NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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Updates for Community College Partners
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Greetings,
As we move into Illinois Community College Month, it’s an exciting time for future Huskies and for all of you who play such an important role in guiding them. At NIU, we’re continuing to build momentum with programs and recognitions that expand access, strengthen support and help students see a clear path to success.
This year, we’re proud to celebrate a major milestone with Rockford Promise, which recently awarded its 1,000th scholarship. The continued growth of Rockford Promise at NIU reflects the power of partnership in removing financial barriers and opening doors for students. At the same time, NIU has once again been recognized as a Military Friendly® School — affirming our commitment to serving those who have served.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming admitted students and their families to campus this April. Our Admitted Student Days on April 11, April 16 (virtual) and April 25, along with Bienvenido a NIU on April 18, are designed to help students explore opportunities, connect with our community and truly experience what makes NIU feel like home.
As always, we encourage you to connect with us. Whether you have questions about admissions, financial aid or next steps for admitted students, our team is ready to partner with you to ensure your students are prepared and excited to join our Huskie pack.
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Warmly,
Rodrigo López, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Community College Initiatives
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Heads up for transfer students heading to NIU: FAFSA priority deadline is April 25
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If you work with students planning to transfer to NIU for fall 2026, please share this important update. A federal system update on Sunday, April 26 will delay processing of FAFSA records submitted on or after that date, and financial aid offers for affected students may not be available until July. Transfer students who have not yet completed their 2026-27 FAFSA should submit by Saturday, April 25 at studentaid.gov to keep their aid on track. Questions can be directed to NIU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at finaid@niu.edu or 815-753-1395.
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We continue to celebrate the growing impact of the Rockford Promise at NIU program, which is opening doors for Rockford Promise Scholars at Rock Valley College to complete their bachelor's degree at NIU with full tuition and fees covered.
Interest remains strong, with 280 students applying to NIU this year as part of a record 601 total applications — evidence of continued college-going momentum in the region. Since launching in 2021, the Rockford Promise at NIU has earned national recognition for innovation and impact, helping boost enrollment, improving student success outcomes and expanding access.
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Supporting our military families
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“When I began college here, I was a 45-year-old retired veteran. I had a hard time convincing myself that I could make it through college, but rather quickly I found myself really enjoying my time here … I really appreciate the work they put in to make students like me successful in our endeavors.”
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— Jason Keith, transfer rehabilitation and disability services major from Billings, Montana.
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Engineering pathways celebrated
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NIU School of Music is proud to present the 2026 World Music Festival, a five-day immersive journey through the sounds, traditions and contemporary innovations of global music. Running from April 7 through April 11, the festival will transform the NIU campus into a vibrant cultural crossroads, featuring traditional masterworks alongside world-premiere compositions.
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In honor of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Asian American Resource Center at NIU, "Celebrating 20 Years: The Asian American Resource Center's Legacy in Motion," running April 7 through April 10 at the Pick Museum of Anthropology, explores how the AARC was established and has transformed over the years.
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Earth Month activities, including the third annual DeKalb County Earth Fest on April 11, will bring together students, faculty, staff and the community for a range of events focused on environmental awareness and action.
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Undergraduate Research Month throughout April culminates in the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) on April 28. Counselors and students are invited to attend this annual showcase highlighting the impactful research, creative activity and community engagement led by NIU undergraduate students.
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Your students will get a firsthand look at what engineering is all about at NIU’s Senior Design Showcase on Friday, May 1 at the NIU Convocation Center. They can explore over 50 real-world projects created by graduating students, chat with teams about how they brought their ideas to life and connect with industry professionals to learn about future career paths.
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Next Steps for Transfer Huskies
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With transfer-specific 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.
Do you know other community college partners who would like to receive this information? Share our subscription form.
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Northern Illinois University
Office of Community College Initiatives
Altgeld Hall 215
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-8387
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Northern Illinois University
Office of Community College Initiatives
Altgeld Hall 215
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-8387
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