Stephanie Pipis
Political Science Major
When I first came to ISU I didn’t really have a good idea of who I was or what I wanted to do. However, over the years, I got involved with a number of student groups, such as starting the ISU’s Independent Voters, Mock Trial, and being a member of the Student Appeals Board.
I have also had the chance to get involved by participating in LeaderShape. During this life changing week, I gained the experience needed to become a better student leader here on ISU’s campus. Eventually, I became a member of the Campus Involvement Ambassadors (CIA) where I help other students find activities that interest them and help leaders of other student groups be successful. As a part a CIA, I have presented a session at Camp LEAD, a conference for students looking to get involved on campus, and helped develop a workshop for registered student organizations (RSOs). I now have a better understanding of the importance of student involvement here at ISU. Because of the dedicated staff members of these offices, I now have the tools and confidence I need to continue on in my journey here at ISU.
My experiences with the Dean of Students Office has helped me to mature and to learn how to deal with real world situations. Through my student involvement, I have grown tremendously as a person. I have developed extensive leadership skills and my confidence has also been increased. I now have a better idea of not only what I want to do with the rest of my life, but how to reach those goals. The statistics state that college students who get involved on their campuses do better in their classes was true for me. Since I have gotten involved, my grades have improved and I have found a direction for my future.
Jazlyn Styles
Therapeutic Recreation and Health Information Management Major
I was a student employee at the Dean of Students Office for a couple memorable years. While working with the office, I became more informed about a variety of resources, registered student organizations (RSOs), and different programs that are targeted to college students. I also found the staff to be very helpful and knowledgeable. They do their best to help, however they can. If they are unable to provide assistance, they will direct you to someone who can. They always have a welcoming smile on their face and are ready to answer any questions. They really make you feel that helping others is their first priority.
The office is full of information. It is one of the best stops to get direction and information about the University. They also assist student with absences and personal/circumstantial issues.
I understand most freshmen are nervous about approaching faculty/staff about something they may need help with, but they should remember that they remain uniformed by not asking at all. They will tell you either the right or wrong answer, but the only way to find out is by asking. The independence of wanting to do things without the help of others is a good feeling. But I would recommend students go to the Dean of Students Office for the smallest or most complex issues without worrying about feeling embarrassed.
Alana McGinty
Politics/Government and Sociology Major
I have worked with the Dean of Students Office in many ways. Greek Affairs and the Student Involvement Center have helped me when working with the Panhellenic Association or with my sorority. I have also participated in many programs with Leadership and Service and am now working in there as an intern to help plan and organize events. In addition, this year I am member of Campus Involvement Ambassadors (CIA).
The programs I have been involved over the years has helped me to develop my goals in my life. I have been able to develop leadership skills and learned how to be a student leader. I also think I have become a more rounded person because of the Dean of Students programs that I have participated in, such as LeaderShape and Alternative Spring Break (ASB). Both were amazing learning experiences for me to learn about myself and others. ASB opened my eyes to social justice issues that I never even knew existed. It confirmed to me that working in social justice is what I want to do when I graduate.
I believe that the Dean of Students Office offers students great ways to get involved and grow as a student, leader, and citizen. They offer so many programs that there is literally something for everyone! So many students feel lost when they get to college, not knowing what they can do. But the Dean of Students Office offers help to those students. Whether it’s by attending events like Spring Fest, or utilizing the Student Involvement Center – there are so many ways to make your college experience more about just class, or just partying. There is so much happening all the time, and it’s because of the Dean of Students Office that all of these programs and events are possible! They make coming to ISU more than just school. It’s a place to grow into the person you want to be for the rest of your life.
Geno Bagnuolo
Business Management Major
When I first came to Illinois State as a first semester freshman, I skipped too many classes, spent 80% of my time in Watterson Towers, and the most involvement I had was going to floor meetings. Now I am so involved that I even surprise myself. Without joining my fraternity, I would probably still be the same person I was when I entered college. Fortunately, my fraternity brother introduced me to the Dean of Students Office and helped make the connection to help me get involved.
