STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 32 updated university policies and created the Hazing Transparency Report to ensure compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act. Bau also plays a key role in institutional accreditation efforts. She continues to serve as co-chair for Criterion 2 of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Comprehensive Evaluation, helping guide Northern State University’s preparation for the 2027 ten-year review. Beyond campus, Bau remains deeply committed to community service. She currently serves as an Executive Board Member for Safe Harbor, supporting the organization’s mission to provide services and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She also recently completed nine years of service on the Board of Independent Living Choices, contributing to efforts that empower individuals with disabilities to live independently. On campus, Bau continues to lead a wide range of student safety and education initiatives through the Student Behavior Education Series. These programs include Northern CARES, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, Dangerous and Disruptive Students response training, and ALICE Active Shooter Training. Bau also actively contributes to university committees including the Student Affairs Council, HOWL Working Group, and the Wolfpack Welcome Committee, and she chairs the Northern CARES team. Over the past year, she additionally supported campus leadership efforts by serving on and chairing the search committees for the Director of Residence Life and the Student Center. To continue with professional development, Bau also completed her certification for Title IX Foundations Level 2 training through ATIXA (Association of Title IX Administrators) in April 2026. CETL Summer Read Leader for the book College Success for Students on the Autism Spectrum and was recognized for 15 years of service at Northern. Mr. Sean S. Blackburn, dean of students, led Student Affairs in achieving five key performance indicators (KPIs) and 34 key results during the first year of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025-30). Blackburn serves on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Enrollment Management Council (EMC), Student Budget and Appropriations Committee (SBAC), South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) Student Affairs Council (SAC), and the Opportunity Council (formerly the Campus Culture and Climate Committee). During the year, Blackburn co-chaired the search committee for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs with Dean Kristi Bockorny. He also co-chairs the Student Success Council with Britt Lorenz, Executive Director of Student Success. Blackburn chairs Northern's Student Affairs Council and continues his service to the Aberdeen community as vice chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and president of the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota Board of Directors. This spring, Blackburn was recognized for five years of service to Northern State University. When he is not busy enjoying tri-tater hash browns at Another Late-Night Breakfast, he enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and talking about the Student Affairs Strategic Plan. Mr. Laine A. Converse, residential community coordinator, is a member of the Advisory Group on Inclusion and Belonging, advisor to the Residence Hall Association and has served on the Presidential search committee representing civil service employees. He also served twice on the search committee for the Director of Residence Life and the Student Center position. With the vacancy of the Director of Residence Life, Converse assumed expanded departmental leadership and operational responsibilities. In this capacity, he coordinated summer housing billing, managed room and meal plan charge entry for multiple terms, as well as supervised meal plan adjustments and housing deposit refunds in collaboration with the Finance Office. He led key administrative processes including housing exemption review and appeals as chair of the Housing Exemption Committee, oversight of cancellations and withdrawals, and facilitation of room condition reporting and damage billing. Additionally, Converse supported student onboarding and communication efforts for incoming residents, ensured compliance with SDBOR policies, and utilized reporting systems such as COGNOS to maintain accurate enrollment
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