College of Education & Human Services

CSP Admissions

Admission - College Student Personnel

CSP: Student Affairs Track (Macomb)

Admission Requirements: CSP Student Affairs Track

The CSP Program is committed to its long-standing tradition as a theory-to-practice program with coursework focused on student development theory, leadership development, philosophy and history of higher education, organization and administration of student affairs, multicultural competency, counseling theory and techniques, and research methods. We achieve theory-to-practice through student, faculty, and student affairs partnerships as well as practical experiences in the field of student affairs and classroom settings.

Evidence of Academic Ability

Demonstrated academic ability and the desire to learn are key qualities for success in any graduate program. Academic evidence is assessed through a personal interview, personal goals statement, and transcripts, all of which are considered during our admission process.

GRE scores are not required for consideration, however there is an undergraduate GPA threshold given the rigor of the program. You may qualify as potential degree candidates in the College Student Personnel program if your overall undergraduate cumulative GPA is at least 2.75 (based upon a 4.0 scale). These are minimum requirements, and do not guarantee an interview given the competitive nature of the program. To learn more about the GPA calculation process, please consult with the Office of Graduate Studies.

Personal Qualifications

The personal qualifications sought during the admission process parallel those sought in the field of student affairs: strong interpersonal skills, ability to handle stress, emotional stability, desire to learn, and self-awareness. Qualifications are assessed through a personal interview, letters of recommendation, a personal goals statement, and a resume. Campus and community involvement, leadership experiences, honors, and recognition are also considered.

Appropriate Goals

Whether you are an emerging or experienced practitioner, it is important to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the student affairs field. Professional goals based on your experiences and the time engaged in student affairs work should be appropriate for your continued education and congruent with those of the CSP program. The required personal goals statement, writing sample, personal interview, and recommendations from individuals in the field are used to assess our ability to help you meet your goals.

Application Deadline

The College Student Personnel: Student Affairs track has a priority application deadline of Jan. 15, and considers applications after this date on a space available basis. View the Application Process section to learn more. Due to the sequence of courses, only fall semester admission is considered. If you are interested in taking a single course, contact us directly to explore special consideration options.


Application Process: CSP Student Affairs Track

Candidates are evaluated for admission on academic ability and achievements, student affairs knowledge and experience, and personal attributes necessary to successfully complete the program and thrive in the field of student affairs. Various factors play into the admission decision, such as a professional resume, personal goals statement, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, the Graduate Studies application, and a personal interview.

Application Tips

Questions regarding the application process or the receipt of application materials should be directed to the College Student Personnel email at CSP@wiu.edu or phone at (309) 298-2082.

In this application process you are applying to both the WIU School of Graduate Studies and to the CSP program.

  • The application for admission includes: assistantship application, personal goals statement, and resume. (You may be asked to complete a writing sample if you are invited for an interview.)
  • If you are not ready to submit your personal goals statement or resume at the time of you application submission, you may send them to CSP@wiu.edu. Please follow the deadlines listed below for submission.
  • Letters of Recommendation may be submitted after your application is submitted.
  • Academic transcripts are submitted to Graduate Studies.

As a candidate, it is your responsibility to check on the status of your application to be sure all materials arrive prior to the application deadline.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement for admission to the program.

The admission interview is the final stage and critical part of the admission process. The department will notify candidates of their admission status shortly after the interview. An official letter from WIU's School of Graduate Studies will be sent when an official decision has been made on your application file. CSP Interview Days will be held Feb. 13 - Feb. 15, 2022.

Application Process Timeline

July 1 - Application materials available online

Dec. 1 - Recommended timeframe for submitting application materials to International Admissions for international candidates (allowing for processing time to meet the Jan. 5 deadline)

Dec. 15 - Recommended timeframe for submitting application materials to Graduate Studies for domestic candidates (allowing for processing time to meet the Jan. 15 deadline)

Feb. 3 - Priority application deadline for receiving application materials at Graduate Studies and CSP program offices. After that date, applications are accepted on a space-available basis. (Please note this date has been extended from our original. Jan. 15 deadline.)

February - Invitations to participate in on-campus interview process are extended to select candidates. (Interviews will take place March 5-7, 2023 for fall admission.)

February-April - Offers of admission are extended to select applicants

April 15 - Deadline for applicants who were offered admission to accept or decline their place in the program

August 21 - Fall 2023 Semester Begins


Ready to Get Started? Apply Now!


CSP: Full-Time Graduate Program Application Checklist

Complete the Application for Admission with the School of Graduate Studies. Please review the following steps for specific application instructions for the CSP program. (You must complete the application for the School of Graduate Studies and also complete the materials for the CSP program.)

Graduate Assistantship Application & Personal Goals Statement
    • Graduate Assistantship Application: Complete and submit the Graduate Assistantship Application form
      (if you did not already do so through the Application for Admission process).
    • Personal Goals Statement: In 500-700 words, please address the following essay prompt in your personal goals statement:
      When choosing a graduate program, you are choosing an intellectual and professional community where you believe you can learn and develop. How do you see the College Student Personnel program at WIU contributing to your professional goals of working in student affairs or higher education?
    • Three Letters of Recommendation: List the three names of the writers of your letters of recommendation.
      • These recommendations should be from individuals able to provide pertinent information regarding your 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 your academic ability. If you have any questions about the suitability of a reference, please email us at csp@wiu.edu.
      • If you are completing the form online through Graduate Studies, your recommenders will receive an email with further instructions.
Resume
    • Upload your Resume as either an additional document when submitting your application or submit separately directly to the CSP program following the instructions at the bottom of this page. Please make sure to update the document by including your most recent positions and achievements.
Official transcript(s)
  • You must request official transcript(s) of all previous undergraduate or graduate coursework completed at any college or university. The Registrar's Office from the respective institutions will submit the transcript(s) on your behalf via postal mail or via Certified Electronic Transmission to:

School of Graduate Studies
Sherman Hall 116
Macomb, IL 61455
Grad-Office@wiu.edu

Signature
  • Once you are ready to submit your application, sign and submit.
Important Things to Consider
  • Please allow at least two weeks for processing your application through the WIU School of Graduate Studies.
  • If you are unable to submit your personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation at the time of your application submission (preferred method), you may alternatively submit these documents directly to the College Student Personnel program via email: csp@wiu.edu
  • If you have questions or concerns about your application materials, please contact us by phone: (309) 298-2082 or email: csp@wiu.edu

Finances
Graduate Assisantships

The CSP program offers more than 45 graduate assistantship opportunities in nearly 20 offices on campus. As a full-time assistant, you work 20 hours per week and receive a monthly stipend and waiver of tuition. The current graduate assistant stipend amount is $943 per month or $7,544 per academic year (pre-tax). Graduate assistantships in University Housing and Dining Services additionally offer room and board benefits. Read more about Graduate Assistantships...

Greek House Director Positions

All fraternity and sorority housing associated with WIU are privately owned and operation by either a local or national Housing Corporations, and provide part-time, off-campus, live-in positions as House Directors. The expectations, responsibilities, and compensation package differ between chapters however, all chapters provide free housing with a private room and bath along with some form of food or meal stipend. Some compensation packages include cable, phone line, and monthly stipend. Hours for each position vary but contact with students can and probably will happen at all hours of the day and night. To learn more about Greek House Director positions, contact the Office of Student Activities.

Scholarships

Through the generous donations of alumni, the CSP program offers annual (non-renewable) scholarships to current graduate students enrolled in the major ranging from $200-$500. The application process and timeline are coordinated by the CSP Program Office and are widely shared with the current students.

Nell Glynn Koester Scholarship

Western Illinois University lost a very good friend and wonderful human being when Nell Koester passed away on August 26, 1989. Her dedication, commitment to helping others, and sincere love of life as a faculty member, dean of women, director of student personnel services, and associate vice president for student affairs at WIU is greatly missed by all who knew her. Nell was particularly supportive and instrumental in helping develop the College Student Personnel graduate program at the University. She played a major role in forging a positive working relationship between the academic department and the Division of Student Serves, as she believed that practical experience is an integral part of the graduate education. Thus, in an effort to recognize and remember Nell for all that she gave to the members of the WIU community and to see to it that her legacy lives on, and endowed scholarship fund has been named in her honor. Nell's friends and colleagues have established the Nell Glynn Koester Memorial Scholarship to be presented to a CSP: Student Affairs student at WIU in the first year of the studies who exemplifies the high ethical standards and ideals that Nell so consistently demonstrated in her teaching and professional performance.

College Student Personnel Multicultural Scholarship

The CSP Multicultural Scholarship was established in 2010 by an alumna of the program. It is awarded to CSP: Student Affairs students who have lived as or displayed significant commitment and/or potential to positively impact non-traditional, underserved, and minority communities within higher education with respect to social justice, multiculturalism, diversity, or faith.

Dea Forney Alumni Scholarship

The College Student Personnel Alumni Scholarship was established in the fall of 1999 at Western Illinois University. The name was amended in 2011 to reflect the service of Professor Dr. Dea Forney upon her retirement. This scholarship is awarded to student in both the Student Affairs and Higher Education Leadership tracks who demonstrate exceptional potential as professionals in the field of student affairs through scholarship, leadership, and service.

Class Gift Scholarship

The College Student Personnel program graduates of the 2016 established the Class Gift Scholarship to recognize the a member of the CSP: Student Affairs first-year cohort who demonstrates exceptional potential as a professional in the field of student affairs through scholarship, leadership, and service to WIU and the CSP community.