I joined my fraternity in the spring of 2006 and have been a member for three years. During this time, have been a part of the Interfraternity Council and have served in many leadership roles. I have also spent two years on the University Reinstatement Committee through the Student Government Association (SGA) and was on SGA’s budget review committee. I was also elected as Student Trustee and I attended Leadershape to develop my leadership skills.
Since becoming involved at Illinois State I have pulled a complete 180, and am a much better person for it. I am now more involved than I could have ever imagined. Greek life changed my experience at Illinois State and made my time so much more enjoyable. Working with the Dean of Students Office has motivated me to go to into student affairs as a career, and now I want to go to graduate school so I can do just that when I graduate.
The Dean of Students Office offers such a wide array of involvement opportunities. There is a way for everyone who wants to get involved to become active. I encourage new students not to be afraid to ask fellow students about how they got involved on campus or talk to the Dean of Students Office.
Michael McLinden
Theater Design Production Major
The Dean of Students Office has helped me since my very first year at Illinois State. I started out by living on the Leadership and Service Lifestyle floor as a freshman. Once I moved in, it has really made a life changing impact on my life. The activities they had planned made me feel welcome and at home, and helped to build a sense of community among the residents, making my transition to college so much easier.
Once I got adjusted to ISU, Leadership and Service really helped me find what I was passionate about and helped me find ways to get involved with things related to it. They even went as far as spending a few hours with me one day to help me put together a resume so I could apply for the National Collegiate Leadership Conference.
I think the experiences of being on the Leadership and Service Lifestyle Floor has truly been a life changing experience. It not only made me get involved in many unique ways in my community, but I have had so much personal growth that I cannot express in words.
The Dean of Students Office has really helped mold me into the student I am today. I think the Dean of Students Office can really help students in many ways. It’s really up to the student to find out what they offer and take advantage of it.
Mari Isenberg
Sociology Major
I worked with the Dean of Students Office primarily when I participated in Alternative Spring Break, a program offered through Leadership and Service. As a site facilitator, the office assisted me with planning activities for the trip and with getting in contact with our housing site. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave me the information I needed in a timely fashion and in a way that was easy to understand.
I believe that I have grown a lot in the last year thanks to help from the Dean of Students Office. They helped me to develop my leadership skills and to develop my full potential as a leader. For example, they taught me a lot about time management, which has helped me greatly with my academic work. They also helped me to discover my full potential and guided me on my journey to achieve it.
I think that Dean of Students Office helps students by introducing students to activities on campus and helping them get involved off-campus as well. It also helps students find out who they are and who they can be. I would strongly recommend incoming freshman and other students to take advantage of the serviced offered by the Dean of Students Office. The programs and services are a great way to grow and learn and also to meet new people.
Stacey Krywaruczenko
Spanish Education Major
I feel that I have grown tremendously at Illinois State University. One program that has helped me to grow is Alternative Spring Break (ASB), offered through the Dean of Students Office. ASB has changed my life. I moved from being a student who only cared about herself, to wanting to change the world. This program has had the biggest effect on me, but all of the programs that I have been involved with through the Dean of Students Office have helped me to grow. Through the people I met and the things that I learned, I have become a better person.
Every experience that I have had with the Dean of Students office has been a very positive. I think that just joining the programs that they have has influenced me. The people that are part of the programs, from the staff to the students they have all influenced me in some way. They have shown me what I am passionate about and have also helped me grow as a leader.
I think the Dean of Students helps students by just being there for us, and supporting all the different projects and programs that are going on. By being genuinely interested in the students and by wanting to make an impact on us, they have helped us.
I encourage all students to get involved with the different programs that the Dean of Students Office has to offer, because their programs have greatly influenced me and have made my college experience amazing, and will continue to do so.
Jamie Collins
Accounting Major
As a member of an Illinois State sorority and Panhellenic Association president, I have worked with the Dean of Students Office on many occasions. I am in constant contact with Greek Affairs, and have also worked with the Student Involvement Center and Community Rights and Responsibilities.
My position with the Panhellenic Association would be nearly impossible without the support of the Dean of Students Office. They provide the support and resources I need to be an effective president. Without the Dean of Students Office, I would not have the guidance and assistance I need for my position.
I highly recommend that all students and student organizations utilize the resources available through the Dean of Students Office. The staff is friendly and professional. I can come to them with all of my organization’s needs and they address them in a timely and efficient manner. They provide support for my organization and have assisted us with our educational programming and major community service activities.
Thanks to the help of the Dean of Students Office and the opportunities they have presented to me, I have even begun to consider a future career in college advisement, in part due to the interactions I had. The wide variety of services available almost guarantees that every personal need a student has can be addresses on campus through university provided services.
Keep up the great work Dean of Students Office! The services you provide to students make everything you do very much worthwhile. Thank you for all that you do!
Nicole Schraub
Special Education Major
I have been involved with the Dean of Students Office since I first got to campus. My first experience with the Dean of Students Office was living on the Leadership and Service Lifestyle floor my freshman year. My second year on campus, I was the resident assistant for the Leadership and Service Lifestyle floor, and I served as a liaison to the Dean of Students Office. I am constantly bringing students to the Student Involvement Center, and keeping them engaged with Leadership and Service and all they do.
The floor coordinators are amazing mentors because not only do they help me organize programs for the floor, they actually come out to the programs and help assist them. I often turn to them for guidance or advice because they have demonstrated their deep dedication to the students here.
The Dean of Students Office helped me realize my true passions in life and now I understand more about myself and my leadership abilities. Helping with different programs has made me a much more creative person and being around such positive and involved people that are a part of the Dean of Students Office has encouraged me to be a more involved and positive individual.
The Dean of Students Office helps students who want to have a memorable time at Illinois State. I encourage students to get involved with something that they are interested in because there are people here who will help them create those memorable experiences and will assist them every step of the way!
Gina Tucci
Political Science Major
I have been involved with the Dean of Students Office as a member of the University Hearing Panel, participated in Leadership Revolution, and worked as an employee of the Dean of Students Office.
While working for the Dean of Students Office, I learned a lot about being responsible for my actions. I have learned how to work with people and what to do when things don’t go as planned. I also appreciate the environment within the Dean of Students Office. I am able to be the fun, friendly, talkative person that I am. This environment allows me to be myself and shows me I can be professional, yet still have a heart.
I advise students to get involved at Illinois State even if it is just with one organization. By joining a club or getting a job on campus, you meet people that may be your friends for life. It will also help you learn so much more than what you can learn in the classroom. College is not just about receiving the best grades. It is about the experiences you put yourself through and what you learn from them.
Munirah McNeely
Public Relations Major
As a sophomore at Illinois State, I joined a sorority and became actively involved with Greek life. I was a Panhellenic Delegate and was elected to the Panhellenic Executive Board and helped organize recruitment. I also joined Rho Lambda and was elected President where I worked to raise our fifteen members to eighty. I also organized the All Greek Tailgate, which takes place during Homecoming, and helped with the All Greek Sisterhood.
Through my experiences with the Dean of Students Office, I have been made more aware of deadlines and the importance of staying on-task and BEING organized. I also developed so many valuable relationships during my experiences at ISU. The Dean of Students Office staff is always concerned with the well-being of the students and is willing to do what they can to help any student. The Dean of Students Office has an open door to every student and every time I needed help or advice, someone has always been there to help me. I would not be the person I am today without the opportunities that the Dean of Students office has offered me.
Brandon Thornton
Mathematics Major
I have been an active member of a number of student organizations, including U.N.I.T.E. (Urban Needs in Teacher Education) and the Association of South Campus, and have been elected as On-Campus Senator for the Student Government Association. I also participated in various programs with the Dean of Students Office, such as the Civil Rights Movement Trip and Camp LEAD.
By participating in these programs, I feel I have learned so much about myself and that I have become a much more positive, social, and caring person. By getting involved in various programs on campus, I realized that anyone can be a leader and influence others.
The Dean of Students Office has helped me to get involved and to be aware of social issues and my own character. They helped encourage me to get involved and find what it was that I wanted to do.
My advice to students is to get involved not only because you want to, but because it is important to get connected to the Illinois State community. If you aren’t sure where to start or where your interests lie, then start with the Dean of Students Office.
