Retirement reception
planned for Sharon Howard

A retirement reception for Sharon Howard, director of the Women's Resource Center, is scheduled for 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at the Chandelier Room of Adams Hall. Presentations will take place at 4 p.m.

Subway to replace
McDonald's in HSC

A Subway sandwich shop soon will take the place of the former McDonald's in the lower level of the Holmes Student Center.

McDonald's chose not to renew its lease for the restaurant space, creating an opportunity for new options, HSC Director Mitch Kielb said.

“McDonald's was a good tenant and popular with a lot of people, but I think this will be a good change,” said Kielb, adding students he has spoken with are excited to have a “fresher” fast food option available.

Kielb expects construction to take place during June and July, with the sandwich shop likely to open in August.

Once in operation, the shop will likely have hours similar to those kept by McDonald's and will offer some sort of breakfast menu.

NIU Art Museum prepares
to rent artworks for offices

The NIU Art Museum's popular “Art to Lend” program takes place next month.

NIU employees can view available artworks from the museum's permanent collection that can be rented for display in university offices. Visit the Altgeld Gallery, on the west end of the first floor, between Monday, June 5, and Thursday, June 15, to view and make selections from the works on exhibit. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

As in previous years, works will be assigned by lottery based on preferred selections. The lottery is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, June 15, in the North and Rotunda galleries of Altgeld Hall.

Works on paper currently on loan to borrowers, and those that have been out for more than the maximum five years, will need to be retrieved by the museum for conservations purposes. Museum staff will contact current borrowers regarding their return. To cause less disruption to offices, a single de-installation of current holdings and installation of new selections can be arranged.

All funds generated from this program are used for the direct care and maintenance of the collection, including matting and framing, which makes new selections available. Fees have risen over the years, but both the initial installation fee and the yearly rental fee cover only part of the museum's actual incurred costs.

Delivery and installation for artwork will take place during the latter half of June and resume in August and September, depending on the amount of work selected and the availability and schedules of museum staff. Those not at the drawing, or without completed contracts, will be notified by phone June 19 or 20. A contract/invoice then will be sent.

For more information, or a copy of the “Art to Lend” policy, call (815) 753-1936.

August volunteers sought
to welcome students

Plans are under way to welcome NIU's new and returning students for Fall 2006. The continued and valued support of the NIU family and DeKalb community is critical to transitioning this year's incoming students and their families into the Huskie family.

Michael J. Coakley, assistant vice president for Student Life, invites the university community to participate in this year's Welcome Days, from Thursday, Aug. 24, through Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Volunteers are needed to help the Division of Student Affairs at three events: Opening Day, Huskies Helping Huskies and House Calls. Volunteer for one, two, or all three activities. Any effort is appreciated.

Opening Day volunteers will assist students and their families, Thursday, Aug. 24, by driving golf carts loaded with student belongings from the family car to the residence hall. Student volunteers will help move students' possessions inside to their residence hall rooms. As a thank you, each volunteer will receive a free T-shirt and a $5 discount for the annual Huskie Bash that evening.

Huskies Helping Huskies volunteers will be stationed at kiosks across campus Monday, Aug. 28, or Tuesday, Aug. 29, to answer students' questions or direct them to a particular destination on campus.

House Calls volunteers will greet first-year students at assigned residence hall floors the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 29. Volunteers will welcome these students to campus and answer any questions. Because college is the first time many students are away from home, these house calls serve to calm any lingering fears these students might have.

Huskies Helping Huskies and House Calls volunteers each will receive a $5 discount for the annual Huskie Bash, the evening of Thursday, Aug. 24.

Those who are able to join the Division of Student Affairs as it rolls out a red-carpet welcome for our new students should complete the volunteer registration at http://www.niu.edu/Housing/openday/volfacstaff.shtml.

Volunteers will be contacted over the summer with further details. Members of the NIU Operating Staff who wish to participate can request release from their normal duties. Staff participation is subject to supervisory approval and should not interfere with the normal operational needs of the university.

“Welcome Days are exciting, exhilarating and a little bit scary for new students and families,” Coakley said. “Thank you for considering joining our efforts to provide a warm welcome and a smooth transition to the NIU community.”

For more information, contact Linda Odom at (815) 753-9611 or lodom@niu.edu.

5-30-06