NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for Community College Partners

Greetings,

I hope you're enjoying the final weeks of summer. As the fall semester approaches, we're excited to share several important updates and opportunities to help you support current and prospective transfer students.

We're also proud to share that NIU was recently named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, a national recognition of excellence in creating pathways for transfer student success. This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to providing strong academic support, financial opportunities and a seamless transition for community college students.

In this issue, you'll find information about our upcoming Online Undergraduate Programs Virtual Open House for students interested in flexible degree-completion options, reminders about key fall milestones and resources to help students prepare for a successful start to the semester at NIU.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

"My experience as an online student has far exceeded my expectations! The Office of Online Learning has been so welcoming and helpful. They have been there for me every step of the way with advice, online meetings, social media posts and check-ins, and always with friendly support and a smile."

— Traci Carlson, an online general studies major from Rockford, Illinois.

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 Housefrom 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. We hope you'll share this opportunity with students who may be considering finishing their degree online.

A successful transition begins before the first day of class. Please encourage your future Huskies to complete the steps on NIU's Transfer Orientation page, where they'll find important information about orientation, registration and preparing for their first semester. Once they arrive on campus, Week of Welcome (Aug. 19–23) offers opportunities to connect with other students, explore campus resources and traditions, and build a strong foundation for success before classes begin.

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.

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. Campers also valued the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the state, exchange ideas and return to their schools with new strategies to enhance student success. Read all about the program on our College of Education news blog.

NIU using high-tech, high-touch approach to transform student success

Edible Campus expands with new food-growing projects, learning spaces

Loneliness is a health risk — NIU research shows simple ways to fight back

For questions or if your student needs help applying, contact us at transfercenter@niu.edu or schedule a virtual appointment.

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.