NIU Outreach Centers provide a quality adult learning environment. Classrooms with in-room technology, computer labs, study areas, and dedicated staff support are all designed to serve adult learners. In addition to our academic programs the Outreach Centers serve as daytime conference centers for businesses, associations, and other area organizations.
NIU Hoffman Estates (847) 645-3000 ext. 1
(815) 753-8850NIU Naperville (630) 577-9101
(815) 753-8975NIU Rockford (815) 332-7339
(815) 753-8740
Building/Weather Closures
From time to time there may be a need for the University to close facilities due to existing or developing weather conditions. If there is a university wide closure information will be posted on the main NIU webpage at: www.niu.edu/weather/
Other times the main campus in DeKalb may remain open but evening off-campus classes may be cancelled. If this happens faculty will be notified and will initiate their phone calling trees to notify students.
Weather conditions in the northern Illinois region can change rapidly. There may be times when the university does not make a decision to formally close, but a faculty member makes a decision to cancel their particular class. When this happens the faculty member will initiate their phone calling tree to notify students.
Finally, there may be instances where classes are not cancelled, and yet students determine driving conditions are such for their commute that a student may choose to not attend class. If students do not wish to drive in certain weather conditions, students should exercise their own judgment in regard to these decisions.
Textbooks
Textbooks can be ordered from the University Bookstore on the main campus in DeKalb by calling 1-800-999-6488 or by ordering online at http://www.niubookstore.niu.edu/Home.aspx. Textbooks will be shipped to students’ home addresses via UPS.
Safety Exits/Disaster Plan
Please familiarize yourself with all building exits and review the fire/disaster plan posted in each classroom. http://www.niu.edu/about/safety/index.shtml
Learning Resource Center (LRC)
Library resources are available online. For information visit the NIU Library website at: www.ulib.niu.edu Computers are available in the LRC to access these resources. If a student only needs to access online library resources to conduct research they can do this without filling out an OneCard request. For information they should go to the VPN authentication FAQ at: www.ulib.niu.edu/faqs/authenticationvpnfaq.pdf
If a student wishes to check out library materials from the NIU main campus library, or through interlibrary loan (via I-Share catalog or OCLC WorldCat) they will need to have an NIU OneCard. Online request forms for the OneCard can be found at: www.ulib.niu.edu/faqs/onecardrequest.cfm Students can select to have their cards delivered to one of the Outreach Centers and they may be picked up by students from the Outreach Center Library staff by presenting a photo ID. Open study areas are available in the LRC’s, along with a copy machine.
Reference Assistance
Students may ask for help with most library-related issues from the LRC library staff, such as help with computers and navigation through web resources. If students or faculty require in-depth assistance from a library subject specialist, they can use our Ask-A-Liberian service at http://www.ulib.niu.edu/information/asklibrarian.cfm From this page, students can open a chat session with a librarian, send an e-mail question, or look up the subject specialist librarian in many different areas of expertise. E-mail questions are routed to a subject specialist librarian who will respond within 48 hours, Monday-Friday.
Resources and Collections
For services available online for students, go to the library’s website at http://www.ulib.niu.edu and click on “Students” near the top banner. Some of the services and collections will be based on campus and in Founders Memorial Library, but many others are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Computer Access
All registered students are assigned a logon ID (Z-ID). Your logon ID remains permanent throughout your NIU career. For more information please visit the http://www.its.niu.edu/its/accounts/index.shtml or contact the ITS Helpdesk at (815) 753-8100.
Computer access is available in the Learning Resource Centers at each center from:
Computer access is available in computer labs from:
Wireless network access is also available in the Outreach Centers. To access the wireless network students need to have a wireless card on their laptop. Students can then connect to the wireless network by using the logon “NIUguest”. No special software is needed.
Classroom Technology & Technology Support
Outreach Center classrooms provide the following standard equipment and services:
Classroom Availability and Room Assignments
Rooms are unlocked one half-hour prior to the class start time. Assigned room numbers are posted in the Outreach Center lobby at the beginning of the semester.
Food & Beverages
Vending machine snacks and beverages are available at all three Outreach Centers. In addition, at NIU Naperville sandwiches, snacks & beverages can be purchased from an on-site deli. Only vending machine snacks and beverages may be taken into classrooms.
Parking Permits
Free parking is available at each of the Outreach Centers. An auxiliary overflow lot is available at NIU Hoffman Estates.