Frequently Asked Questions

Drone shot of campus at sunset.Find answers to your HESA questions on the following topics:

Academic Issues

Will HESA prepare me to continue my studies in an Ed.D. or Ph.D. program?

Certainly! Doctoral programs require a great deal of writing and research experience, and HESA students undertake many projects and assignments emphasizing both. Students take a full year research course their first year, and students have their writing abilities challenged and strengthened in all of their classes.

Students also have opportunities to interact with various specializations in higher education, providing them with possible interests or fields for doctoral study.

Can I enroll in courses on a part-time basis?

We do not currently allow students to enroll part time. The unique opportunities and requirements present in the Higher Education & Student Affairs program require a students full attention and dedication.

Does UConn require a thesis or comprehensive exam?

Yes, the comprehensive exam is an oral presentation that is one hour in length (including time for feedback from the panel). The presentation addresses: a summary of learning related to the HESA core competencies.

How does the HESA cohort system work?

Thanks largely to the program's small enrollment, HESA students are able to work, socialize, and attend class as a cohesive unit. In addition to all of the first year classes, the cohort also shares many out of class experiences.

Students also benefit from the use of groups and teams. Students have a chance to work in smaller assemblies with the  Assessment course project, a workshop development project, and many other opportunities.

Applying

Can I visit UConn before applying?

Of course! You are welcome to visit UConn with a virtual or in-person tour hosted by our wonderful Visitor Center. We also encourage you to learn more about life in our program and at UConn by participating in one of our virtual information sessions, hosted each fall. Finally, if you have more questions about the program and life in Storrs, please reach out to us at hesa@uconn.edu and we will be happy to connect with you!

What is the typical HESA student?

Thankfully there is really no "typical" HESA student! We've been fortunate to draw students and professionals from diverse and interesting majors, programs, departments, and work experiences. HESA has students from Poli-Sci, Architecture, Psychology, Philosophy, Broadcasting, Education, Sciences, Communications and all sorts of other majors. We also have students who have had a number of years working full-time/part-time in other or related fields before deciding to apply for our program.

We encourage applicants who currently work full-time in higher education and student affairs and are looking for an in-person graduate experience while continuing their full-time work to consider our program.

HESA students also benefit from the program's diversity of experiences and backgrounds. The cohorts are made up of students who bring in a wide range of professional and co-curricular experiences. Students are able to see the perspectives and influences that come with residential life experience, student union board membership, student government positions, club and group leadership, community service, and organizational affiliations. In addition, our students come from all over the nation—from California to Maine- as well as other countries!

If there is a "typical" HESA student, it is someone who wants to be a concerned and dedicated student affairs practitioner.

I’m a senior, should I apply?

HESA encourages applications from individuals who are prepared to enter responsible graduate positions in student affairs. Because the HESA graduate assistantships provide direct services to students and organizations, we assume that those entering our program have already developed some basic skills in working with college students. We provide training for graduate assistants but these important positions require an ability to learn quickly and the dedication to be a member of a high-performing student affairs office.

Many college seniors are ready for this challenge so we do not require prior full-time work experience for admission to the program.

I’m no longer an undergrad and work part/full-time, should I apply?

HESA encourages applications from individuals who are prepared to enter responsible graduate positions in student affairs. Because the HESA graduate assistantships provide direct services to students and organizations, we assume that those entering our program have already developed some basic skills in working with college students. We provide training for graduate assistants but these important positions require an ability to learn quickly and the dedication to be a member of a high-performing student affairs office.

We have had many individuals who have been out of undergrad a number of years enter into our program. About 50% of our cohort has some sort of professional experience following their undergrad experience. In addition, some of these individuals were working in a field unrelated to student affairs and higher education directly and based on their career goals, made the decision to apply to our program. As you will learn, if you haven’t already, student affairs is a field in which skills are very transferable and interrelated to other fields. That being said, it is with your help in your application that we will be able to see how your experiences align with our program’s goals and outcomes.

I currently work in a different or related field, should I apply?

Of course! We believe there are a number of valuable skills and/or experiences other fields have that can be beneficial to your success in higher education and student affairs. For this reason, about 50% of HESA students enter our program with professional experience (such as marketing & management, market research, public health, & musicology). Our program encourages applications from individuals who feel they are prepared to begin graduate level work in student affairs. Because the HESA graduate assistantships provide direct services to students and organizations, we assume that those entering our program have already developed some basic skills such as interpersonal & communication skills to work with college students. We provide training for graduate assistants but these important positions require an ability to learn quickly and the dedication to be a member of a high-performing university office.

 

As you will learn, if you haven’t already, student affairs is a field in which skills are very transferable and interrelated to other fields. That being said, it is with your help in your application that we will be able to see how your experiences align with our program’s goals and outcomes.

