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Giving

Student Affairs

The Case for Support

The division actively partners with students throughout their collegiate experience from Welcome Week to crossing the stage at commencement. Student Affairs encourages all students to participate in cocurricular experiences that prepare them to live and lead in a society that is rapidly changing and increasingly diverse. Competing in a sport club representing Illinois State, participating in mock interviews with employers, or coordinating a philanthropy event for a Greek organization, are just a few ways Student Affairs opens doors of opportunity and growth for students through partnerships across campus and in the community.

Student Affairs promises to create an engaging, inclusive, and active campus environment that prepares a pipeline of leaders—one student at a time—to improve communities, industry, and the world. In a complex society where the future is unknown yet limitless, communities and industry are looking for college graduates who can ethically navigate uncertainty and multifaceted issues. Student Affairs at Illinois State University is addressing the leadership gap by preparing the next generation of leaders. Student Affairs staff are devoted to helping students build a foundation for the future by gaining practical knowledge, applying academic concepts, and establishing independence.

Students learn to work in a team structure, improve communication, prioritize, problem-solve, organize, and influence through engagement opportunities provided by Student Affairs. Today, however, making these enriching and empowering experiences available to all students can be challenging due to funding constraints and increased demands on staff time. Continuing to provide transformative experiences for all students requires increasing financial resources.

Through Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State, we seek to raise funds to further nurture and prepare students as they mature into capable leaders and citizens who are adept innovators, ready and able to positively influence their community and vocation. With your support, our students can and will seize life-changing learning opportunities that change their minds, hearts, and futures.

Redbirds Rising Campaign
Give Now

Campaign Goal:
$2 million

Our Impact

"Our commitment to students drives our mission and approach to work. Relying on community partnerships, academic colleague support, and engaged alumni allows us to provide the best and most timely programs and services for students."

–Levester "LJ" Johnson
Vice President, Student Affairs

Campaign Funding Priorities

Redbirds Rising will enable the University to achieve three critical outcomes: supporting student and faculty scholarship, educating globally aware and socially engaged leaders, and sparking continuous creativity and innovation. To advance these objectives, we offer multiple ways to support Student Affairs within our key funding categories:

Engagement opportunities and programs for leadership development

Student Affairs creates immersive learning opportunities, enriching the Illinois State experience for every student. Students gain confidence as effective and ethical leaders through membership in Greek organizations, leading peers, participating in university governance, serving as a resident assistant (RA), advocating for their peers, and completing the ISULeads Leadership Certification Program. All of these opportunities are feasible because of student fees, but rely on external funding to grow and expand the quantity and quality of offerings.

Cocurricular engagement scholarships

Access to distinctive experiences beyond the typical collegiate experience helps set Illinois State students apart from other college graduates. From Alternative Break participation to presenting at professional conferences or attending leadership training, students benefit from cocurricular engagement. Scholarships make it possible for students to afford experiences that prepare them for a life of impact and success. Your gift in this area can change the trajectory of a student’s life.

Professional and career development

Comprehensive and individualized attention is needed as students clarify their aspirations while pursuing their passion at Illinois State. With a newly adopted four-year professional and career development plan, students gain greater access to programs, services, staff, and employers as they prepare for the working world. The new structure will aid students’ ability to navigate professional changes and advancement for life. Your financial support strengthens the Redbird advantage of all graduates.

Advancement of inclusive practice and community

Student Affairs leads efforts to foster a socially just and inclusive environment, providing all students the opportunity to fully engage in their collegiate career. The division builds a community that supports, educates, and celebrates diversity, as well as teaches students about civility and how to advocate for themselves and others. With additional private support, the division can provide new and innovative programs that aid in the persistence and success of all students.

Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning

Civic engagement is a core Illinois State value. The University seeks to further develop the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, supported by Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, to promote collaboration across the campus and community. Funding will support a resource center and clearinghouse, as well as critical programs and services. The center will solidify the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation for service to others and building stronger communities.

Student Affairs enriches the collegiate experience for every Illinois State student by upholding core values of integrity, compassion, creativity, diversity, and relationships. Each reflects the University’s core values as well. You can help the division continue this important work by providing philanthropic resources crucial to the success of students today and into the future. Join us in supporting Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State.

Contact Us

The priorities described here represent only a small sampling of funding opportunities in every department and program within the Division of Student Affairs. For more information about how you can support the division’s campaign priorities, contact: