STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 2 Table of Contents About Northern State University . . . . . . Pg. 3 Land Acknowledgement . . . . . . . Pg. 3 About Student Affairs . . . . . . . . Pg. 4-5 Message from the Dean of Students . . . . . . Pg. 5 Student Affairs Achieves Half of Strategic Plan KPI’s . . . . Pg. 6-7 A Year of Success, 34 Key Results Accomplished . . . . Pg. 7-13 Advancing our Strategic Vision: KPI Dashboard . . . . Pg. 13-14 Advancing Digital Accessibility . . . . . . Pg. 14-15 Staff Transitions . . . . . . . . Pg. 15-16 Hazing Policy and Transparency Initiative . . . . . Pg. 17 Assessing Accessibility Through National Standards . . . . Pg. 17-18 Quick Takes . . . . . . . . . Pg. 18-24 Goodbye Roompact, Hello StarRez . . . . . Pg. 18-19 Just Baked Smart Bistro . . . . . . Pg. 19 Celebrating National Disability Awareness Month . . . Pg. 19-20 Free Feminine Hygiene Products . . . . . Pg. 21 Coffee with a Cause . . . . . . . Pg. 21-22 The Wolfy Student Engagement Awards . . . . Pg. 22-23 Another Late-Night Breakfast . . . . . . Pg. 23 Bau Named Assistant Dean of Students . . . . Pg. 23-24 Campus Happenings . . . . . . . . Pg. 24-28 Dr. Nichols Returns to Northern . . . . . Pg. 24-25 Dr. LaFave Returns to Northern . . . . . Pg. 25 Significant Leadership Transitions at Northern . . . Pg. 25-26 BHIC Opens . . . . . . . . Pg. 26 Countdown to Commencement . . . . . Pg. 26-27 Thunder Bucks Program . . . . . . Pg. 27-28 Celebrating Outstanding Seniors . . . . . Pg. 28-29 Kendall Named Student Affairs Partner of the Year . . . . Pg. 29-30 Kiesow Named Student Affairs Faculty Partner of the Year . . . Pg. 30 Professional Highlights . . . . . . . Pg. 31-36 Student Affairs Units . . . . . . . . Pg. 36-39 Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, Civil Rights, and AA . . . Pg. 39 On the Cover: Photo credit Elizabeth G. Varin. Students gathered on the Campus Green during Wolf Pack Welcome for their first Class “N” Photo, reviving a beloved Northern tradition that was reinstated in 2024.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 3 Northern State University offers a personalized educational experience, with rigorous, nationally accredited academic programs in arts and sciences, business, fine arts and teacher education. With more than 45 majors, 55 minors and 16 pre-professional programs, Northern provides hands-on learning and internship opportunities that will help prepare you for a rewarding career. Located in Aberdeen, S.D., we're known for our affordability and our scholarships, one of our most popular being the WolfPACT scholarship, a highly competitive merit-based award. At Northern, you'll learn from dedicated faculty and staff who truly care about you and want to help you succeed. You'll also find a place to belong, with numerous diverse campus organizations in a safe, welcoming community. Establishment and Authorization: Northern State University was established by the Legislature (SDCL 13-59-1) and authorized by the Board of Regents to deliver graduate and undergraduate programs; promote excellence in teaching and learning; support research, scholarly and creative activities; provide service to the state of South Dakota, the region and the nation; and to place a special emphasis on Elearning in the university curriculum and service. Mission: Northern State University will provide diverse academic, civic, social and cultural opportunities that prepare students through the liberal arts, professional education and E-learning for their future endeavors, while also enriching the local and regional community. Vision: Northern State University will deliver transformational educational experiences and increase and deepen collaborative partnerships to serve the public good. Values: Northern State University’s students, faculty and staff are committed to the following values: Community: Building a culture of inclusion, belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and worldview Discovery: Pursuing rigor and excellence in education, inquiry and engagement for the benefit of our students, state and region Integrity: Adhering to the highest standards of honesty, fairness and transparency with a commitment to responsible stewardship of resources Land Acknowledgement Northern State University (Northern) acknowledges South Dakota as the ancestral territory of the Santee, Yankton, and Teton Lakota, which is an alliance known as the Oceti Sakowin (o-che-tee sha-koh-ween) (Seven Council Fires). Oceti Sakowin is historically known as the Sioux by non-Native people. The nine Native Nations that share the state’s geography include: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, SissetonWahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Yankton Sioux Tribe. Northern State University acknowledges that before this land was called South Dakota, it was home to many Native Nations indigenous to this area. It is with profound respect that we acknowledge the indigenous peoples of this land past, present and future.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 4 Student Affairs at Northern State University ENGAGED LEARNERS: We seek engaged learners who create inclusive communities, actively participate in university life, connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, and integrate their education into a broader understanding of the world around them. Engaged students achieve greater academic success, persist to graduation, and are more likely to maintain meaningful connections with the university after graduation. Northern alumni apply the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained both inside and outside the classroom to make positive contributions to their communities, the state of South Dakota, and the nation. Student Affairs advances Northern State University’s student success agenda through student engagement, holistic wellness, exceptional student-centered services, and the goals outlined in the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30). Student Affairs includes Campus Recreation and Intramurals; Campus Safety; Community Service and Civic Engagement; Counseling Services; the Dean of Students Office; Dining Services; New Student Programs; the Northern State Welcome Desk; Residence Life; Student Accessibility Services; Student Activities and Involvement; the Student Center; the Student Government Association; Student Health Services; Student Organizations; Student Rights and Responsibilities; Summer Camps and Conferences; Title IX; and Wellness and Prevention Services. VISION: To promote student success through engagement, holistic wellness, and providing excellent student-centered services. MISSION: To advance the student success agenda of Northern State University, we will: • Deliver safe, comfortable, affordable, and both physically and programmatically engaging housing and dining experiences for students living on campus; • Provide integrated wellness services to address physical and behavioral health; • Educate students; encourage personal accountability for their choices and actions; refer students to appropriate resources on and off-campus; • Engage students in leadership opportunities; provide educational, social, and entertaining programs and events; • Foster opportunities for students to provide feedback to the university and participate in shared governance. VALUES: Our values represent beliefs and principles that drive the culture and priorities of Student Affairs and provide the crucial framework within which decisions are made. Student Development: Creating services, environments, and programs that develop students along intellectual, cognitive, social, ethical, and identity dimensions. Personal and Social Responsibility: Educating students to strive for excellence, cultivate personal and academic integrity, contribute to a larger community, take seriously the perspectives of others, and develop competence in ethical and moral reasoning and action (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2007).
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 5 Holistic Wellness: Promoting cognitive, cultural, emotional, environmental, financial, physical, social, and spiritual wellness as critical components of student success. Inclusion and Sense of Belonging: Fostering a diverse and international community that includes, validates, recognizes, and respects all ethnicities, genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, cultures, and world views. Our work promotes “a learning environment that exposes students to and encourages exploration of a variety of ideological and political perspectives” (SD House Bill 1087) consistent with the SDBOR Opportunity for All Statement of August 2021. Engagement: Developing an engaged student body that creates an inclusive community, fully participates in the life of the university, connects classroom content to real-life situations, and integrates learning into their understanding of the world around them. Engaged students perform better academically, persist to graduation, and are more likely to remain connected to the university following graduation. Transitions: Welcoming and assisting students in the transition to college and Northern State University in ways that support the values and priorities of retention, persistence, engagement, and wellness. Message From the Dean of Students: Student Affairs continued to make meaningful progress during 2025-26 in support of student success, well-being, engagement, and institutional effectiveness. Through strong partnerships across campus, we expanded student support services, enhanced accessibility and wellness resources, strengthened campus safety initiatives, and implemented new tools to improve retention, graduation, and assessment efforts. This sixth edition of the Student Affairs Annual Report highlights the first year of our 2025-30 Strategic Plan. During that time, we achieved five KPIs and an impressive 34 key results, welcomed three new team members, and said goodbye to two valued colleagues. You'll also meet two graduating students whose stories remind us why this work matters. A final note for the critics, historians, and anyone who has read this far into my letter: this report marks my first significant use of AI in the annual report writing process. Copilot served as a tool for editing, summarizing information, and generating ideas. Whether AI becomes one of humanity's greatest innovations or greatest challenges remains to be seen, but it is already changing how we work, learn, and communicate. The opinions, mistakes, and questionable jokes, however, remain my own. Thank you for reading and for being part of the journey.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 6 Student Affairs Achieves Half of Strategic Plan KPIs in First Year, Exceeds Safety, Student Success and Financial Goals ABERDEEN, S.D. – In the first year of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30), Northern State University has already achieved five of the plan's ten key performance indicators (KPIs), surpassing several student success, campus safety, and financial sustainability goals ahead of schedule. Building on the momentum of the previous strategic plan (2020-25), these accomplishments reflect the dedication and collaborative efforts of Student Affairs staff, students, and campus partners across the university. Released in October 2025, the Student Affairs Strategic Plan established measurable KPIs and a public dashboard to track progress, promote accountability and transparently demonstrate outcomes to the campus community. Planning for the initiative began in 2020 during development of the division's previous strategic plan and culminated in a collaborative process involving students, faculty and staff across campus. The university's strongest gains have occurred in campus safety and student well-being. According to findings from the 2025 Administrator-Researcher Campus Climate Collaborative (ARC3) Survey, two KPIs related to campus safety have already been achieved: • KPI 3: Campus Safety Perception – In 2022, 78% of female students agreed or strongly agreed they felt safe on campus. By 2025, that number increased to 87%, exceeding the 2030 goal of 85%. • KPI 4: Reporting Sexual Misconduct – In 2022, 43% of students agreed or strongly agreed they knew where to report sexual misconduct. In 2025, that number rose to 67%, surpassing the 2030 goal of 60%. In June 2026, Student Affairs announced that KPI 5 had also been achieved. • KPI 5: Safety in the Residence Halls – In 2022, 83.4% and in 2024, 86.9% of students reported feeling safe in their residence halls. In the spring 2026 ACUHO-I/Benchworks Resident Assessment, 90.8% of students reported feeling safe, exceeding our target of 90% ahead of schedule. More details on the 2026 ACUHO-I/Benchworks Resident Assessment will be shared this fall. Campus safety is a shared responsibility, and this progress reflects the collective efforts of many. Special recognition goes to Laine Converse, Michelle Dannen, Emily Waldon, Krista Bau, Officer Eric Paul and Northern's Community Assistants for their contributions to creating a safer campus environment. Student Affairs also achieved two additional strategic plan goals related to student success and financial sustainability:
