The Graduate School
2023-2024 Year-in-Review
This year-in-review publication highlights the activities, efforts and successes of the NIU Graduate School during the 2023-2024 academic year at NIU.
Message from the Dean
I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together this past year. It is through the collective efforts of our faculty, staff and students that we have continued to uphold our commitment to excellence in graduate education at NIU. We have proudly focused on student success and enhancing opportunities for students. Through workshops and networking events, we strive to help students develop essential skills, expand their professional networks and prepare for successful careers inside and outside academia. By investing in our students’ professional growth, we are empowering them to thrive in an everchanging global landscape. Furthermore, the successful implementation of our new admission system has enhanced accessibility and efficiency, which will allow us to attract a diverse and talented cohort of graduate students from across
the globe. This achievement underscores our commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive academic community. I am grateful for all the enthusiasm we received during this process and thank you in advance for your efforts this coming fall as we work in two different admission systems. I know we will all be thrilled in spring 2025, when we are consolidated into one admission system. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we are reminded of the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of our entire community. Together, we have achieved success and positioned ourselves as leaders in graduate education and research. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence.
Here’s to another year of growth, innovation and success.
Go Huskies!
Kerry Wilks, Ph.D. Dean of the Graduate School and associate vice president of International Affairs
Your Graduate School Team
Leadership Team
• Kerry Wilks, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School and associate vice president of International Affairs.
• Jessica Reyman, Ph.D., associate dean of the Graduate School.
• Janelle M. Laudick, Ed.D., executive director of graduate enrollment.
• Kayla Doane, administrative assistant to the dean.
Marketing and Recruitment
• Casey Coots, M.S.Ed., MBA, director of marketing and communications.
• Maha Alkarzon, graduate assistant.
Office Support
• Brenda Hoiness, receptionist.
• Lakeisha Jackson, academic advising report specialist.
• Barbara Stark, business administrative associate.
• Deborah Williams, graduate colloquium coordinator.
Hires and Retires
• Janelle Laudick was hired as the inaugural executive director of graduate enrollment June 2023.
• Carolyn Law retired as thesis and dissertation coordinator December 2023.
• Emily Maduzia was hired as the inaugural online graduate admissions officer January 2024.
• Tinamae Yap was hired as a records representative March 2024.
• Mary Ann Warren was hired as the inaugural graduate student success coordinator April 2024
Graduate Admission
• Arezou Kashani Soto, M.A., director of graduate and international admission.
• Anne Arne, domestic graduate admission officer.
• Erin Corwin-Surwillo, international graduate admission officer.
• Emily Maduzia, online graduate admission officer.
• Wade Rosebrook, graduate student-at-large admission representative.
Enrollment Services and Student Success
• Theresa LaRocco, enrollment/records coordinator.
• Bailey Scidmore-Sievers, records representative.
• Christine Holloway, thesis and dissertation coordinator.
• Tinamae Yap, records representative.
• Mary Ann Warren, graduate student success coordinator.
Position Updates
• Arezou Kashani Soto expanded her responsibilities in a new role as director of graduate and international admissions spring 2023.
• Awni Alkarzon moved into a new role as undergraduate international admissions and recruitment coordinator in the Division of International Affairs January 2024.
• Christine Holloway moved into a new role as thesis and dissertation coordinator January 2024.
• Maha Alkarzon completed her graduate assistantship May 2024.
Empowered Professionals
We are proud to have a leadership team dedicated to driving innovation, fostering collaboration and advancing excellence in graduate education. Our leaders are actively engaged in conferences and national organizations where they share insights, exchange ideas and help to shape the future of graduate education. Select examples of representation include:
Presentations and Collaborations
• “Mentoring that Supports Students and Faculty” at the Council of Graduate Schools’ Summer Workshop, Denver, Colorado, July 2023 (Wilks, presenter).
• “Leveraging Leadership to Manage Crisis and Change” at the Association for Hispanic Classical Theater, El Paso, Texas, September 2023 (Wilks, co-presenter).
• “Moving from a Culture of Authority to a Culture of Leadership” at the CCAS Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, November 2023 (Wilks, co-presenter).
• “Creating a Sense of Community and Belonging for Master’s Students” at the Council of Graduate School’s Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., December 2023 (Wilks, presenter).
• “Building Cultural Competency into Professional Development Programming for Graduate Students” at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, April 2024 (Reyman, co-presenter).
