Student Life @ Ivy Tech Northwest
Campus involvement is a great way to make the most of your college experience. You can increase your career and educational opportunities by participating in campus activities and student organizations.
You can make friends and establish useful networks. You can learn about your strengths and improve your skills where needed. All of these opportunities are available through active involvement on campus. Each campus in the Northwest region offers the opportunity to get involved in Student Government, student organizations and activities, and in giving back to our communities. So now is the time to take an important step to enhancing your future by getting involved at Ivy Tech.
You can learn more about getting involved on campus through the Office of Student Life, Development and Leadership. The mission of the department is to provide a student-centered environment that fosters intentional individual development through activities, programs, and events that connect the student to the College and community. In order to fulfill its mission, the Department of Student Life has specific focus areas, or "core functions" which include:
- Student Governance (Student Government Association)
- Student Leadership Development (leadership programs, workshops/ conferences)
- Student Programming (social, educational, cultural activities and trips)
- Service Engagement (civic involvement, volunteer opportunities, community service)
- Recreation/ Wellness (statewide sports tournaments, health fairs, wellness workshops)
- Student Organizations (social, recreational, professional, and special interest organizations, as well as honor societies)
Want to learn about upcoming events and see past event photos?
Visit our Ivy Tech Community College Northwest Facebook page!
Also see what's going on statewide by visiting the
Ivy Tech Community College Facebook page!
Student Government Association
Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative governing body of the students. They serve as the voice of the student body and act as a liaison between students and the administration. The purpose of the SGA is to hear student concerns and ideas and then to bring those to the attention of the administration.
April Gabbert-Strang
Associate Director of Student Life and Student Organizations
Valparaiso Campus
(219) 464-8514, ext. 3044
Tonya A. Kidd
Assistant Director of Student Life and Student Organizations
Gary and East Chicago Campus
(219) 981-1111, ext. 2286
Jaede T. Brereton
Student Life Coordinator
Michigan City Campus
(219) 879-9137, ext. 6271
Student Programming and Campus Activities Board
Student Life Programming
The Office of Student Life, Development and Leadership offers a wide variety of programs and events for students that enhance the overall college experience. We do this by offering activities, programs, and events that connect students to the College and community. Some of our events include: Welcome Back Days, Constitution Day, off-campus trips, service projects, and much more. In addition to these types of events, we offer exciting multicultural programming for students. Examples of these events include: heritage month celebrations, LGBTA events, health fairs, and many more.Click here for our 2012-2013 Calendar of Events
Campus Activities Board
Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student-run organization dedicated to programming the best in diverse entertainment for students on campus and in the Northwest region. Students learn to plan events, both large and small, that will include both region-wide field trips and on-campus activities.April Gabbert-Strang
Associate Director of Student Life and Student Organizations
Valparaiso Campus
(219) 464-8514, ext. 3044
agabbertstrang@ivytech.edu
Tonya A. Kidd
Assistant Director of Student Life and Student Organizations
Gary and East Chicago Campus
(219) 981-1111, ext. 2286
tkidd1@ivytech.edu
Jaede T. Brereton
Student Life Coordinator
Michigan City Campus
(219) 879-9137, ext. 6271
jbrereton@ivytech.edu
Student Leadership Programs
Student Leadership Academy
The Ivy Tech Student Leadership Academy (SLA) is a leadership development program designed specifically for Ivy Tech students. SLA provides students with an opportunity to further develop their leadership development and professional development skills, while learning more about the history and traditions of the College.
Student Leadership Conference
The Student Leadership Conference brings together student leaders representing each Ivy Tech region. The conference is held in Indianapolis once a year and focuses on various leadership topics. Students will gain the opportunity to define their personal leadership philosophy, increase their network of leadership resources and mentors, interact with other with diverse worldviews and more.
Service Engagement
Student Life is committed to serving our community by getting involved with different service projects. Some of the many organizations and initiatives that we served include, but are not limited to: Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, domestic abuse shelters, hospital and nursing home donation drives and visits, presentations in local K-12 schools, Alzheimer�s Association, Juvenile Diabetes Association, The Salvation Army, and Toys for Tots.
Ivy Tech Days of Service
The Ivy Tech Days of Service provides students with the opportunity to work with Student Life in partnering with service organizations in our community to provide projects for our students. Ask your campus Student Life staff member for how you can get involved!
Recreation and Wellness
Student Life offers a variety of recreation and wellness events. Examples of our events include: Alcohol and Sexual Assault Awareness, Child Abuse Prevention, and Cancer Awareness Information Tables. Also, look out for the Ivy Tech Athletic Tournament. At the Gary and Valparaiso campuses, we offer fitness facilities free of charge to all students. If you have an interest in starting a recreational or athletic club, Student Life can help you start one!
Student Organizations
Are you interested in getting involved? We have just the right organization for you. See our list of organizations below to find the ones that interest you most. Don�t see one that interests you? You can start your own. Contact your campus Student Life staff member to learn how.
Student Organizations
Stay Informed and Connected
Contact information:
Uzoma Oluka
Director of Student Life, Development and Leadership
- Northwest Region
uoluka@ivytech.edu
(219) 981-1111, ext. 2397
April Gabbert-Strang
Associate Director of Student Life and Student Organizations
Valparaiso Campus
agabbertstrang@ivytech.edu
(219) 464-8514, ext. 3044
Iris E. Sanchez
Associate Director of Student Life and Multicultural Programming
- Northwest Region
isanchez@ivytech.edu
(219) 392-3600, ext. 285
Tonya A. Kidd
Assistant Director of Student Life and Student Organizations
Gary Campus
(219) 981-1111, ext. 2286
East Chicago Campus
(219) 392-3600, ext. 275
tkidd1@ivytech.edu
Jaede T. Brereton
Student Life Coordinator
Michigan City Campus
jbrereton@ivytech.edu
(219)879-9137, ext. 6271