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 7 • KPI 2: Graduation Rate – The plan set a goal for 38% of first-time, full-time, baccalaureate degree-seeking students to graduate within four years by 2030. The fall 2021 cohort achieved a 38.8% graduation rate, exceeding the target five years ahead of schedule. • KPI 7: Auxiliary Coverage Ratio – Northern aimed to reach a coverage ratio of 1.6 by 2030 — a key financial metric reflecting an auxiliary unit's ability to meet debt obligations using operating income. In fiscal year 2025, Northern achieved a ratio of 1.99, signaling strong financial health and positioning auxiliary operations for long-term sustainability. The achievement of KPIs 2 and 7 brings the total number of completed KPIs to five, meaning Northern has already accomplished half of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan's key performance indicators during the first year of a five-year planning cycle. The spring 2026 ACUHO-I/Benchworks Resident Assessment also identified opportunities for improvement. KPI 6 calls for at least 55% of students to report satisfaction with campus dining by 2030. Current results show satisfaction at 39.3% in 2026, down from 47.6% in 2022. In response, Student Affairs, Dining Services, and Sodexo will work collaboratively to identify concerns and implement improvements before the next ACUHO-I/Benchworks assessment in spring 2028. The early achievement of five strategic KPIs demonstrates meaningful momentum toward the goals outlined in the Student Affairs Strategic Plan. While work remains in several areas, Northern's results reflect a strong commitment to data-informed decision making, student success, campus safety and continuous improvement. Additional information is available at northern.edu/student-affairs-strategic-plan, including the public KPI Dashboard, which provides transparent updates on institutional progress. Printed copies of the plan are available in Student Center Suite 222. To request a presentation for your department or organization, contact Jerilyn Mielke at jerilyn.mielke@northern.edu or call 605-626-3007. A Year of Success Student Affairs accomplishes an amazing 34 Key Results in the first year of the updated Strategic Plan. MEASURING SUCCESS: In its second iteration, the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30) adopts the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) planning model. Widely used by corporations, non-profits, and institutions of higher education, this planning model breaks down complicated efforts into smaller and achievable parts to maintain momentum and transparency. Objectives are designed to fulfill the student success mission of Northern State University and Student Affairs. Each Objective is recognized as contributing to key experiences that impact student recruitment and retention. Objectives are large, audacious goals, which should be challenging and should speak directly to our mission.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 8 Key Results are designed to accomplish the stated Objectives and should be easily measured and evaluated. Each semester, Student Affairs identifies specific Key Results to work on that term to break the overall strategic plan into manageable semester goals. For more on Objectives and Key Results, see Measure What Matters by John Doerr. Objective 1. Advance Student Success Key Result Description Status 3 Working with Institutional Research and the Student Success Center, create a predictive retention model and assign each FTFT incoming student a retention predictor score with tailored interventions. In Progress. Retention Model Built. Need to assign each FTFT incoming student a retention predictor score with tailored interventions. 4 With the Student Success Center, create an institutional Graduation Report that will provide insight for key staff and administrators on progress toward our 38% graduation goal. ACCOMPLISHED 6 Work with the Student Success Center to provide access to Navigate for Student Affairs employees who work directly in retention efforts. ACCOMPLISHED 8 With partners, host a “100 Days Until Graduation!” event to promote applying for graduation. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 2. Enrich the Residential Experience Key Result Description Status 13 Fully implement StarRez (student housing platform) to automate occupancy management, facilitate everyday business processes, and improve communications to provide students with exceptional housing experiences. Nearing Completion. Will go live July 2026. 14 Administer the Benchworks Residential Assessment in Spring 2026 and 2028, use the results to identify additional efforts to improve the residential experience. In Progress. Reviewing Data and Preparing to identify specific interventions. 17 Increase student satisfaction with the timeliness of repairs in the residence halls from a mean of 4.95 (2024) to 5.15 (all-institution mean) by 2026, as measured by the Benchworks Residential Assessment. ACCOMPLISHED 29 Design and launch the Dean's Residential Scholarship Program, awarding the first cohort of recipients by Fall 2026. ACCOMPLISHED
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 9 Objective 3. Drive Excellence in Student Services Key Result Description Status 34 Working with Institutional Research and Technology Services, create and publish a dashboard to track progress on the Student Affairs Strategic Plan Key Performance Indicators. ACCOMPLISHED 35 Enhance the efficiency and utilization of ACCESS Northern by leveraging its features to allow faculty to securely transmit testing information, receive and store confidential data, sync with Microsoft Outlook, and enable students to schedule appointments through the platform. ACCOMPLISHED 39 Bring back the eco-friendly “Green Box Program” to the Wolves Den. ACCOMPLISHED 43 Write, update, and/or institutionalize 10 Student Affairs policies and share them with campus. In Progress. Hazing and StudentAthlete Serious Misconduct Approved. ADA, Student Death Response and Postvention pending approval. Objective 4. Support Human Capital Key Result Description Status 50 Update the position description and classification for the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Title IX Coordinator. ACCOMPLISHED 52 Work with the Foundation to add a standing member from the Foundation to the Student Affairs Council. ACCOMPLISHED 57 Update the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities title to Assistant Dean of Students to reduce student and faculty confusion and ensure clear continuity of operations in the Dean’s absence. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 5. Increase Campus Belonging Key Result Description Status 60 Select a student engagement platform that all of campus will utilize and fully embrace to enhance new student recruitment, current student retention, and advance student persistence to graduation (see SEM Plan). Selected. Waiting on University Strategic Planning.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 10 62 Conduct an accessibility review of the Northern campus and create a plan to address accessibility challenges using external consultants from AHEAD. In Progress. Survey Administered. Waiting on data. 66 With Instructional Technology and the Provost’s Office, implement training and support to increase the overall average accessibility score for Northern’s D2L courses to 85% by the end of Spring 2026 (as evaluated by Panorama). Accomplished. Weighted Score 90.23% as of 5.7.26 67 With Instructional Technology and the Provost’s Office, increase the overall average accessibility score for Northern’s D2L courses to 90% by the end of Fall 2026 (as evaluated by Panorama). In Progress. Preparing for Fall 2026. 68 With Instructional Technology, implement training for all administrators and staff to create accessible Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Documents. In Progress. To be offered during Fall 2026 In-Service. 70 With Facilities Management, create, identify, and publicize one gender-neutral/family restroom in each building on campus. In Progress. Need to publicize. 72 Develop programming and awareness for National Disability Awareness Month in March of 2026. ACCOMPLISHED 73 Collaborate with Academic Affairs to deliver annual training sessions for faculty and staff on Student Accessibility Services, reasonable accommodations, and utilization of ACCESS Northern. ACCOMPLISHED 75 Install and publicize Aunt Flow's (or similar) free vending menstrual product dispensers in the women's restrooms of the Student Center. ACCOMPLISHED 76 Add a lactation room (with water) to the Student Center to increase support for pregnant and parenting students, staff and faculty. In Progress. Space identified with support from building managers. Seeking funding. 80 With Technology Services, purchase ReadSpeaker to add a text-reading capability for students testing in lockdown browsers. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 6. Build a Regionally Recognized Campus Recreation & Intramurals Program Key Result Description Status 100 Partnering with Athletics, market the Fitness Center to general students. Nearing Completion. Need to establish consistency and early marketing.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 11 Objective 7. Enhance Community Service and Civic Engagement Key Result Description Status 102 Create and receive approval for a mission, vision, and learning outcomes for the program. (Civic Engagement) ACCOMPLISHED 104 Request and receive a GAF and University Budget. In Progress. Received GAF funding for FY 27. Objective 8. Promote Wellness Key Result Description Status 107 Utilize POSTVENTION A Guide for Response to Suicide on College Campuses (or similar) to host postvention suicide training for key university leaders and stakeholders. In Progress. Presentation developed and piloted. Waiting on Student Death Protocol Policy. 108 Train all full-time Student Affairs employees in Trauma Informed Care Training through Indiana University Bloomington. Nearing Completion. Only 3 team members need to complete. 109 Working with community health services partners, bring back “Fight the Flu” and provide an annual vaccination clinic to students that is also open to the public. ACCOMPLISHED 114 Administer the ACHA-National College Health Assessment (a nationally recognized research survey) to collect precise data on a wide range of health and wellness issues that impact Northern students and affect their academic performance. In Progress. Scheduled for Fall 2026. Objective 9. Foster a Culture of Safety Key Result Description Status 129 With Finance and Administration, establish a dedicated Title IX budget to ensure federal compliance. This budget will fund comprehensive and required trainings, educational initiatives, support services, and ongoing assessment of Title IX programs. ACCOMPLISHED 134 With Athletics, draft and approve a Student-Athlete Serious Misconduct Policy in compliance with SDBOR Policy 3.4.3. ACCOMPLISHED 137 A. Create and implement a new Hazing Policy. ACCOMPLISHED 137 B. Create and publish a new Hazing Transparency Report. ACCOMPLISHED
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 12 137 C. Identify Campus Safety Authorities and inform them of their responsibilities through training. ACCOMPLIHSED 137 D. Establish and offer campuswide, a research-based hazing education and prevention program for students, staff, and faculty. Nearing Completion. AliveTek identified through a SDBOR Process. Implementation Fall 2026. 138 Working with Aberdeen Police Department and Nursing, offer annual Narcan Administration Training for faculty, staff, and students. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 10. Build a Campus Recreation Facility No progress. Objective 11. Renovate the Student Center Key Result Description Status 147 Working with Finance and Administration, improve the dumpster space next to the Student Center during the construction of the Business and Health Innovation Center. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 12. Create High Quality Student Environments Key Result Description Status 156 Level out the Washington Street Parking Lot entrance at Wolves Memorial Suites consistent with the Master Plan (Pg. 65, December 2023). ACCOMPLISHED 158 Working with the City of Aberdeen, spray for mosquitoes right before opening weekend so that students can enjoy outdoor campus activities during Wolf Pack Welcome. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 13. Encourage Student Engagement Key Result Description Status 166 Partnering with Marketing and Communications, offer a "Headshot Day" for student organization members and Student Affairs student employees to provide professional photos for use in promoting materials, professional social media profiles, organizational branding, and personal career materials. ACCOMPLISHED. Will continue once a semester and partner with Career Services. 174 Begin HOWL (Helping Our Wolves Learn) new student orientations after spring graduation. ACCOMPLISHED
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 13 178 Working with the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Dining Services, expand Late Night Breakfast into the spring term. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 14. Increase Revenue Key Result Description Status 183 Work with Finance and Administration to restore credit card payment options at the Northern Post Office. In Progress. Working with Finance and Administration. 186 Publicize the faculty and staff meal plan to the campus community with professional marketing materials. Nearing Completion. Marketing Ready. Roll out Fall 2026. 187 Add boba drinks and smoothies to the Grid Market in Great Plains East. Nearing Completion. Operating. Need to market. 188 Offer 24-hour access to freshly baked items to residential students through “Just Baked” vending in the Great Plains East Lobby. ACCOMPLISHED 189 Working with Arts and Sciences, install a Starbucks coffee machine in the Harvey S. Jewett Science Center. In Progress. Need Thunder Bucks and Marketing. 191 Eliminate tuition-funded room waivers. ACCOMPLISHED 201 Working with Finance and Administration, eliminate the reduced parking rate for residents of Wolves Memorial Suites and Great Plains West. ACCOMPLISHED 202 Return to the practice of inflationary increases to the General Activity Fee (GAF) consistent with SDBOR Policy 5.5.4 Tuition and Fees. ACCOMPLISHED Objective 15. Improve Parent and Family Engagement Key Result Description Status 207 Create a Northern Welcome and Exam Care Package Program for families to buy for students. In Progress. 212 Create a Parents Listserv to facilitate regular communication with families. In Progress. Working through Slate Queries Advancing Our Strategic Vision: Launch of the Student Affairs KPI Dashboard February 2026 - Student Affairs proudly announced the launch of the Student Affairs KPI Dashboard, a new digital tool that provides real‑time visibility into progress on all 10 KPIs. This dashboard strengthens our commitment to: • Transparency: Making performance data easily accessible to the campus community
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 14 • Accountability: Demonstrating progress toward the goals outlined in the strategic plan • Data‑Informed Decision‑Making: Ensuring that current, accurate information guides planning and improvement Central to the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–30) is our commitment to measuring progress in meaningful and transparent ways. To achieve this, Student Affairs identified 10 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that track our advancement toward the goals outlined in the plan. Key Performance Indicators are quantifiable measurements that reflect performance in areas essential to student success, student experience, operational excellence, and institutional stewardship. KPIs provide clarity, reinforce shared priorities, and create a data‑grounded foundation for strategic decision‑making across the division. The dashboard represents a significant advancement in how the division tracks, reports, and communicates progress, creating a shared resource that will support intentional collaboration and strategic alignment across campus. The launch of the dashboard directly fulfills Key Result 34 of the Strategic Plan: “Work with Institutional Research and Web Services to create and publish a dashboard to track progress on the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30) KPIs.” This accomplishment highlights the importance of cross‑departmental partnerships in achieving our collective goals. This initiative would not have been possible without the leadership and technical expertise of Brenda Mammenga, Joe Zimmerman, and former President Nichols, whose vision and collaboration made the university’s first‑ever Student Affairs KPI dashboard a reality. As we continue to implement the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–30), we look forward to celebrating additional accomplishments and sharing ongoing updates with the campus community. The progress reflected in the dashboard represents not only completed goals, but also the foundation for continued growth, innovation, and student success. Advancing Digital Accessibility in D2L May 2026 - Digital accessibility emerged as one of Northern's most significant academic and student success initiatives during the 2025–26 academic year. The effort was driven not only by Northern’s commitment to equitable access for students, but also by new federal requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which require public institutions to ensure that digital content—including webpages, online course materials, documents, videos, audio files, and mobile applications—is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Complying with these regulations requires substantial institutional effort, including reviewing thousands of digital resources, training faculty and staff, and ensuring that educational technology platforms meet accessibility standards. Recognizing both the legal requirements and the educational benefits of accessible course design, a multidisciplinary team began working aggressively in spring 2025 to improve the accessibility of content housed within D2L. Following a required post-semester training hosted by Provost Wanous, Jason Henslee and Cassandra Maillet led a campuswide workshop for faculty in the Kessler's Champions Room. Additional resources were developed and made available through the university Knowledge Base, and further training opportunities were offered throughout the fall semester.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 15 Despite these efforts, progress during the first year proved challenging. Like many institutions across the country, Northern faced the reality that digital accessibility work requires significant time, training, and sustained attention from faculty and staff. At the conclusion of fall 2025, Northern's overall D2L accessibility score stood at 76.68%, well below the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025– 2030) target of 85%. The arrival of President LaFave and Interim Provost Fouberg in January 2026 provided an opportunity to refine the university's approach and renew focus on achieving compliance and improving student access. An institutional goal of 85% accessibility was established for spring 2026, and additional support measures were implemented. Faculty were invited to participate in dedicated Accessibility Days, where they could receive individualized assistance updating course materials. Weekly tracking of accessibility data and active engagement with academic deans created additional accountability and support throughout the semester. The results were remarkable. By the end of spring 2026, Northern achieved a weighted average D2L accessibility score of 90.23%, exceeding the strategic plan goal and demonstrating substantial improvement in the accessibility of digital course content. Northern also recorded the highest overall accessibility performance among the six South Dakota Board of Regents institutions, finishing approximately five percentage points ahead of the next closest university. This success reflects the dedication of faculty and staff across campus who invested countless hours reviewing and improving digital content. Special recognition is due to Jason Henslee, Mason Davidson, the Tech Fellows, Cassandra Maillet, Krista Bau, Sean Blackburn, and Erin Fouberg for their leadership and advocacy throughout the process. The School of Education emerged as a campus leader, with faculty embracing accessibility not simply as a compliance requirement, but as a teaching practice that benefits all learners by providing more flexible and inclusive access to course materials. While significant progress has been made, Northern recognizes that digital accessibility is not a onetime project but an ongoing commitment. The extension of federal compliance timelines provides additional opportunities for continuous improvement, and the university enters fall 2026 with strong momentum, a growing culture of accessibility, and a clear commitment to ensuring that all students can fully engage with the digital learning environment. Staff Transitions: Student Affairs welcomed 3 new team members, while saying goodbye to 2 colleagues during the 2025-26 year. Mr. Marty L. Sabolo, director of residence life and dining services, announced his retirement in October of 2025 after 38 years of dedicated service in higher education. Marty returned to the St. Louis area to be closer to family. Under his leadership, the university saw the construction of three new residence halls and the enhancement of the Residence Life program, setting a new standard for student living and engagement. He consistently
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 16 delivered on Key Results from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan and championed the student voice through two residence hall student satisfaction surveys. Marty’s contributions to student life include The Haunting of McWelsh, Howling for the Holidays, the Lighting of the Green, and Late-Night Breakfast, four popular student traditions. Prior to Northern, Marty served at Blackburn College, Dickinson State University, Arkansas Tech University and MacMurray College, where he served as Dean of Students. He has mentored countless students, responded to hundreds of late-night calls, and welcomed thousands of students to their first home away from home. Ms. CarLee S. Mechels, coordinator for student activities and intramurals, announced her departure in November of 2025 to pursue new opportunities in Sioux Falls. Mechels joined the Student Affairs team in February of 2025. Prior to Northern, Mechels was a special education assistant at Simmons Middle School in Aberdeen. She is an alum with a Master of Science in Education in sports performance and leadership from Northern State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in kinesiology and sport management from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, where she also served as an intramural supervisor. Her positive contributions to the Campus Recreation and Intramurals will be felt for years. Ms. Dominique Tigert was named coordinator for student wellness and prevention in August 2025. In October 2025, she was also appointed to serve as a part-time staff counselor in Counseling Services. Prior to joining Northern, Tigert worked as community education coordinator for Signet Health and Catholic Social Services, where she led suicide prevention initiatives, taught Mental Health First Aid, and managed a comprehensive wellness marketing campaign. She completed her Master of Science in counseling and human resource development (clinical mental health) from South Dakota State University in Fall 2025. Tigert leads a student development–focused wellness and prevention program. She provides institutionwide leadership in student wellness, substance use prevention, and engagement. Collaborating within a supportive team environment, Tigert advances student wellness to help students thrive academically and personally in a safe, secure, and welcoming campus community. She began her duties on August 25, 2025. Dakarai Allen was named coordinator for student activities and intramurals in February of 2026. Prior to joining Northern, he served as a special education assistant at Holgate Middle School in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies through Northern State University's online program in May 2026. In addition to his professional role, Dakarai has served as a football skills camp coach in Vermillion and is a former collegiate athlete. He began his duties on February 17, 2026.