• “Emerging issues in Graduate Education: SCOTUS” at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools’ Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO, April 2024 (Wilks, co-presenter).
Representation and Membership
• Co-chair, NIU SEM 2.0 Student Engagement and Well-being Working Group (Reyman).
• Members, Midwest Association of Graduate Admission Professionals (MAGAP) (Laudick, Wilks).
• Members, Council of Graduate Schools (Laudick, Reyman, Wilks).
• Representative, NIU SEM 2.0 HSI Working Group (Laudick).
• Representative, NIU Online Learning Advisory Committee (Laudick).
• Member, National Association of Graduate Admission Professionals (NAGAP) (Laudick).
• Board member, Association for Hispanic Classical Theater (Wilks).
• Past chair, Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (Wilks).
• Member, Council of Graduate Schools Advisory Committee on Advocacy and Public Policy (Wilks).
Participation and Professional Development
• Subscribers, Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) (Laudick, Reyman, Wilks).
• Subscribers, Illinois Association of Graduate Schools (IAGS) (Laudick, Reyman, Wilks).
• Participant, Ruffalo Noel Levitz Annual Conference (Laudick).
• Participant, Annual NAGAP GEM Summit (Laudick).
• Participant, Slate National Summit (Laudick, Soto).
Strategic Marketing Plan
This year, the Graduate School created a formal marketing plan for the year. The plan focused on marketing and recruitment, admissions management, student support services, retention, and research and reporting. Priorities of the plan included Graduate School website refresh, Graduate School print materials, leveraging relationships with internal
stakeholders and Slate email campaigns. NIU continues to develop new programs and strategies designed to make an NIU degree even more accessible, equitable and affordable, and to improve student success outcomes for all students, including those from historically and currently under-resourced and underserved communities.
Graduate School Website Refresh
In partnership with the web team in the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications (EMMC), the Graduate School website underwent a full refresh this last year. With optimizations rooted in previous website user data, the new site now includes a variety of resources and access to information for all stakeholder audiences. New features include a more user-friendly design with a renewed navigation structure, robust information
intentionally serving prospective graduate students, clear and concise sections on the graduate admission process, and an expanded resources section to support graduate student success. The new site also more succinctly provides visitors the ability to explore the breadth and depth of NIU’s academic programs offered at all graduate levels, among other features.
Year-round Graduate Recruitment Programming (in person and virtual)
Our graduate recruitment strategy for this past year was focused on more regional graduate school fairs and targeted McNair conferences. The basis of choice was derived from applications received from past events. Post event, we wanted to focus on appropriate and efficient follow up with these
Fall 2023
prospective students. By utilizing our Slate system, we sent automated messages to prospective students throughout their admissions process. These prospects were also delivered to each respective program who conducted their own personalized outreach and follow up.
• NIU New Employee Welcome Event in DeKalb, Illinois (monthly starting August 2023).
• McNair Conference in Denton, Texas (September 2023).
• McNair Heartland Conference in Kansas City, Missouri (September 2023).
• Eastern Illinois University Grad Fair in Charleston, Illinois (September 2023).
• Western Illinois University Grad Fair in Macomb, Illinois (October 2023).
• Illinois State University Grad Fair in Normal, Illinois (October 2023).
• University of Illinois Grad Fair in Urbana, Illinois (October 2023).
• NIU Grad and Professional Fair in DeKalb, Illinois (October 2023).
• Southern Illinois University Grad Fair in Carbondale, Illinois (November 2023).
• National Collegiate Honors College Conference in Chicago, Illinois (November 2023).
Spring 2024
• University of Chicago Grad Fair in Chicago, Illinois (March 2024).
• University of Cincinnati Grad Fair in Cincinnati, Ohio (March 2024).
• Eastern Illinois University Grad Fair in Charleston, Illinois (April 2024).
• DePaul University Grad Fair in Chicago, Illinois (April 2024).
Slate for Graduate Admission
This year, the NIU Graduate School team took on the implementation of Slate as our new application and constituent relationship management (CRM) system, transitioning from our existing application systems: CollegeNET and OnBase. Slate is a cutting-edge system that will revolutionize how we manage our graduate admissions process and enhance our efficiency. Including streamlining application review and automating communications, Slate CRM will empower our admissions team to work smarter, not harder. Several things will improve with this system
Timeline of Systems Transition:
including seamless application management personalized communication, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced applicant experience. In today’s competitive landscape, efficiency is more important than ever. With increasing application volume and limited resources, it’s essential that we leverage technology to work smarter and more efficiently. Slate CRM allows us to do just that, freeing up time and resources to focus on strategic initiatives and student engagement. Note: NIU has used certain elements of Slate for undergraduate admission and CRM purposes for years.
