The Office of Online Learning supports the experience of NIU’s fully online learner student body of more than 1,300 students from their initial contact with NIU, through the application and admittance process, all the way to graduation.
Each program receives dedicated assistance from an online student success specialist who supports prospective degree-seeking and certificate-seeking students and guides them through the application process.
The Office of Online Learning responds promptly to all inquiries, provides detailed program information, and engages in proactive outreach with multiple touchpoints.
Prospective students are integrated into the Office of Online Learning's Slate communication flow, which includes information about online student services, virtual office hours, relevant events, and success tips for the online environment.
Programs are featured on the official NIU Online website, including a program-specific or certificate-specific page and an option on the information request form.
Admitted degree-seeking and certificate-seeking students are invited to attend admitted student next steps sessions, which cover essential steps after admission, introduce NIU processes and resources, explain how to utilize student services as an online student, and offer strategies for success.
Admitted degree-seeking and certificate-seeking students are enrolled in the new online student orientation in Blackboard, a comprehensive resource designed to support online students throughout their first semester and beyond. This orientation remains accessible in their Blackboard accounts throughout their degree program.
A dedicated online graduate admissions officer ensures a quick turnaround for application processing.
**Only applicable for online graduate degree and certificate seeking students.