CSP: Higher Education Leadership Track (Quad Cities)

Admission Requirements: Higher Education Leadership

Grade point average(s), academic, leadership, and supervisor references, personal interviews, and evaluation of application materials will be used to determine admission to the program with an eye toward match and fit between your goals and the offerings of the program. Due to the sequence of courses, only Summer term admission is considered. If you are interested in taking a singular course, contact us directly to explore special consideration options.

Evidence of Academic Ability

Demonstrated academic ability and the desire to learn are key qualities for success in any graduate program. Academic evidence can often be assessed through academic and leadership references, personal interviews, personal goals statement, essay, and transcripts -- all of which are considered during our admission process. GRE scores are not required for consideration, however there is an undergraduate GPA threshold given the rigor of the program. You will receive full consideration as potential degree candidates in the College Student Personnel (CSP) program if your overall undergraduate cumulative GPA is 2.75+ (based upon a 4.0 scale). To learn more about the GPA calculation process, please consult with the Office of Graduate Studies. A limited number of candidates with less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA will be considered for probationary admission.

Professional Experience

The CSP: Higher Education Leadership track is available to candidates who hold a Bachelor's degree and are engaged in professional work (particularly those working directly with students) at a higher education institution or related agency/organization.

Personal Qualifications

The personal qualifications sought during the admission process parallel those sought in the field of student affairs -- strong interpersonal skills, ability to handle stress, emotional stability, desire to learn and self-awareness. Qualifications are assessed through personal interview, letters of recommendation, personal goals statement and essays. Campus and community involvement, leadership experiences, honors, and recognition will also be considered.

Appropriate Goals

Whether you are an emerging or experienced practitioner, it is important to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the student affairs field. Professional goals, ranging from tentative to specific based upon your experiences and time engaging in student affairs work, should be appropriate for your continued education and congruent with those of the CSP program. The required personal goals statement, essay, personal interview, and recommendations from individuals in the field will be used to assess our ability to help you meet your goals.



Affirmative Action / ADA Compliance

Western Illinois University complies fully with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, orders, and regulations. The University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity institution and affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, or status as disabled veteran in employment, programs, and services. WIU's commitment to nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action embraces the entire University community including faculty, staff, and students. The University also has policies on sexual harassment and racial and ethnic harassment. Inquiries regarding these policies and regulations may be directed to the Affirmative Action / ADA Compliance Office, Sherman Hall 202, 309-298-1977.


Application Process: Higher Education Leadership Track

Built upon the values of: theory to practice, ethical action, social justice, and transformative learning, the purpose of the College Student Personnel program at Western Illinois University is to co-create learning partnerships to help you develop as a reflective student affairs leader for socially responsible practice.

With this goal in mind, candidates like yourself are evaluated on academic ability and achievements, student affairs knowledge and abilities, and personal attributes necessary to successfully complete the program and thrive in the field of student affairs. Documents such as: a professional resume, personal statement, essay, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, the Graduate Studies application, and a personal interview assist in this evaluation process.

Application Tips
  • The College Student Personnel Staff can answer your questions about the application process or the receipt of application materials through email: CSP@wiu.edu or phone: (309) 298-2848.
  • As a candidate, it is your responsibility to check on the status of your application to be sure all materials arrive prior to the application deadline.
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement for admission to the program.
  • The admission interview is the final stage and critical part of the admission process. The department will notify candidates of their admission status shortly after the interview. An official letter from WIU's School of Graduate Studies will be sent when an official decision has been made on your application file.
Application Process Timeline

The Higher Education Leadership track is accepting applications for Summer 2022 and Fall 2022 enrollment. Please contact Tracy Davis at tl-davis1@wiu.edu to discuss admissions deadlines and application processes.


Ready to Get Started? Apply Now!


Application Checklist - Higher Education Leadership Track
  • Application for Admission - Completed with the School of Graduate Studies
  • Official transcript(s) - Submit all previous undergraduate or graduate coursework completed at any college or university to the School of Graduate Studies.
  • Application Essays - Please write two short statements, 500 to 700 words each, addressing the prompts below.
    • On-line and hybrid learning, compared to face-to-face classrooms, have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Describe your experience with self-directed learning and what approaches you will employ to get the most out of the hybrid environment.
    • When choosing a graduate program, you are choosing an intellectual and professional community where you believe that you can learn and develop. In what aspects of your academic and professional life do you hope to realize growth by enrolling in the CSP program, and how do you anticipate finding harmony between your academic, professional, and personal responsibilities associated with this growth?
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
    • The recommendation should be from individuals able to provide pertinent information regarding your skills and success in the field of student affairs.
    • At least one reference should be from a faculty member who can speak to your academic strength or a leader who has witnessed your ability to lead and learn new, complex information
  • Resume - Updated with your professional experiences
  • Interview - Interviews will occur on a rolling basis as applications become complete.