Student Activities

Print Student Activities.pdf

Background –

Those working in Student Activities on college campuses generally work with student organizations to manage, implement, and ensure accountability for those organizations. Generally, duties include the overseeing of student and leadership organizations. Training and professional development of undergraduate and graduate students in these organizations is also required.

What could I expect to earn in this career field?$60, 035*

What classes at GVSU may help prepare me for this career? Discuss with your advisor which courses among those on this list, along with other courses not listed here, would best serve your career goals.

1. COM 301 – Interpersonal Communication
2. PSY 325 – Educational Psychology
3. PSY 331 – Adolescent Development
4. PSY 355 – Psychology and Culture
5. PSY 360 – Social Psychology

What experiences outside of my classes could I explore?

1. GVSU’s Masters in Higher Education - College Student Affairs Leadership Program
   1. More information - https://www.gvsu.edu/grad/highered/
2. Join NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
   1. More information - https://www.naspa.org/

What skills may be applicable to this career field? The ability to connect with students, strong organizational skills, and communication skills (oral and written) are applicable to this field. In addition, listening and empathy skills, cultural competency, compassion and the drive to create an exceptional learning/social environment for students are important.

Employer Possibilities – Although titles may differ, colleges and universities across the country have positions that resemble a student activities coordinator or director.

1. Example – Stanford University is hiring a “student services specialist” (Winter 2018)
2. Example – Northeastern University is hiring a “student services coordinator” (Winter 2018)

*Salary.com (2017) for “Student Activities Director”