Meet Current Graduate Assistants

"Working as a graduate assistant for the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management has been a heart-warming experience. I have grown not only personally but professionally as well. Working with such a diverse population of students and staff has made my experience at Northern Illinois University a memory that I will forever cherish. As a GA, I have also had the privilege to serve on different committees, as well as enhance my knowledge by doing internships in various departments like the Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct and Orientation & First-Year Experience. The relationships and collaborative efforts that I have made have taught me lessons that I will forever hold onto."

-Terrance Hopson, Adult & Higher Education. Graduate Assistant, Student Involvement & Leadership Development 

 "I’ve had a great experience as a graduate assistant for the Asian American Center and Counseling & Student Development Center!  I have gotten to grow professionally and as an individual.  I have been able to gain valuable experience working with students one-on-one and in large groups which I can apply later in my career as a counselor. Student Affairs & Enrollment Management allows you to grow through different professional development opportunities.  They also allow you to gain a broad range of knowledge by encouraging GAs to communicate with their supervisors on what they want to work on professionally and to possibly gain more than one GA experience throughout your graduate school career."

-Kristy DeChirico, Counseling. Graduate Assistant, Counseling & Student Development Center 

"When I was searching for a Student Affairs assistantship, I was hunting for a school that was always on the cutting edge of the field. Working in Housing & Dining has shown me NIU is just that school. NIU is never ready to rest on its laurels and coast. The vision and creativity placed into our initiatives-such as our residential curriculum-are nothing short of inspiring. I have been blessed to work with some of the most dynamic colleagues in the field, who collaborate every day to find ways to improve our practice and enhance our students’ experience. My peers listen to me as a professional, mentor me as a student, and leave me with no doubt about my ability to be a prepared and competent Student Affairs practitioner. I would not trade my NIU experience for anything." 

 —Christopher Swanson, Adult & Higher Education. Graduate Hall Director, Housing & Dining