Northern Illinois University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment. In responding to concerns, the university emphasizes compassion, fairness, sensitivity and respect for privacy, while providing access to supportive resources and appropriate resolution processes.
There are procedures for reporting a range of concerns. The procedures can be utilized by students, faculty, staff, and community members, depending on what they are experiencing. Information about specific options are found within each procedure.
If you’re not sure which procedure to follow, contact the Office of the Ombudsperson.
When appropriate and if they feel safe and comfortable doing so, individuals are encouraged to try to address concerns directly with the person involved before pursuing a formal complaint. In many situations, open communication can help resolve misunderstandings or less serious conflicts. However, individuals are not expected to approach someone if doing so would feel unsafe, intimidating, or emotionally distressing, or if the concern involves harassment, discrimination, violence, retaliation, or other serious misconduct. In those situations, students are encouraged to seek support and report their concerns through the appropriate university resources. Choosing not to address the issue directly will not prevent an individual; from seeking assistance or using available reporting or resolution processes.
Report a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Report a student in need of additional support.
Report employee's actions negatively affecting academic experience.
Review procedures to file an undergraduate grade appeal.
Report a concern related to research.
File a grievance as a non-union faculty or staff member.
If your complaint can't be resolved by the university, you may report it to an external organization.
File a complaint with the IBHE, which has the responsibility and authority to resolve complaints against Illinois institutions.
Contact the Higher Learning Commission, NIU’s institutional accrediting body, to file a complaint.
NIU is approved to offer online programs under the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in all U.S. states. The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has jurisdiction over NIU in relation to non-instructional complaints from out-of-state students who reside in SARA states (all states except California).
You may file a complaint with the IBHE after making all attempts to resolve the matter directly with NIU.
You may also file a complaint with your state of residence. Refer to student complaint information by state to find the appropriate contact.