorporates the voice of families of the loved ones and those injured) to direct campus culture & decisions related to the tragedy. A multitude of resources are available through the Office of Support & Advocacy.
Resources Available:
- Support and referrals to enhance academic and life success
- Academic advising and support services
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling services
- Appropriate accomodations for academic success
- Victims assistance and advocacy
- Work with on-and off-campus departments and agencies to identify and provide specific services
- Initiate structured activities and communication processes to support networking and mutual support efforts
- Coordinate communication related to direct individualized services and outreach efforts
- Provide leadership to the campus community through educational and support programs for the broader population as a strategy for developing and maintaining a campus climate sensitive to the experience of those most impacted by our tragedy
- Serve as liaison with memorial committees and other campus and community commemorative initiatives
- Central office to receive gifts and coordinate the distribution or archiving of artifacts and memorabilia
