Diversity at NIU

Northern Illinois University celebrates diversity in all its forms. We feel that diversity in gender, ethnicity, physical ability, religious beliefs, age and sexuality is what makes the world an interesting place. Creating an environment in which those differences are not only acknowledged but celebrated is our goal. Diversity makes the educational experience richer and makes NIU the ideal place to learn.

By learning in an environment that is filled with students, faculty and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, we create an environment where stereotypes are challenged, experiences are shared and minds are opened. This experience lays the groundwork for working and living with people from all backgrounds.

By giving you the skills you need to understand and accept these differences, we open your minds to new areas of study, open your awareness to the needs of the underserved, and give you the tools you need to affect social change.

Not only does one third of our student body come from a diverse ethnic background, approximately 900 international students call themselves Huskies. We encourage our students to celebrate their culture on campus, which helps make their first experience away from home more successful and familiar.

We strive to improve access, retention and completion for all students and to uphold the NIU mission to value “A community of diverse people, ideas, services, and scholarly endeavors in a climate of respect for the intrinsic dignity of each individual.”

Nondiscrimination Statement

The university will not tolerate sex discrimination in the form of sexual misconduct. If the university knows or reasonably should know of possible sexual misconduct, a thorough, impartial, and confidential investigation will be conducted in as prompt a manner as possible to determine if there has been a violation of the Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Policy (PDF). If, as a result of that investigation, it is determined that any act of sexual misconduct has occurred, appropriate discipline will be imposed, and the university will take the necessary steps to address and stop the sexual misconduct, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Academic and employment decisions based upon sex or gender and/or acts of sexual misconduct are forms of illegal sex discrimination under Title IX, additional federal and state laws, and are prohibited under this and other policies of Northern Illinois University. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender or gender identity in any phase of its educational or employment programs; the university is required by Title IX and other applicable laws to not discriminate. The university also does not discriminate against its students, staff and the general public on the basis of disability in violation of Section 504 and Title II.

View the Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policy.

Contact Us

Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Health Services 408
DeKalb, IL 60115

815-753-8399
equity@niu.edu

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