The 17-member NIU search committee is evaluating the job qualifications of the five candidates for vice president for student affairs.

While the candidates visit NIU this month and in early February, the entire search committee will meet with them and attend any interviews with the candidates conducted by student service organizations, said Curt Behrens, co-chair of the search committee.

In addition to the requirements of a doctorate degree, experience in student affairs in higher education and leadership ability, some search committee members have their own ideas what qualities the candidates should have.

Donald Bramlett, NIU Athletic Counseling Program coordinator, said he is “looking for someone to be a leader…an advocate for the students we serve.”

Bramlett said he also would like someone with experience from a university with similar structure and size as NIU.

SA President Huda Scheidelman said the position should be filled by a good communicator who is sensitive to minority concerns.

Because the person hired will be a direct link to the administration, the new vice president should be someone who is aware of students’ rights and goals, Scheidelman said.

Ed Gil, SA supreme court justice, said he is looking for someone with experience who knows how to work with students and each NIU department.

Kathy Hotelling, NIU Counseling and Student Development director, said she would prefer to stick to the qualifications outlined by the committee at the beginning of the search and not select qualifications that are important to her.

The vice presidential position has been temporarily filled by Barbara Henley, a current finalist, since August, when Jon Dalton, the former vice president, left NIU.

Behrens said members of the committee were nominated by the NIU Operating Staff Council, Council of Deans, faculty council, Student Association president and the staff of the student affairs department, with the approval of NIU President John La Tourette.

From the list of 35 applicants, five finalists were selected and invited to NIU for on-campus interviews.

The committee will recommend at least two candidates to La Tourette, but there is no time limit on the process, Behrens said.

Other committee members include: NIU Student Housing Director Donald Buckner, Student Affairs Secretary Kristen Duffield, SA Treasurer Bruce Williams, Marian Frerichs, NIU School of Nursing chairman, George Gutierrez, University Resources for Latinos director, Peggy Sullivan, College of Professional Studies dean, Blanche McHugh, Training and Student Development coordinator and Regency Professor William Monat.