Nov. 9,  2026

Being successful in class requires that you prepare and study.

Did you know that you should be studying outside of class for two to three hours a week for every credit hour you take? For example, if you register for 16 credit hours, you should study outside of class for at least 32 hours a week.

FIRST-GEN WEEK

Veteran's Day is Nov. 11 and throughout the week, we are honoring the service, sacrifice and leadership of the veterans who are part of the NIU community. Their dedication and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on our campus and beyond. Join us as we recognize and celebrate NIU's student, faculty, staff and alumni veterans throughout the week.

Want digital skills that actually stand out? Join Adobe Student Academy: fast, hands-on live sessions where you'll build real skills in Adobe Express — and earn LinkedIn/resumé-ready badges just for showing up and participating.

No matter your major — business, design, engineering, or something else entirely — these workshops help you create faster and more confidently. No previous experience needed.

How it works: Register, attend live, earn a badge per session. No assignments, no extra steps — just skills and recognition that get noticed. Learn more and register!

President Lisa C. Freeman is inviting currently enrolled NIU students to submit original artwork or photography for the 2026 NIU holiday card, themed "Home in Many Ways," celebrating the people, places, traditions and experiences that make NIU feel like home. Students may submit multiple entries by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, and are encouraged to review past winners while creating a unique design. The top three submissions will receive scholarships of $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $100 for third place, and will be featured in the president's electronic holiday card.

Graduate students are invited to take advantage of the Graduate Student Commons in at Founders Memorial Library, Room 338. Exclusively available to currently enrolled graduate students, the space offers a welcoming place to study, collaborate, connect with peers, and recharge, with access available through your OneCard. A nearby Quiet Study Room provides additional space for focused work. Graduate students are also encouraged to share ideas for enhancing the Commons by emailing lib-admin@niu.edu or using the QR code posted in the space.

Beginning November 1, 2026, University Libraries will only print posters created using the Clearinghouse-approved poster templates available on the Libraries' website.

If your academic conference requires a specific template that is not among the approved options, you must provide a cost center number from your department to cover the printing cost. Posters that do not use a Clearinghouse-approved template and do not have department funding will not be accepted for printing.

Please direct any questions to lib-admin@niu.edu.

Now is the time to start preparing to register for spring 2027 classes. Read the tips below and learn when to register and how to register for classes. 

If you have not met with your advisor, do so. They are here to help you.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2027-28 school year is now available. You should file a new FAFSA every year to determine your eligibility for most types of financial aid, and filing early gives you more time to sort out any questions. Learn more at go.niu.edu/finaid.

Looking for ways to prepare for your future career? Join NIU Career Services for upcoming workshops and employer events designed to help you build your skills, explore career paths, and connect with professionals!

Don't miss these opportunities to gain career insights, strengthen your professional skills, and prepare for what's next. Visit the event links above for more details!