• Spring 2023: Initial preparation and application logic planning with Post Captain Consulting.
• June 2023: Executive director position filled to support/lead project.
• Feb. 2024: Open application for spring/summer 2025.
• March 2024: Begin review/processing decisions for spring/summer 2025.
• May 2024: Update application logic with new admission requirements with fall 2024 catalog.
• June/July 2024: Establish access/training needs for recruitment-focused efforts.
• Aug. 2024: Open application for fall 2025 and spring/summer 2026.
• Nov./Dec. 2024: Close CollegeNET application for fall 2024 and transition records to Slate.
Recruitment Funnel Automated Email Engagement Campaigns
With the move to Slate as the CRM of record for NIU, the Graduate School team worked with partners on campus to automate email campaigns as part of a larger strategy to streamline our recruitment process. Although it has never been done before at NIU, this is a historic improvement in the way we nurture prospective students. From awareness to enrollment, our automated campaigns deliver personalized messages at every stage of the recruitment funnel, ensuring prospective students receive the right information at the right time. By leveraging automated email engagement campaigns at every stage of the recruitment funnel, we can attract, engage and convert prospective students more effectively than ever before. With targeted messaging, personalized experiences and strategic follow-up, we can build lasting relationships and drive enrollment success for NIU.
Improved I-20 Issuance for Admitted International Graduate Students
Alongside the efforts to transition to the Slate technology for an improved graduate admission experience, the Graduate School partnered with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to embrace available efficiencies with the visa-related processes for incoming international graduate students. Through partnership across teams, we have moved from a manual email-based process to secure materials required for the issuance of an I-20 to a more timely and
Holistic Admission
wholesome experience for the admitted international graduate student through automated messaging and use of the Terra Dotta system to manage each step of the process. These changes enable a more efficient, timely and secure process for both NIU staff and incoming international graduate students access to materials and obtain a visa to study in the United States.
We believe in looking beyond traditional metrics to identify candidates who demonstrate the greatest potential for success in our graduate programs. That’s why we’ve adopted a holistic admissions approach that considers the whole applicant.
• Academic departments were requested by the dean of the Graduate School to envision what is necessary for a student to be admitted to their department and use their expertise and knowledge in their fields to update their required admission documents to review.
• The overarching goal for the academic departments being that they look at all essential aspects of an applicant file to make the best decision while also being diverse, equitable and inclusive. For example, a department may want a student to answer a specific question when writing their statement of purpose while another academic department may just want a broader statement of purpose reflecting interest in the program.
• Effective for the graduate catalog year 2024-2025, the Graduate School moved to only require university transcript and proof of English proficiency for international students while academic departments added their own admission requirements based on the expertise of the faculty and staff in the academic departments.
• Trainings were held to help departments review applicants and make admission decisions.
Continued coordination between the Graduate School and academic departments will continue to be made available to maintain holistic admissions throughout upcoming catalog updates.
Office Environment Enhancements
This past year, we unveiled the refreshed and reimagined Graduate School office. More than just a space, it’s a hub of inspiration, empowerment and academic prowess. Art has the power to inspire, and the Graduate School Office is adorned with thought-provoking installations. The Graduate School office now features comfortable lounge areas where students can unwind, connect with peers or interact comfortably with the Graduate School staff. The Graduate School Office’s new look and updates are more than a visual transformation — they signify a commitment to creating an environment where academic excellence, innovation and collaboration thrive. In June 2023, our enrollment services team moved to the third floor of Williston Hall to support the growth and space needs of our graduate admission team. This move also allowed for increased operational efficiency to focus on access and student support.
Graduate Student Success Programming
The Graduate School offered a variety of events throughout the year to enrich and support the graduate student experience. Our 2023-2024 event calendar included opportunities for engagement, networking, professional development and topical discussions among graduate students.
Professional Development Lunch Series
Graduate faculty and staff delivered presentations and hosted roundtable discussions with graduate students on timely topics related to career and professional development.
• The Challenges and Opportunities of AI for Graduate Students, with Andrea Guzman, associate professor, Department of Communication (October 2023).
• The Ins and Outs of Mentorship, with Simon WefferElizondo, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Sandra Cox, University ombudsperson (November 2023).