I’m a ___________ major, do I qualify for HESA?

HESA does not require students to come from a specific major or field. Students have ample opportunity in the application and interview process to demonstrate the qualities and characteristics the HESA program looks for. It is our belief that these traits are not specific to one academic program or another, but instead to individuals.

Does HESA require the GRE?

HESA does not require the GRE. Our program has decided that a standardized exam does not accurately demonstrate a prospective student's ability to succeed as a student affairs practitioner.

What references/recommendation should I use?

You will want to use someone who can comment on your abilities as a student affairs professional. This may include current student affairs practitioners or, employers. Also, it is helpful to have a professor as a reference who can comment on your academic abilities and motivation. It is important that all of your letters be a reflection of your professionalism, maturity, and capabilities, and not merely your connections or affiliations.

How do I submit recommendations?

During the application process, an applicant is asked to provide contact information for three recommenders. The recommenders submitting letters on your behalf should do so electronically through our application system. The recommenders will be sent an email with direction and log-in information on where they can upload letters of recommendation. Be sure to mark ‘Yes’ for the online submission question on the Provider Input Form.

How competitive is the application process?

Our program is becoming more competitive, partially because we are committed to providing each student a meaningful graduate assistantship and to maintaining a small class size of approximately 20 students. It is important to us that good applicants maintain their commitment to student affairs, even if they don't come to UConn. So we encourage all students to apply to multiple student affairs preparation programs.

Can I start in the Spring or the Summer?

We do not allow students to begin classes at any period other than the Fall semester. The HESA program is dedicated to its cohort model, which requires all students admitted in a given year to begin their classroom experience at the same time.

What are the characteristics of students admitted to the HESA Program?

Students in the HESA program hail from every corner of the country. In the 2020 cohort there are 9 different states and two countries represented. HESAs come from California, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and everywhere in between. Typically about half of HESA students have prior professional work experience while the others attend directly after graduation from their undergraduate institutions. These are just two of the many ways HESA students are diverse.

Graduate Assistantships

Should I contact an assistantship site now?

If you have any questions about an assistantship site, please contact the HESA program. Candidates will have ample time to talk with assistantship site supervisors during the interview process, so you should feel no pressure to communicate with these individuals now.

What are the average hours for an assistantship?

HESA students are required to work 20 hours in their assistantship per week. Many students are able to work during the day and attend class in the late afternoon. Most positions do have other times and events that require student participation. More information about workload can be found in the Graduate Employee Union contract article 10.

Life in HESA

What is life in Storrs like?

Located in Northeastern Connecticut, Storrs is a unique environment for a college campus. UConn students are treated to a residential campus setting, and the campus has one of the nation's highest percentages of students housed on campus. These factors provide HESA students with a very effective training ground. In addition, the beautiful scenery, proximity to great metropolitan areas, and everything New England has to offer ensure a great experience!

Is there graduate student housing provided?

The University provides graduate student housing in Northwood Apartments. Many students in the HESA program choose to live in off-campus residences and often share apartments or houses to help make housing more affordable. The university also offers resources for students who are pursuing off campus living arrangements.

What is the HESA experience like for students from distant locations?

Many of our students come from locations far from Connecticut. For some students this may be their first time in the Northeast, or in a rural setting, or far from home. While no two experiences are the same, it is nice to know that there will be someone in the program who is also in a new place.

Additionally, UConn is located near several travel hubs, including bus stations, train stations, and Bradley International Airport, which services many of the major airlines. HESA students have many travel options available to them, so home is never too far away.

What do HESA students do with their summer?

Many HESA students work during the summer, utilizing their time to enhance the program experience. Some students will choose to stay on at UConn at their assistantship site, dependent on position, while others will find a new department or organization on campus to work with. Other students find internships at other campuses. In the past, students have completed internships through several of the national student affairs organizations such as NODA, ACUHO-I, and ACPA.

Other Questions

What are the fees for a HESA student?

HESA graduate assistants receive a full tuition waiver and partial fee waivers, but not all fees are paid for. These include a portion of the general university fee, the matriculation fee, the student activity fee, and any parking fees. Parking fees can run between $0 and $400, depending on the lot and location selected. A more detailed look at fees can be found at the Graduate School, while prospective students can find the parking rates at UConn Parking Services.

Where are HESA students employed after graduation?

HESA students are currently working in schools around the nation, are employed in departments across the spectrum of student affairs. HESA graduates currently work in Residence Life departments, Alcohol and Other Drug programs, Living Communities, Admissions, Student Life, Academic Advising, and Financial Aid. For specific examples, you can visit our Stay Connected page.

HESA students are encouraged to discover and pursue their individual goals, and are given the skills to attain them.