NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for High School Partners

Greetings,

I hope you've had an opportunity to recharge over the summer and are looking forward to welcoming students back for another school year. I know the first few weeks can be a whirlwind as schedules are finalized, questions are answered and students begin thinking about what comes next. Thank you for the countless ways you serve as trusted advocates and guides during this exciting and often overwhelming time.

At NIU, we're focused on helping this year’s incoming class make a successful transition. While we prepare to welcome our newest Huskies to campus Aug. 19 and 20 for an exciting Week of Welcome, we're also looking ahead.

Applications for fall 2027 admission are now open, and we're eager to continue partnering with you as you help the next generation of students explore their college options and discover all that NIU has to offer.

After all, you can't spell NIU without the "U" and "I." Your partnership is at the heart of what we do, and together we help students see what's possible.

In this month's newsletter, you'll find resources to help both current and prospective students, including reminders about important next steps for incoming Huskies and opportunities for students and families to connect with NIU throughout the year. We hope these updates make your work just a little easier and remind you that you always have a partner in our team.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

Please encourage your future Huskies to complete their next steps, where they'll find important information about preparing for their first semester.

Once they arrive on campus, Week of Welcome (Aug. 19–23) offers opportunities to connect with other students and explore campus resources and traditions. It's also the perfect introduction to the many ways students can get involved at NIU.

Huskies can join more than 200 student organizations, participate in leadership and service opportunities, attend campus events and discover communities that help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Staying involved is one of the best ways for students to build friendships, develop leadership skills and make the most of their NIU experience.

Families play an important role in student success, and NIU offers resources to help them stay informed and connected throughout the college experience. We encourage families to explore our Huskie Family Hub, sign up for our Huskie Family Newsletter and save the date for Family Weekend (Sept. 11–13), when families are invited to campus to experience Huskie life alongside their students.

A unique partnership between NIU STEAM and Custom Aluminum Products recently gave DeKalb and Genoa-Kingston middle school students an opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and explore careers in manufacturing, engineering and business. Read all about this experience.

Beyond the classroom, NIU offers a wide variety of summer camps for students of all ages, with opportunities to explore interests in STEM, the arts, athletics, leadership, writing, music and more while experiencing life on a college campus.

Families can also look ahead to NIU STEM FestSaturday, Sept. 19. Hosted by NIU STEAM, this free event features more than 100 interactive exhibits, demonstrations and speakers from NIU and community partners, giving learners of all ages a chance to explore STEM.

Nearly 100 teachers, principals, counselors, social workers and other education professionals recently gathered at NIU for the eighth annual Summer Camp for Responsive Education. Through keynote presentations, hands-on workshops and collaborative discussions, participants explored Illinois' Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards while gaining practical tools to better support students, foster inclusive learning environments and strengthen school communities. Read all about the program on our College of Education news blog.

As you work with students exploring flexible pathways to complete their bachelor's degree, please help us spread the word about NIU's upcoming Online Undergraduate Degree-completion Programs Virtual Open House from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. Prospective students will learn about NIU's online degree-completion programs, connect with current online students, explore available support services and meet with program representatives during live breakout sessions.

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

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