Passion Williamson-Bandele

What year did you start working at NIU?
2004

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
I am from the south side of Chicago and now I live in the DeKalb area. 

In what department do you work?
College of Health and Human Sciences Academic Advising

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees at NIU in family and child studies.

If you attended college, were you a first-generation student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
Although I had cousins who had attended college, I was the first in my household to attend. I recommend that first-generation students utilize all of the resources available at NIU. The resources on campus are at no extra cost, and we all want to help support students so they may reach their goals. 

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
It depends on the time of the year, but typically I am meeting with students to explain graduation requirements and plan their courses for the upcoming semester. I assist students during orientation and present information regarding CHHS majors to prospective students and their families. I also process certain forms on students' behalf to ensure they are receiving the academic support they need, and much more. 

What do you like about working at NIU?
I absolutely love motivating students to realize their skills, build their confidence and know their worth. There is nothing like seeing them smile and know that they have a support system here while they are away from home.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Continue to be resilient and seek out assistance when you are in need. Students may seek out tutoring, confidential professional counseling and other supportive resources right at their fingertips. Also, be sure to get involved in student organizations and recreational activities and explore the cultural centers. There is something here for everyone. This entire experience is well worth the outcome of becoming a better you!

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
We explain the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MyNIU, so that students can know how they are progressing toward their degrees, and program requirements to help students plan when it is appropriate to take certain courses. We process approved substitutions, waivers and withdrawals. We tailor the information we provide according to the students' needs. Some students need assistance outside of academics, which is when we will offer encouragement and make referrals.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
They bring with them the skills and expertise they have accumulated throughout their careers and know how and where to redirect students who do not know where to turn. 

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
Meeting my husband as an undergraduate.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
Earning my master's degree and completing my thesis along the way.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
Whenever I can help another person grow and know they are valuable, it adds more to my spirit every time. 

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
I believe in all of NIU's core values:

• Curiosity and creativity/service and stewardship: It is a priority that students know that NIU is a place where there are no limits to what they can learn, and there numerous opportunities to hone their skills so they may step into their dream careers.
• Equity and inclusion: I do the best I can to help students understand that they belong here, no matter what their backgrounds are.
• Ethics and integrity: Maintaining a personable but professional relationship with students helps to build trust and model integrity and how every day we all should be working on how to be a better person.

Have you contributed to any NIU Foundation fundraising campaigns such as the Day of Giving or Huskies United? If yes, why did you decided to support NIU?
Yes, in the past I have donated funds to go toward the College of Health and Human Sciences.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
As a child, I wanted to be veterinarian, then a pediatrician. Although I am not in those occupations, I love working with college students and feel that sometimes life steers us where are supposed to be to fulfill our life's purpose. 

Are you participating in or have you participated in any NIU shared governance or professional development groups? If so, how has your participation enhanced your experience as an employee?
I am in the NIU Staff Professional Development Academy where I can learn how about university functions and committees. This will provide me with the necessary tools I need to grow and help to increase student quality of life and retention. 

Are you a member of or hold a position within a professional or community organization? If so, what organization? What is the purpose of that organization and how does being part of this organization benefit you in your role at NIU?
I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. It is the first Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women in 1908. Our mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.” As the campus advisor of the undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha at NIU, Delta Omicron, I get to interact with undergraduate students in a social and community setting in order to promote their understanding of the topic and encourage them to help uplift their communities as well. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to listen to music, sing and roller skate.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
Only my involvement with my sorority.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I am grateful for my experiences at NIU. They have provided me with the institutional knowledge I have accumulated over the years and got me to where I am today.