NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Updates for High School Partners

Greetings,

I’m Jenna Pracht, director of Orientation and First Year Programs at NIU. I'm a proud, two-time Huskie who transferred here myself. My own path to college wasn’t always clear, and that experience continues to shape how we design the transition to NIU.

In my work, I center one core question: What do students actually need in their first year to feel confident, supported and successful?

What we consistently see in our interactions with first-year students is that they’re not just seeking information — they’re seeking reassurance. They want to know: Will I find my people? Will I know where to go when I need help? And can I figure all of this out?

At NIU, we intentionally design our Orientation and First Year Experience around those needs. We meet students where they are, support them in identifying their networks early and build structured opportunities for peer connection from day 1. Our goal is for students to understand they don’t have to navigate college alone.

Orientation is just the starting point. Through Week of Welcome and our First-Year Success Series, we help students not only navigate campus, but also start connecting their experiences to their developing academic and career goals.

This work is grounded in NIU student data and informed by national best practices. Recently, our approach was recognized at NODA — the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education annual conference.

We want students to begin their first weeks at NIU not just informed, but confident in themselves; their support system and their path forward.

HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

Our confirmation deadline for fall enrollment is Aug. 15. We encourage admitted students still deciding to take their time, but confirming early means better access to orientation dates, housing options and course selection.

A valuable part of the Huskie experience, Orientation helps students connect with academic advisors, register for classes, plan their summer and learn about campus resources such as our Pre-Orientation Program (POP). By registering early, they can build their academic schedule and support network with greater confidence and flexibility.

To support their decision-making, we offer numerous resources and a variety of visit options, including campus tours and appointments with admissions counselors.

Whether your students have questions about deadlines, financial aid or their next steps as admitted students, we’re here to help.

NIU STEAM continues to spark curiosity and build college and career confidence for local students through its expanding partnership with DeKalb School District 428. Featured recently in NIU Today, the partnership now reaches hundreds of students — from elementary through high school — with hands-on STEAM experiences, mentoring, and opportunities to connect with NIU students, faculty and campus spaces.

STEAM’s many summer learning opportunities introduce students to science, technology, engineering, arts and math through engaging activities. Along the way, students begin to see themselves as future college students. Along with immersive summer camps, NIU STEAM offers educator resources and community events like STEM Fest, returning Sept. 19.

As NIU strengthens partnerships throughout the region, new collaborations are creating expanded opportunities for students and professionals alike.

The university has partnered with the Illinois State Police to help officers advance their education and careers through a new Credit for Prior Learning agreement. Under the partnership, ISP Academy graduates admitted to NIU can earn nine credit hours toward degrees in Public Service Leadership, Criminology or General Studies.

This agreement recognizes the rigorous training completed through the ISP Academy while creating a more efficient pathway for students pursuing careers in public service and law enforcement.

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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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