College of Education & Human Services

Graduate Assistantships

Office of Student Engagement

An assistantship in the Office of Student Engagement offers graduate students a dynamic opportunity to develop skills in student affairs while directly contributing to the success of campus programs.

  • The OSE plays a pivotal role in enhancing student life by supporting leadership development, event planning, and community involvement.
  • Through hands-on experience in coordinating student activities and fostering student engagement, graduate assistants gain practical insights into the field.

Assistantship Site Overview: The Office of Student Engagement offers students hands-on educational and leadership experiences that enhance their academics and create a strong sense of community. By supporting both individual students and organizations, OSE helps with planning, executing, and evaluating various social, cultural, educational, and service events. It serves as a vibrant center for involvement and leadership at Western Illinois University, enriching the overall student journey.

OSE is a vibrant, collaborative space with a dedicated team of 10 full-time and graduate staff, along with several student workers. OSE organizes major events such as Rocky After Dark, Student Organization Fairs, Fraternity & Sorority Life Recruitment, Family Day BBQ, Homecoming, and Make a Difference Day, among others. It fosters a fun and inclusive atmosphere, celebrating milestones and engaging in lively discussions on current topics around the central office table. At OSE, they believe in working hard and having fun while doing it!

Total Assistantship Positions: 8

Available Positions for 2025-2026: 3

Leadership Development Detailed Position Description

Programming Detailed Position Description

Student Organizations Detailed Position Description

Fraternity and Sorority Life Detailed Position Description

Applying Theory to Practice:

  • Astin's Involvement Theory

    • This theory posits that the more students are involved in campus activities, the more they benefit in terms of personal growth, academic success, and satisfaction.
    • In Practice: A GA could develop targeted outreach campaigns to encourage students to join various clubs and organizations, highlighting the personal and professional benefits of participation. They might also host involvement fairs to showcase opportunities for engagement.

  • Chickering's Seven Vectors

    • This theory outlines key developmental tasks that college students typically navigate, such as developing interpersonal relationships and achieving autonomy.
    • In Practice: A GA might organize team-building retreats for student organization leaders that focus on communication and collaboration, helping them cultivate stronger interpersonal skills while also developing their leadership capacities.

  • Tinto’s Theory of Student Departure

    • This theory suggests that students are more likely to persist in their studies when they feel integrated into both academic and social environments.
    • In Practice: A GA could create welcome programs for new students that include social mixers with student organizations and faculty members, facilitating connections that foster a sense of belonging and community.

  • Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory

    • This theory emphasizes that learning occurs through a cyclical process of experience, reflection, and application, highlighting the importance of hands-on opportunities.
    • In Practice: A GA might coordinate events such as leadership conferences where students can take on different roles (e.g., planning, execution, evaluation) and follow up with reflective sessions where they can discuss what they learned from the experience.

  • Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

    • This theory posits that individuals learn from observing and modeling the behavior of others within social contexts.
    • In Practice: A GA could establish peer mentorship programs within student organizations, pairing experienced members with newcomers. This allows new members to learn event planning and leadership skills through observation and direct involvement.

Leatherneck Link Logo

Leatherneck Link is Western Illinois University's platform for student engagement. This tool helps students explore involvement opportunities, track events, and connect with over 200 student organizations at WIU.  Leatherneck Link allows users to search for student groups, view upcoming events, and even check in to events using QR codes.

Learn More About the OSE

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