• Job Search Strategies and Resources, with Edward Heard, senior career counselor, Career Services (February 2024).
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, with Linh Nguyen, inclusive teaching coordinator, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (March 2024).
Thesis and Dissertation Workshops
• A Project-management Approach to the Dissertation (October 2023).
• Submitting a Dissertation of Practice (October 2023).
• The Formatting Checklist (October 2023).
Beyond Graduate School Career Training
The Graduate School launched a partnership with Beyond Graduate School to offer all graduate students access to the online career training platform. Graduate students can watch video lessons and complete interactive activities related to career exploration, preparing application materials, interview and negotiating job offers. Graduate students also attend live webinars and boot camps related to each stage of the job search.
Responsible Conduct of Research Webinar Series
In partnership with the Office of Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety, the Graduate School hosted a series of 10 faculty-led webinars on topics related to the Responsible Conduct of Research. Participants earned a transcript notation and digital badge.
Student Engagement and Recognition Events
Engagement events brought graduate students together for networking, social connection and community. Our annual awards ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of our graduate student award and fellowship recipients.
• Graduate Student Welcome Back Social (September 2023).
• Graduate Student End-of-Semester Coffee Hour (December 2023).
• Graduate Fellowship Recipient Meet and Greet with the Cultural Resource Centers (February 2024).
• Outstanding Graduate Student Awards Ceremony and Reception (April 2024).
Graduate Student Appreciation Week
The Graduate School sponsored a week (April 1-5) of online and in-person activities to show appreciation for graduate students. Activities focus on connection, professional development, health and well-being.
• Bowling and Billiards at the Huskie Den.
• Free Professional Headshots with NIU Photography.
• Books and Bagels: International Student Meet-and-Greet with Subject Specialist Librarians.
• Virtual Trivia Night and Afternoon Yoga.
• Coffee, Connections and Crosswords with the University Writing Center.
• Prioritizing Your Well-being: An Interactive Workshop for International Students.
Graduate Student Awards, Assistantships and Fellowships
The Graduate School offers a variety of fellowship and award opportunities based on need and merit.
• Graduate Assistantships — Graduate assistants provide applied learning experiences through teaching, research and professional experiences. The Graduate School guides our graduate program partners on graduate assistantship policies, regulations and ideal ways in which to use the available funding for graduate student success. There were 1,457 graduate assistantships awarded this past year.
• Rhoten A. Smith Assistantships — The Graduate School supported 48 graduate assistantships with more than $300,000 of funding during the 2023-24 academic year through the Rhoten A. Smith (RAS) Assistantship Program which funds underrepresented students in their respective fields.
• Carter G. Woodson Fellowships — The Graduate School provides incentives and support for minority teachers/scholars to pursue doctoral degrees with the Carter G. Woodson Fellowship program. More than $50,000 of funding was awarded to three graduate students in the 2023-24 academic year.
• Diversifying Faculty in Illinois Fellowships — The Graduate School received $105,000 in state funding from IBHE to support six underrepresented graduate students pursuing careers in higher education during the 2023-24 academic year.
• Dissertation Completion Fellowships — Through a
competitive application and review process, the Graduate School awarded $100,000 to five doctoral students to assist in the completion of their dissertation projects and degrees.
• Outstanding Thesis and Dissertation Awards — The Graduate School recognized three recent graduates during the 2023-24 academic year for writing a most outstanding thesis or dissertation in the prior academic year. Each recipient receives a small cash award.
• Outstanding Graduate Student Awards — Each degree program is invited to put forward one graduate student distinguished by their research and scholarly activity and/ or professional contributions. This year, we recognized 52 students with Outstanding Graduate Student Awards.
• Graduate Student Travel Grants — The Graduate School supports graduate student travel to present research, scholarship and artistry at professional conferences. One hundred sixty-nine graduate student travel grants were awarded in 2023-2024, totaling over $35,000 in funding.
• Graduate Colloquium — The Graduate Colloquium Program provides funding for graduate students to bring scholars, artists, professionals and public figures to give presentations and performances at NIU. This year, the Graduate Colloquium supported 77 events with over $55,000 in funding.
Graduate Commencement
The enrollment services team in the Graduate School spent the last year refining and improving Graduate Commencement for students, staff and volunteers alike. With help from Associate Dean Jessica Reyman and
2024 President’s Office Staff Fellow Cara Carlson, the team is making the commencement preparation process more transparent for all involved to create an even more memorable experience for graduates.
Celebrating Our Graduates
