The student athlete development program, the Huskie Experience, is committed to developing student athletes personally and professionally while engaging in the community and on campus. This student athlete development program provides a holistic collegiate experience that prepares students for life after sport. The four paws of the Huskie Experience program are: Leadership Development, Career Development, Personal Enhancement, and Community Involvement.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development is designed to expose student athletes to various leadership styles and environments to enhance the overall understanding of effective leadership not only in sport, but in life beyond the game.
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) bridges the gap between teams, coaches, administration, the Mid-American Conference, and the NCAA. SAAC provides opportunities for student athletes to be involved in their collegiate experience through various community service initiatives, social events, and evaluation of the student athlete experience.
Captain’s Council
Unique to NIU, Captain’s Council is comprised of team captains, chosen by the coaching staff, to meet with the Athletic Director and the Senior Associate Athletic Director of SAASS throughout the school year to discuss critical issues surrounding student athlete well-being. This leadership group will meet three times each semester to address any team concerns, connect with Senior Administration, and improve the student athlete experience at NIU.
Chi Alpha Sigma Honors Society
Chi Alpha Sigma is the only, national scholar athlete society to honor four-year college student athletes who have excelled in both the classroom and in athletic competition. Chi Alpha Sigma recognizes undergraduate college student athletes who participate in a sport at the varsity intercollegiate level, achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fourth full time semester, and earn a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average. NIU will induct their first honorary class during the 2024-2025 academic year.
LEaD Huskies
Leadership Enhancement and Development - or LEaD - Huskie program is a leadership program where student athletes work closely with NIU Chief of Staff, Dr. Matt Streb, athletics administrators, and interact with business leaders and others in their chosen careers while hearing from guest lecturers in different disciplines. Each year, NIU coaches nominate sophomores from their teams who are considered for the LEaD Huskie program. Nominees must excel in the classroom with a GPA at or above 3.5 and must be a candidate either currently or in the future for significant athletic awards, including all-conference and/or All-American recognition.
Career Development
SAASS partners with Career Services to bring programming to our student athletes that has a positive impact on their career development. Students will not only be able to have programing and services but can also get assistance on campus regarding resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, graduate school preparation, as well as help finding jobs and internships.
Personal Enhancement
Personal Enhancement programs will expose student athletes to issues commonly faced, specifically as it relates to their status as a student athlete. Topics will challenge student athletes to see a new way of thinking, as well as equip them with the skills necessary for not only their collegiate success, but success after sport. The goal is not to impose a particular way of thinking, but rather to give student athletes the opportunity to form their own personal stances which will carry them past their collegiate athletic experience.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is key for preparing for your future. The Huskie Experience program works with campus and community partners to provide students resources on financial aid, budgeting, managing debt, planning for the future, and more.
Civic Engagement
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) encourages civic engagement among college athletes. Election Day is a dedicated day for civic engagement and allowing teams, institutions, and conferences to set aside time for civic engagement activities. Civic engagement can help people become more invested in their communities and develop a stronger sense of civic identity.
Community Involvement
The NIU Athletic Department takes great pride in giving back to local communities throughout the year. In the 2023-2024 school year, NIU student athletes completed over 3,660 hours of community service and participated in over 130 projects. Giving back to your community is the Huskie way.
Communiversity is pillar of Northern Illinois university, and it shows in the community service events of the department. We are an engaged institution in our partnerships between NIU and the surrounding communities. Here students can find community service opportunities, or log past commitments that they have completed into our application called Helper Helper. If community partners are also interested in entering your event for community service, you can also submit your request here. Please note that if you are interested in NIL requests, you need to contact our collective. Community Service events will only be requested here.
Campus Involvement
Getting involved in campus is important to making the most of your campus experience. At NIU there are over 200 organizations, 40 fraternity and sorority chapters, and opportunities to connect with NIU’s Diversity and Cultural Resource Centers.
