ODU Higher Education Student Chosen for New NASPA Program

Bobak Kasrai, a second-year master's student in Old Dominion University's higher education program, was selected to become a graduate associate (GA) for NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education for the 2011-12 academic year.

Kasrai was one of 85 students chosen for the NASPA Graduate Associate Program (GAP), which is in its first year. His responsibilities include serving as a resource to ODU students who may wish to become involved with NASPA, promoting the organization at the university, and communicating with the other GAs throughout the country to learn about programs on their campuses and the methods they use to promote them.

Kasrai said he applied for the position because of his experience as an intern for The Placement Exchange, an event held prior to the NASPA conference where employers from across the nation interview applicants for positions.

"It opened my eyes to what NASPA does and offers, and the role it plays in higher education," Kasrai said of the internship experience, which also helped him build relationships with others.

Kasrai said the GA position will help him "delve deeper" into NASPA and gain a better understanding of GAP, its constituents and its purpose in higher education.

Through his participation in the program, Kasrai said he plans to refer students to NASPA's programs and resources, learn more about the organization's role in higher education and develop skills he can use one day as an administrator. He believes his GA role is important because it will "open people's eyes to what NASPA is doing" and give the organization and ODU more exposure.