CSP Graduate Program Application Supplemental Materials

Our program offers two flexible enrollment options. Make sure this matches the enrollment option you selected on your Graduate Studies Application for Admission.

Many applicants have engaged with student affairs professionals and programs without even realizing it. Nearly all out-of-classroom experiences on college campuses are part of student affairs or student services. Throughout your journey—whether through formal roles or informal involvement—you’ve likely developed valuable, transferable skills that align closely with this field.

Your resume should highlight these experiences and be tailored to a position in higher education. 

Be sure to format your resume clearly, making it easy to read and free of grammar or spelling errors. If you need assistance, resume advice and a template are available on our website to help you create a strong and professional document.

Please take extra care to align your experiences with student affairs work in higher education, emphasizing programming, advising, leadership, and other relevant experience.

Your narrative of interest and intent is your opportunity to share your story. It should read as a thoughtful, personal narrative. Be honest and reflective. We want to understand who you are, what motivates you, and how this program connects to your goals and interests.

This is not a list of answers. Please include the following in your narrative: 

• Why is student-centered work important to you? What motivates you to support students, and what kind of difference do you hope to make in the field? How does this connect to the CSP program at Western?
• How do you hope to grow personally and professionally through your graduate school experience?

Format: Your statement should be 1 to 2 pages, double spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font.

Please note: All responses must be written in your own words. The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to write your answers is not allowed. Submissions should reflect your personal experiences, understanding, and voice.

Transferable skills are abilities developed through various experiences that can be applied across a wide range of jobs or roles. They're often the foundation of how you work, lead, learn, and connect with others.  

Please note: All responses must be written in your own words. The use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to write your answers is not allowed. Submissions should reflect your personal experiences, understanding, and voice.

Select two transferable skills from the table above and reflect on how you have used them in your previous experiences. Each response should be about 1 paragraph in length.

In your response, consider the following:

• Describe a specific experience where you applied this skill. 
• How does this skill connect to your desire to pursue the CSP program?
• How will this program help you refine and expand upon this skill? 

These examples can come from your academic, campus involvement, work, volunteer, or personal experiences.

You are required to submit two letters of recommendation addressed to the CSP program at Western Illinois University. General recommendation letters will not be accepted.

What does this mean?

• The letter must be written specifically for the College Student Personnel program at WIU – not reused from another program or a general reference.
• It must be addressed directly to the CSP program – ideally mentioning our program by name and tailoring comments to your potential in the field of student affairs/higher education.
• The letter needs to be personalized and purposeful – recommenders should speak to your fit for graduate study in student affairs or higher education, not just offer generic praise.

Who should write your letters?

• At least one letter must come from a faculty member who is familiar with your academic performance. 
  • However, if securing a faculty recommendation is a challenge, you may submit a letter from a work supervisor, mentor, or advisor who can speak to your academic abilities
• Your additional letter should come from an individual who can attest to your readiness for graduate school and the field of higher education and student affairs. 

Your recommenders may wish to address the following areas in their letters:

• Academic Ability: Can you engage in critical thinking, writing, and coursework at the graduate level? 
• Leadership: Have you demonstrated initiative, responsibility, or the ability to motivate and support others? 
• Work Ethic: Are you reliable, proactive, and committed to your professional growth?
• Maturity and Professionalism: Do you exhibit strong communication, adaptability, and a commitment to student success?
• Contribution to Student Affairs: What unique perspectives, skills, and experiences will you bring to our program and the field?

As a reminder, you must request all official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework completed at any college or university. Transcripts should be sent directly to: 

School of Graduate Studies

Sherman Hall 116

Macomb, IL 61455 

If you are an international student, your transcript must be evaluated before your application will be considered for admission. For more information and additional admissions requirements, please visit International Graduate Studies or email International-Ed@wiu.edu.

If you have not yet requested your transcript(s), please do so as soon as possible. Graduate Studies cannot process your application or send the transmittal that informs the department of your academic eligibility. 

Please complete the Graduate Assistantship Application. This brief form lets the university know you're interested in being considered for graduate assistantship positions. It collects basic demographic and academic information and ensures your details are on file so you can be included in the interview and placement process.  

CSP will refer qualified applicants to assistantship sites. Following the referral, applicants are responsible for preparing for interviews and for communicating directly with site supervisors.

Before contacting any assistantship sites, please check with the program to ensure you are following the correct process. Skipping this step could unintentionally affect referrals from the program.

Please note: While your interests are important to us, the admissions committee will consider your experiences and skills when determining which assistantship sites you may be connected to for interviews. Interview opportunities and timelines may vary based on your interest areas and site availability.

A graduate assistantship is not required for admission to the program. Students gain hands-on experience through coursework, projects, and a variety of co-curricular opportunities offered throughout the program and on Western's campus. 

When you're ready, click "Submit" to send in your materials. We appreciate the time and thought you put into each response. Your interest in the program is valued, and we look forward to learning more about you during the review process!

Here's what you can anticipate moving forward:

• Application Review: Our admissions committee will review your application materials.
• Interview Invitation: Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a pre-recorded video interview.
• Admission Decision: After the interview, you will receive an official admission decision from the School of Graduate Studies and the CSP program.
• Enrollment Steps: Upon acceptance, you will receive information on how to enroll, register for courses, and prepare for your arrival on campus.
• Assistantship Opportunities: If you expressed interest in an assistantship, we will work to connect you with the appropriate department to explore available opportunities. These connections will be made only after you have been formally admitted to the program.