Larger Group Visits
Larger groups (e.g., high schools) are welcome to visit Northern’s campus. Groups of 10 or more should make special arrangements through the Office of Admissions. Contact Chris Porterfield at cporterfield@niu.edu or (815) 753-1536 and (815) 753-0209.
- Large group walking tours are available on most weekdays during the academic year and Monday through Thursday during the summer.
- Tours may be complimented by pre-arranged special presentations on topics such as undergraduate admissions, student financial assistance and educational support services.
- Please make arrangements at least four weeks in advance. Generally, only one group can be accommodated per day. Visits are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis, and many groups arrange visits months in advance.
- Walking tours typically last 75 minutes. Participants should be prepared to walk outside, dressed for the weather, and able to climb several flights of stairs. Tours can be modified to accommodate participants with disabilities.
- Meaningful exchange of information is impaired if walking tours are too large. Thus, groups of 40 or more will receive a guided bus tour on their own bus with no more than two buses per group.
- Tours provide an excellent opportunity for prospective students and other visitors to view campus, learn about academic and extracurricular involvement, and witness college life in general. Please assist us in making tours a positive experience by helping to adequately prepare your students for their visit. The most effective tours are those in which students show a genuine interest by being attentive to their tour guide and prepared with questions. Your help in conveying these expectations to visiting groups is appreciated. We expect students on tours will be accompanied by teachers or adult group leaders – at least one adult per 10 students – to ensure that students maintain good order, decorum and attentiveness.