Graduate Assistant
Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services
Northern Illinois University
Off-Campus & Non-Traditional Student Services: This department was established in order to support and enhance the
educational, interpersonal, and social experiences of off-campus, commuter, transfer and non-traditional students. Staff
members assist students with navigating the institution to meet various needs and resolve concerns that are unique to these
specific student populations. Further, staff members plan and implement programs that provide opportunities for students to
connect with the campus, other campus services as well as with each other in order to provide them with a full collegiate
experience.
Department Mission: Off-Campus & Non-Traditional Student Services aims to foster a sense of community for NIU
students by providing a supportive and inclusive environment for commuter, off-campus, transfer and non-traditional
students. The office assesses the needs of our students to strive to provide the best services which benefit them. By
collaborating with key university and external partners, the department provides resources which address the diverse needs of
these specific student populations. This department promotes social, intellectual and academic growth and development
through programs and services which facilitate lifelong learning.
Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Mission: In alliance with the educational mission of Northern Illinois
University, the Division of Student Affairs creates student learning opportunities beyond the classroom that inspire
intellectual, personal, and civic growth for leadership in a diverse and complex world.
The Position: This full-time (20-hour/week) Graduate Assistant (GA) will report to the Director of Off-Campus & NonTraditional Student Services. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the programs & services focused on
one or two of our student populations. GA’s will also support the major departmental programmatic initiatives including but
not limited to: Good Morning Huskies, Good Evening Huskies, Study Breaks in the lounge, Soup Du’jour, and the OffCampus Housing Fair. GA’s will also create opportunities to reach out to these unique student populations including
contributions to the monthly newsletter, website, weekly email list serve, and email maintenance. This position requires the
GA to provide excellent customer service to all that utilize this office. Additionally, this position will work collaboratively with
internal and external partners including university departments as well as organizations within the DeKalb community.
Responsibilities: Characteristic duties and responsibilities of the Graduate Assistant include:
 Program Development/Planning/Implementation: Develop programs and related marketing strategies to reach out
to large off-campus, commuter, transfer and non-traditional student populations
 Interpersonal Relations: Establish relationships with the constituents the office serves, as well as with colleagues
within the department
 Creativity: Create new and exciting marketing campaigns and programs that will improve and/or grow the existing
services of the department.
 Leadership: Assist Director with the Student Coordinators and student organizations dedicated to off-campus,
commuter, transfer and non-traditional students to develop new programs and services
 Collaboration: Foster collaborative relationships with departments within the University community and within the
greater DeKalb community in order to enhance services for students
 Teamwork/Building: Assist the Director, fellow GA’s, and student coordinators to promote and execute the
programs and services provided by the department.
 Presentation Skills: When possible, present to outside organizations on the programs and services the office provides
 Time Management: Balance the duties and responsibilities associated with this position including outreach, program
development and implementation and customer service in the office
Position numbers: 35018, 34733, 35019
Requirements:
 Admitted to NIU’s graduate school and enrolled in a graduate course of study.
 Preference will be given to graduate students pursuing a degree in Counseling, Adult and Higher Education, but those
pursuing in a closely related field or discipline at Northern Illinois University will be considered.
Qualifications:
 Experience working with students of diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds
 Experience in program planning and implementation prefered
 Excellent written and oral communication skills
 Excellent organizational skills
 Solid time management and leadership skills
 Any experience working with off-campus, commuter, transfer and/or non-traditional students prefered, but not
required
 Marketing experience prefered
Salary/Compensation for a 10
 Start Date: 08/01/2012
 Salary: $1000 per month
 Housing in residence hall:
 Meal Plan:
no
month,
20
hours per week position include:
no
Contact Information:
Angela Dreessen
Director of Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services
Holmes Student Center, 023K
DeKalb, IL 60115-2880
815.753.0100
angied@niu.edu
Position numbers: 35018, 34733, 35019