About Us

Housing & Residence Life at Northeastern Illinois University provides a residential experience rooted in community, belonging, and student success. Through living at The Nest and intentional residential engagement, we support students in their academic pursuits, personal development, and transition into university life.

Our work is guided by a commitment to inclusive excellence, operational integrity, and student-centered practice.

Our Mission

The Department of Housing & Residence Life at Northeastern Illinois University cultivates residential environments where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. We center care, accountability, and respect for human differences as we create communities that promote belonging, academic focus, and personal responsibility. Through research-informed practices, coordinated support systems, and high-impact learning opportunities, we strengthen student retention and empower residents to grow into engaged, confident, and community-minded leaders.

Our Vision

Housing & Residence Life strives to model an equity-driven approach to residential education that uplifts every student and advances their academic, personal, and professional goals. We aspire to create living environments where high-impact practices, cultural humility, and shared accountability work together to increase retention, deepen learning, and ensure that students are not only supported, but empowered to persist, graduate, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse and evolving world.

Strategic Priorities

At The Nest, housing is more than a place to live—it is a student success strategy. Grounded in research, equity, and continuous improvement, Housing & Residence Life uses the residential experience to strengthen belonging, persistence, leadership development, and institutional sustainability at Northeastern Illinois University.

Residential communities play a critical role in student persistence and academic engagement. Housing & Residence Life supports student success by fostering meaningful involvement, academic focus, and intentional community engagement.

Research Foundations:

Astin (1999) – Student Involvement Theory
Tinto (1988) – Student Integration Model
Strayhorn (2022) – Sense of Belonging
Blimling (2015) – Student Learning in Residence Halls

Strong housing operations contribute directly to both student satisfaction and institutional stability. Housing & Residence Life prioritizes efficient systems, clear processes, and strong operational coordination.

Research Foundations:

ACUHO-I Housing Core Competencies
Schuh (2009) – Assessment in Student Affairs

Residential communities must intentionally foster inclusive environments where students feel valued and connected.

Research Foundations:

Strayhorn (2012) – Sense of Belonging
Harper & Hurtado (2007) – Campus Racial Climate
Museus, Yi & Saelua (2017) – Culturally Engaging Campus Environments

Student staff serve as leaders and mentors within the residential community. Housing & Residence Life invests in training and leadership development to strengthen the residential experience.

Research Foundations:

Komives et al. (2005) – Leadership Identity Development
NASPA/ACPA Professional Competencies

Students must feel safe and supported in order to thrive academically and personally. Housing & Residence Life prioritizes safety, wellness, and coordinated care systems within the residential environment.

Research Foundations:

Maslow (1954) – Hierarchy of Needs
American College Health Association (ACHA) Student Health Data

Meet the Staff

Housing & Residence Life is supported by a team of professional and live-in staff dedicated to student development, safety, and operational excellence.

Our staff provide: