

DJ Hardwick
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DJ Hardwick is a higher education and student affairs administration graduate student at SUNY Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York. Additionally, he serves as a graduate assistant coordinating leadership development and student engagement programs. DJ is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and welcoming environments for students navigating post-secondary education.
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DJ brings several years of student affairs experience in a variety of functional areas including orientation, campus activities, assessment, and strategic planning. Previously, he gained experience at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and University of California Merced.
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DJ is a professional member of the National Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA), Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA), Student Affairs Assessment Leaders (SAAL), and The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP).
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DJ has several research interests including the impact of queer temporality and heterosexual chrononormativity on success for LGBTQIA+ students, first generation student support, and leadership development for historically marginalized student populations.
WORK EXPERIENCE
August 2022 - Present
Student Engagement & Leadership Development Graduate Assistant
SUNY Buffalo State College
Student Engagement and Leadership​
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Assist in developing and facilitating the student leader training for all student assistants in Student Leadership and Engagement, United Students Government Executive board, and student leaders.
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Assist in facilitating workshops for the Bengal Stripes Leadership Program and Student Organization and Achievement Workshop Series (SOAR).
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Support the Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Engagement on program assessment and review.
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Support in the planning of small- and large-scale campus programs to increase student engagement and retention.
EDUCATION
2018-2022
University of Nebraska at Kearney
General Studies, B.G.S.
Coursework: event planning, human resource management, counseling, marketing, and communications
2022-2024
SUNY Buffalo State College
Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration, M.S.
Coursework: student development, research, assessment, counseling and advising, diversity and inclusion, law and policy.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
2021-2022
Title IX Process Advisor
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Office of Equity and Compliance
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Assist complainants and respondents in understanding and navigating the Title IX investigation process.
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Accompany complainants and respondents to administrative meetings, interviews, and pre-hearing investigations.
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Serve on Title IX formal administrative hearing panels to hear witness testimony, review evidence, and provide recommendations for grievance decisions.
AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS

AWARDS
Golden Loper Award
UNK Student Affairs Division / 2021
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First Generation Trailblazer Award
UNK First Generation Leadership Board / 2021
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Student Employee Rookie of the Year Award
UNK Applauding Excellence Committee / 2021
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Teamwork Excellence Award
UNK Staff Senate / 2022
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Legacy of Leadership Award
UNK Applauding Excellence Committee / 2022
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Outstanding Senior Award
UNK Alumni Association / 2022
CERTIFICATIONS
COVID-19 Detection, Prevention, Response, and Control Certification
World Health Organization / 2020
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Notary Public Commission
Nebraska Secretary of State / 2021
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Microsoft Office Specialist: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Microsoft / 2018
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Event Safety Access Certification
Event Safety Alliance / 2022
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Pathogen Prepared Professional Certification
Event Safety Alliance / 2022
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Google Certified Educator – Level 1
Google / 2021
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Violence Against Women Act Adjudicator Certification
National Association of Clery Compliance Officers and Professionals / 2021
HIGHER EDUCATION & STUDENT AFFAIRS MASTER'S PROGRAM
NASPA & ACPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators
Reflections
​As a Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Master's student at SUNY Buffalo State College,
DJ will be reflecting on the 10 competencies for student affairs educators. Click the links below to learn more: