Admission - Requirements
Evidence of Academic Ability
Grade point average(s), academic and supervisor references, fit for the program as displayed during a personal interview, and evaluation of an essay will be used to assess the applicant's ability to complete the program.
Applicants may qualify as potential degree candidates if their overall undergraduate cumulative grade point average is at least 2.75, or if their last two years of undergraduate work is 3.00 or higher.
Personal Qualifications
Potential students should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, ability to handle the stresses inherent in student personnel work, emotional stability, and self-awareness.
Qualifications are assessed by a personal interview and letters of recommendation. Campus and community involvement, leadership experiences, honors, and recognition will also be considered.
Appropriate Goals
Potential students should demonstrate a basic understanding of the student affairs profession. Professional goals, while understandably tentative, should be appropriate for beginning professionals and congruent with those of the WIU program. The required essay, personal interview, and recommendations from individuals in the field will be used to assess the applicant's goals.
Admissions Requirements-Two Part Process
School of Graduate Studies
An application for admissions to the College Student Personnel Program must also complete the application process in the School of Graduate Studies. Application materials will be sent from that office.
The School of Graduate Studies require:
1. Application for admission to graduate school.
2. Official transcripts of all previous college course work.
3. An application for an assistantship.
College Student Personnel
The College Student Personnel faculty wish to keep the number of students accepted into the graduate program relatively small. Approximately 20 candidates are admitted annually. Admitting a small number of students results in greater interpersonal contact between faculty and students. Due to the sequence of courses, full-time students are normally accepted only for the fall semester admission. Students planning to attend on a part-time basis should consult with the program coordinator to determine when to begin course work. Students desiring a degree in College Student Personnel must qualify with the School of Graduate Studies. The criteria upon which prospective students are evaluated include ability to complete the academic requirements of the program, personal qualifications necessary for success in the student affairs profession, and appropriate goals.
The College Student Personnel Program requires:
1. A personal data packet detailing specific work and educational experiences, including:
* The personal data sheet
* A one-two page essay titled "My Interest in College Personnel Work"
* A current resume
2. Three letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be from individuals able to provide pertinent information regarding the candidate's skills, potential for success in the field of student affairs, maturity, and level of responsibility. At least one reference should be from a faculty member familiar with the applicant's academic performance. Letters submitted as part of the graduate assistantship application may be used.
3. A personal interview. The interview is the final stage of the admission process. It will be scheduled to coincide with assistantship interviews on campus. Candidates should be aware that their admission and assistantship placement requires an on-campus interview.
Completed applications will be reviewed by faculty as they are received. A pool of candidates will be invited for on-campus interviews. The department will notify candidates of their admission status shortly after the personal interview. An official letter from WIU's School of Graduate Studies will follow.