The Civil Service Council will feature a Civil Service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus. This month, learn about and applaud Assignments IT Tech Associate Saljook Khan.
What is your position on campus, and how long have you been with the University?
I am an IT tech associate within the housing department. I started this position in March 2023. In this role, I assist with various housing IT systems and support our resident community. Prior to this position, I served as a graduate assistant in the same team. I began my graduate program in January 2020 and have held several positions since then.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to develop innovative solutions that significantly enhance the student experience while simultaneously easing the workload for staff who interact directly with students. I focus on streamlining various processes, such as contract signing and the management of housing-related requests. By implementing user-friendly IT systems, I aim to create a more efficient and engaging environment for students.
These improvements not only facilitate smoother interactions but also empower staff to operate more effectively. With less time spent on administrative tasks, they can devote more energy to providing exceptional support and guidance to students. Ultimately, my goal is to foster a collaborative atmosphere that benefits both students and staff, ensuring a more cohesive and satisfying housing experience for all.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
I love working out and try to hit the gym five to six times a week. I’m really into reading, with Khalid Hosseini and Paulo Coelho being my favorite authors. I also enjoy taking coding boot camps to pick up new skills and explore tech. On the weekends, I like hanging out with friends or going on road trips with my car crew to discover new places.
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at ISU?
I’d love others to know that my time at ISU has been incredibly enriching. I’ve had the chance to grow both personally and professionally, thanks to the supportive community and diverse experiences. I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with colleagues and students, which has helped me develop innovative solutions that enhance the student experience. Outside of work, I appreciate the vibrant campus life and the friendships I’ve built. Whether I’m working out, diving into a good book, or exploring new places with friends, I cherish the balance I’ve found here. Overall, ISU has truly shaped my journey, and I’m excited to continue making the most of my time here.
More about Khan from Lupe Montalvo, associate director for residential operations:
Like many housing team members, Khan has a history of working with University Housing beyond his role as our IT Technical Associate. Khan worked for University Housing as a night operations student employee maintaining the safety and security of our halls overnight. Then, in 2021, I hired Khan as a graduate assistant in the assignments area to assist with managing our housing database and student-facing portal. After he graduated, I was excited to learn that he was interested in a full-time opening in my area, as our IT technical associate, as he already had a wealth of knowledge and would be a positive addition to our assignments team.
Khan is part of a dynamic team always looking to improve the student experience. His expertise in finding technical solutions to business needs provides unique and exciting opportunities for students and staff. His deep care for the team and students is evident as he constantly thinks of ways to improve their experience within housing systems. He has worked diligently to become an expert of our systems, creates automation, and is prepared to jump into calls and meetings with students.
He is solution focused, cares about his colleagues, and places the student experience at the forefront.
