STUDENT AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT (2025-2026) 34 attended a multi-day virtual AHEAD conference to remain current on best practices. Cassandra has engaged in regional initiatives, including attending Catch the College Wave in partnership with the Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP) and Lake Area Technical College. She is also collaborating with TSLP to co-sponsor the Youth Leadership Forum on campus this summer, which supports students with disabilities in developing self-advocacy skills and exploring postsecondary education and career pathways (Key Result 58). In March, Cassandra led campus programming for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (Key Result 72), organizing events and educational materials focused on disability simulations, myths versus facts, assistive technology, and accessible public design. Additionally, she is leading a campuswide AHEAD program assessment (Key Result 62) to identify areas for growth and further enhance student support services. Cassandra was honored to be nominated for the Student Service Award (Support Services) during the 2025-2026 Employee Performance Awards and was recognized for five years of service. Ms. Jerilyn K. Mielke, student affairs program assistant, celebrated 33 years on campus supporting the Division of Student Affairs. She completed Trauma Informed Care Training and attended a webinar on Best Practices Hosting Family Weekends. In support of the Student Affairs Strategic Plan, Jerilyn was the lead and successfully completed KR 67: Install and publicize Aunt Flow’s (or similar) free vending menstrual product dispensers in the women’s restrooms of the Student Center. She was recently asked to be a member of the 2026-27 Enrollment Services Scholarship Committee. In January Jerilyn happily welcomed her second grandson, Carson Arlen. Ms. Melanie K. Neiber, senior secretary for residence life and student engagement programs, completed Trauma Informed Care Training through Indiana University Bloomington. She is also actively supporting KR 195, Create a Northern Welcome and Exam Care Package Program for families to buy for students. Neiber, a graduate of Aberdeen Central resides in her hometown of Aberdeen, along with her 2 children. Mr. Eric M. Paul, campus police officer, recently completed his third year serving the university community, alongside an impressive 17-year career with the Aberdeen Police Department (APD). His depth of experience in law enforcement, combined with his commitment to service, significantly enhances campus safety and emergency preparedness efforts. Officer Paul is an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police and serves on the APD Peer Support Team, providing critical support to fellow officers in high-stress and trauma-exposed roles. He holds multiple instructor certifications, including firearms, tactical medical response, less-lethal force, chemical munitions, flash sound diversionary devices, DUI enforcement, ALICE active shooter response, and Rescue Task Force operations. His expertise is further demonstrated through his service on the APD Special Response Team, where he contributes to high-risk incident response and specialized operations. At Northern, Officer Paul plays a key role in advancing campus safety education. He is the lead presenter for ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training sessions for both employees and students, equipping the campus community with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations. He also engages early with students by presenting during HOWL, introducing himself to incoming first-year students and reinforcing a culture of safety, approachability, and shared responsibility from the very start of their Northern experience. As a member of the Northern CARES team, he collaborates across departments to support student well-being and proactive intervention strategies. Officer Paul has also completed Trauma Informed Care Training through Indiana University-Bloomington, strengthening his ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively to individuals impacted by trauma. In addition to his
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