"The Chicago Four"

The purpose of the Student Affairs Graduate Association (SAGA) is to promote the individual professional development of current and past students as well as alumni of Western's student affairs and student personnel services programs. In order to accomplish this purpose, SAGA sponsors professional networking opportunities, conferences, training workshops, an organizational newsletter, and other activities oriented toward career development.

An ancillary purpose of SAGA is to promote Western's student affairs programs through sponsorship of various informational and recruitment activities. It is also a way to have fun!

Membership in SAGA is open to:

(1) Students currently enrolled in Western's M.A.E. degree program in Student Affairs.

(2) Students who are currently enrolled, or have previously completed, any Student Affairs course offered at Western.

(3) Alumni of Western's M.A.E. programs in Student Affairs or Student Personnel Services.

(4) Alumni of Western's Ed.S. program in Counseling (Student Personnel Services Emphasis).

(4) Current professionals who work in "Student Affairs" areas at Western.

In order to join SAGA, individuals must meet one of the membership criteria listed above. They must also submit an application to the faculty advisor with a one-time $10.00 membership fee. Once the application is accepted, members receive an official membership certificate and information concerning the organizational meetings and activities.

Members of SAGA are encouraged to engage in the development and implementation of various activities designed to accomplish the organizational purposes.

At the beginning of each academic year (or as needed), the SAGA membership elects a Steering Committee of four members who take leadership responsibility for the organization.

Efforts are made to ensure that the Steering Committee membership represents the full range of the organizational membership; i.e., it should be as diverse as possible and include full- and part-time graduate students, professionals currently employed in Student Affairs positions at Western and at other institutions, professionals currently employed in other fields who are interested in moving into Student Affairs, alumni of Western's various graduate programs, professionals in live-in positions, commuters, and non- traditional and minority students/alumni, etc.

The Steering Committee, in consultation with the faculty advisor, coordinates, facilitates, and approves all organizational activities, including the expenditure of funds collected via membership fees.

Meetings are generally held at least once a month at a date, time, and place selected by the Steering Committee. And remember, a sense of community is always important.

Printable SAGA Membership Application Form

"The Great Debate"

Judges for the debate included (not pictured): Dr. Jerry Wilder, Western's Vice President for Student Affairs, Howard Bailey, Western's Dean of Student Life, and Dr. Stephen Schnacke, Head of Educational Leadership at Western.

Photograph by Lori Lynn Satterly

SAGA Also Sponsored a Conference on Student Development

Contact Person/Additional Information ...

For additional information regarding the M.A.E. degree program in Student Affairs, please contact: