SHEA offers activities and programs promoting scholarship, social interchange and professional development to enhance the overall experience of higher education students.
In October 2008, Dr. Barbara J. Johnson convened a group of students who had demonstrated a commitment to student affairs to discuss the feasibility of creating an organization for graduate students in higher education. The initial meeting occurred on October 1, 2008 and involved a commitment by the students to establish an organization. On December 11, 2008, SHEA hosted its first public meeting to introduce the NIU community to the organization. In its inaugural year, SHEA plans to sponsor many workshops and seminars for various topics including a Student Affairs panel discussion and an end of the year banquet.