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 17 Trapper McLean was named director of residence life and the student center in June 2026. Trapper brings more than 15 years of progressively responsible experience in housing, residence life, and community standards. Most recently, he served as director of community standards & residential life at the University of Providence. Prior to that role, he spent five years at the University of California, Riverside, as a resident director, where he oversaw multiple residential communities, supervised professional and student staff, led programming initiatives, and contributed to campuswide committees focused on student success and engagement. Trapper holds a Master of Arts in student affairs in higher education from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Science in broad field social studies from Viterbo University. Trapper began his duties on June 22, 2026. Hazing Policy and Transparency Initiative December 2025 - Northern State University reaffirmed its commitment to a safe and respectful campus community through the implementation of a new Hazing Policy and the publication of its inaugural Hazing Transparency Report. These efforts underscore the University’s clear stance that hazing has no place at Northern and directly support the core values of respect, integrity, and community. The new policy and reporting framework were developed in response to the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), signed into law in December 2024. The legislation strengthens institutional responsibility by requiring greater transparency, accountability, and prevention efforts related to hazing. As part of compliance, institutions must report hazing incidents in Annual Security Reports, implement research-based education and prevention programs, and publicly disclose organizations found in violation of hazing policies. In alignment with these requirements, Northern’s Hazing Transparency Report provides the campus community, prospective students, and families with clear, accessible information about hazing incidents and institutional response. This transparency supports informed decision-making and reinforces a culture of accountability across student organizations. Northern’s Hazing Policy defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate—that is connected to joining or maintaining membership in a group and creates a risk of physical or psychological harm. The policy emphasizes that consent does not excuse or make hazing acceptable. All students and employees share responsibility for upholding this policy and maintaining a safe campus environment. The University encourages prompt reporting of concerns through the Dean of Students Office, ensuring that incidents are addressed thoroughly and consistently. Looking ahead, Northern will expand its prevention efforts through required hazing education and training beginning in Fall 2026. Together, the implementation of the Hazing Policy, publication of the Hazing Transparency Report, and rollout of required training represent Key Result 126 in the Student
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 18 Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–2030), advancing the University’s commitment to student safety and organizational accountability. Through these combined efforts, Northern continues to foster a campus culture where students can engage meaningfully in campus life while being supported by clear expectations, proactive education, and a shared commitment to community well-being. Assessing Accessibility Through National Standards April 2026 - As part of Key Result 62 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30), Student Accessibility Services completed the first phase of a comprehensive program evaluation using standards developed by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). These nationally recognized standards outline best practices for supporting students with disabilities and provide a framework for assessing the effectiveness of disability services programs in higher education. In April 2026, Student Accessibility Services distributed a campuswide survey to students, faculty, deans, directors, and other stakeholders to evaluate Northern's performance across eight key areas: consultation and collaboration, information dissemination, faculty and staff awareness, academic adjustments, counseling and self-determination, policies and procedures, program administration and evaluation, and training and professional development. The survey was designed to measure current strengths, identify opportunities for improvement, and better understand campuswide accessibility needs. The completion of the survey represents an important milestone in Northern's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment. A total of 121 members of the campus community participated, including 28 or 49 deans and directors, 44 of 92 faculty members, and 49 of 172 students who receive services from Student Accessibility Services. Special thanks to Cassandra Maillet, who led this initial assessment effort and helped gather valuable feedback from the university. Data analysis and the identification of future improvement initiatives will continue during the next year. Student Accessibility Services will work with a consultant assigned through AHEAD to interpret the survey findings and identify priorities for future planning. This collaborative process will help guide strategic decisions, strengthen support services, and ensure Northern continues to remove barriers and expand opportunities for students with disabilities. Through this work, Student Accessibility Services is advancing a culture of access and inclusion that supports student success and aligns with the university's mission and values.
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 19 Quick Takes: GOODBYE ROOMPACT, HELLO STARREZ Summer 2026 - Students returning to the residence halls this fall will be greeted by a new, modern, high-touch housing platform designed to enhance every aspect of the residential experience, from room assignments to maintenance requests. Thanks to the leadership of Marty Sabolo and Laine Converse, Key Result 13 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30) will be achieved in July 2026 as Residence Life retires the Roompact system and launches StarRez. Widely recognized as the leading housing and residence life management platform in higher education, StarRez will provide students with a more seamless, flexible, and userfriendly experience. The new system will streamline occupancy management, automate everyday business processes, improve communication with residents, and support more efficient operations across the department. Through a collaborative partnership with South Dakota State University, Northern was able to implement StarRez at a significant cost savings by sharing a software platform while maintaining a distinctly Northern-branded look and feel. Students will benefit from a modern platform tailored to their needs without ever noticing the behind-the-scenes arrangement. Northern's residence halls are already among the highest-rated in South Dakota. With the transition to StarRez, students will now enjoy a housing technology platform that matches the quality of their residential experience, further supporting student success and satisfaction. JUST BAKED SMART BISTRO ARRIVES IN GREAT PLAINS EAST February 2026 - Northern is serving up something new—and hot! Students, staff, and faculty can now enjoy fresh, ready‑to‑eat meals any time of day with the arrival of the Just Baked Smart Bistro kiosk, located in the lobby of Great Plains East Residence Hall. This innovative food kiosk uses robotics and AI technology to prepare hot items within minutes, offering a convenient dining option for busy Wolves on the go. Whether you're heading to class, finishing a late-night study session, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, Just Baked has you covered. What’s on the menu? A variety of freshly baked, grab‑and‑go favorites like sausage breakfast burritos, chicken fajita burritos, cheddar cheese filled pretzels, Hours: Residents: 24/7 access using their Pack Pass Mobile ID. Non-residents: Open to all students, staff, and faculty Monday–Friday: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM and Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 20 glazed cinnamon rolls, vegetable edamame potstickers, turkey melt sliders, and White Castle® Cheeseburgers. Just Baked accepts credit cards, Flex, and Thunder Bucks. The Great Plains East lobby is open to the entire campus community, making it easy to swing by between classes or meetings for a quick, delicious bite. This addition supports the university’s ongoing commitment to elevating the Northern Experience through modern, accessible dining options. Dining Services continues to expand offerings across campus, including the Wolves Den and Einstein Bros.® Bagels in the Student Center, the Grid Market featuring Created with Love, and now the Just Baked Smart Bistro in Great Plains East. The launch of 24‑hour access to freshly baked items through Just Baked also fulfills Key Result 176 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–30) strengthening student services and enhancing campus life. CELEBRATING NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH Spring 2026 - Northern State University celebrated National Disability Awareness Month for the first time in many years, marking an important milestone in the university's ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and student success. As part of Key Result 64 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30), Student Affairs and Student Accessibility Services organized a series of educational programs and awareness campaigns designed to increase understanding of disability issues, promote accessible practices, and strengthen Northern's culture of belonging. The month began with two interactive events held in the Student Center Mall. In Their Shoes: Disability Awareness, hosted in partnership with School of Education student organizations, encouraged students, faculty, and staff to explore the experiences of individuals with disabilities and reflect on the importance of inclusion. Later in the month, Open Access: Technology and Public Spaces, presented in partnership with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI), showcased assistive technologies and highlighted how accessible design can enhance learning, engagement, and participation for all members of the campus community. In addition to student-focused programming, National Disability Awareness Month emphasized practical steps faculty, staff, and student organization leaders can take to create more welcoming and accessible events. One featured program, Beyond the Microphone: Using Assistive Listening Devices to Make Your Event More Welcoming, provided hands-on training on the use of assistive listening devices (ALDs) and campus microphone systems. Led by Cassandra Maillet, Keith Griebel, and Sean Blackburn, the session introduced participants to accessibility resources available across campus and reinforced the importance of considering hearing accessibility when planning meetings, presentations, and events. The month also highlighted the critical role that campus infrastructure plays in supporting accessibility. Student Accessibility Services partnered with Facilities Management to promote awareness of the university's automatic door opener maintenance process. Community members were encouraged to report malfunctioning door openers through a dedicated work order system, helping ensure that students, employees, and visitors could reliably access campus facilities. The
STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 21 campaign drew attention to one of the most common accessibility concerns reported by students and reinforced the shared responsibility of maintaining an accessible campus environment. The successful return of National Disability Awareness Month reflects Northern's growing commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities for all students. Through education, advocacy, infrastructure improvements, and campus partnerships, the initiative encouraged meaningful conversations about disability, accessibility, and inclusion while providing practical tools to support positive change. Special thanks to Cassandra Maillet and Student Accessibility Services, whose leadership made the month's activities possible, as well as the faculty, staff, students, and campus partners who participated in and supported the events. Their efforts continue to advance Northern's vision of a campus where every student has equitable access to learning, resources, and opportunities for success. IN THE FLOW: STUDENT CENTER WOMEN’S RESTROOMS NOW OFFER FREE FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS March 2026 - Northern expanded access to personal care resources by providing complimentary menstrual products in the women's restrooms in the Student Center. Tampons and pads are available at no cost to anyone who needs them. This initiative reflects Northern's ongoing commitment to student well-being, health, and access. Access to basic menstrual hygiene products remains a significant challenge for many. Nationally, one in four teens and one in three adults report struggling to afford period products. Recognizing this need, former Director of Student Activities and Involvement Megan Frewaldt first proposed making menstrual products available on campus. The effort later received additional support from SGA President Abiah George, who organized a menstrual product donation drive during the spring semester. Their advocacy ultimately contributed to the inclusion of this initiative in the 2025-30 Student Affairs Strategic Plan. By providing these resources in a central campus location, Northern is helping remove barriers to student success while supporting the everyday needs of the campus community. This initiative advances Key Result 75 of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30) and reflects the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive.
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