NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for High School Partners

January 2026

 

Greetings,

A new year always brings a renewed sense of possibility, and January invites us to pause, reset and look ahead with a fresh perspective. As classes begin Jan. 12, we’re excited to welcome students back to campus and continue supporting them as they take meaningful steps toward their goals.

This month, we reflect on moments that challenge us to learn, serve and grow through campus observances such as MLK Day, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and World Braille Day. World Braille Day also gives us the opportunity to highlight NIU’s nationally recognized special education program for teachers of the visually impaired — one of a very few accredited programs in the country.

These moments reinforce our shared commitment to access, inclusion and community impact.

On a personal note, I want to share that I will be out on maternity leave beginning mid-February. During my time away, our Office of Undergraduate Admissions leadership team will continue providing updates and resources through upcoming newsletters, and I’m confident you’ll be well supported until I return.

As always, thank you for your partnership and the care you bring to students every day. We look forward to continuing this work together in the new year and remain here as a

Mayra Lagunas, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services and Director of Admissions

resource. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can support you.

Warmly,

Mayra Lagunas (she/her/ella)
Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services and Director of Admissions

 
NIU Graduates at Commencement

Celebrating our graduates

There’s nothing more satisfying than a good success story. And our December commencement ceremonies brought plenty.

Please take a moment to enjoy these inspiring videos with stories of graduating Huskies and photos of our proud graduates.

So many ways to get involved on campus

As we celebrate MLK Day here at NIU — home to our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commons — we reflect on his vision. We encourage all Huskies to share their voices and passion in pursuit of their dreams.

Your students will find their community here. Our range of organizations and activities reflects the diversity of our cultures, interests and perspectives. And events like our upcoming Spring Involvement Fair on Jan. 21 encourages students to get involved.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

“One thing that I found pleasantly surprising was how many ways there are to get involved! From clubs to tutoring to research to volunteering, there is a place for everyone on campus to feel welcome. I love finding new opportunities to get involved on Huskie Hub, which shows all registered events on campus that are open to students.”

Kara Murphy

— Kara Murphy, a mathematical sciences and statistics double major from Elburn, Illinois.

Looking ahead

January is a time when many students begin exploring what’s next, whether that’s taking next steps, learning about transfer pathways or visiting campus. Encourage your students to register for a visit today!

Do you have students considering community colleges? We offer exclusive events just for transfer students, including Virtual Transfers Get Information Friday and in-person Transfers Get Information Friday presentations.

 

Events

  • Observatory Public Hours. Come up and view the moon and planets from NIU's Davis Hall Observatory. The observatory's winter hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings, weather permitting. Follow the NIU Observatory Facebook page for up-to-date forecasts and viewing schedules.
  • State of the University. Join NIU President Lisa Freeman for the State of the University at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 in the Altgeld Hall Auditorium. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions both in person and online.
  • Career Success Clinic. Recruiters and NIU alumni will offer feedback, tools and tips from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 3 in the Duke Ellington Ballroom of the Holmes Student Center. Our Huskie Closet also will offer free professional clothing.

HUSKIE HEADLINES

Rockford Leap program graduates

Rockford LEAP graduates celebrate bachelor’s degrees in special education

Andreas Glatz, NIU Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor in the Department of Physics, serves as principal investigator on the project.

NIU joins national quantum research effort led by Fermilab

Newly inducted members of NIU’s Seta Eta Chapter of Order of Omega

Order of Omega welcomes 25 members, strengthens leadership presence

Additional Resources

With first-year student resources, we’ll meet your students wherever they’re at on their educational journeys andprovide personal attention, flexibility and support tailored to their unique needs. 

Do you know other high school partners who would like to receive this information? Share our subscription form. 

Resources for High School Counselors
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Williston Hall 
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446

Northern Illinois University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Williston Hall 
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-0446

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