Student affairs professionals work at institutions of higher education to support student growth and development through programming, advising student organizations, and conducting research. There are many areas of student affairs including orientation, leadership development, student unions, housing, and more. Benefits of working in student affairs include making a difference in students' lives, career flexibility, an exciting work environment, and good benefits. Education levels range from a bachelor's to a doctorate, and salaries start at $33,500 for entry-level roles up to $500,000 for senior administrators. Illinois State University offers a student affairs mentorship program to help students explore the field.

1. Putting together the PiecesConsider a Career in Student AffairsPresenter: Katie Pratt

2. Want to Do What I Do?A Career in Student Affairs

3. What is Student Affairs?Definition of Student Affairs

4. Student affairs staff provide services and support for students at institutions of higher education to enhance student growth and development in the United States and abroad.

5. Student affairs professionals are charged with the tasks of developing programming, advising student organizations and student leaders and conducting research to meet the needs of the whole student – physical, emotional and mental.

6. Also referred to as College Student Personnel and Higher Education AdministrationAreas of Student AffairsOrientation (Preview & Passages)

7. Leadership & Service

8. Student Union

9. Student Organizations/Student Involvement Center

10. Women's Services

11. Financial Aid

12. Foreign/International Student Services

13. GLBT Student Services

14. Off-Campus Student Services

15. Athletics

16. Career Development

17. Fundraising

18. Spirituality, Faith or Religious ServicesAcademic AdvisingCampus Activities/University Program BoardAdmissions and RegistrarCounseling and TestingGreek AffairsRecreational ServicesHousing/Residence LifeLegal AffairsJudicial/Community Rights & ResponsibilitiesMinority/Multicultural Affairs (Diversity Advocacy)Disabled Student Services

19. Benefits of Working in Student AffairsThe Ability to Make a Difference

20. You can change the lives of students!!

21. A Wide Range of Choices

22. You can consider a career in student affairs no matter what your undergraduate major is or was.

23. An Exciting Work Environment

24. There is never a boring day in a student affairs office.

25. Access to the Profession

26. There are several entry-level positions and they are always in demand on campuses.

27. Potential for Advancement

28. Once you enter the profession, the possibilities of career growth are limitless.

29. Fringe Benefits

30. Colleges and universities offer an attractive benefits package which can include tuition remission, medical benefits, vacation time, and all the cultural, social, and recreational opportunities that a college campus has to offer. Education and SalariesEducationLower- Bachelors-Masters, Most of the time MastersMiddle: Masters- Doctorate Higher: Doctorate + experience Starting salary $33,500 ($16/hr)Mid-level/Median salary $60,500-$62,500 ($29/hr)Senior Level salary $90,000 ($43/hour)Senior Administration $100,000-$500,000Benefits are usually very good for college student personnel workers. They may get 4 to 5 weeks vacation a year and have very generous health and pension packages. Many colleges and universities offer free tuition to employees and their families.

31. Suggested Linkswww.naspa.orgwww.myacpa.org

32. Student Affairs Mentorship at ISUInterest Session: March 18, 2 PMEngaging Small Group SessionsFor those seriously considering student affairs as a career option.Meet three times after spring break and will create a future plan.Contact Information: Erin Thomaseethoma@ilstu.edu