Winter Weather Information
Weather Status Updates
NIU campus locations and offices are open for normally scheduled activities, and classes are being held.
During winter months, all students, faculty and staff are urged to use caution and personal judgment in their travels to and from campus and to dress appropriately for protection from cold temperatures and wind chills.
This page will be updated as necessary to provide the latest information in the event of a change in the university's operational status.
HSC Short-stay Options for Students
NIU is now offering a $35 per night short-stay option in the Holmes Student Center Hotel to students who would like to stay overnight due to inclement weather or for academic purposes. Visit go.niu.edu/HSCshortstay to learn more or to request a short stay.
Weather Closing Procedures
The decision to declare an emergency weather suspension of campus operations, including class cancellations, is a data-informed, consultative process involving several areas including Public Safety, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, representatives from the different university divisions, the provost and president. Decisions concerning class cancellations are finalized by the provost, and emergency weather closures require presidential authorization.
- Severe Weather and University Closure Procedures Memo (PDF)
- NIU Severe Weather Model for School Closures (PDF)
- NIU Environmental Health and Safety Severe Winter Weather Closure Procedures (PDF)
- OFF-CAMPUS Weather Closing Procedure (PDF)
Weather Notices
Changes in operational status will be posted on the NIU Home Page, NIU's official Facebook page and the university's Twitter feed.
You can also view details about the operating hours of campus units or services during times when classes are canceled but campus remains open, or when classes are canceled and campus is closed.
Toll Free Weather Status Hotline
For the latest information regarding charges in operational status at NIU's campuses, call the Toll-Free Weather Status Hotline: 753-OPEN (6736) or 888-464-8673.
Road Conditions
- Illinois Interstates or 800-452-4368
- Illinois Tollways or 888-648-9847
TV and Radio Stations
View a list of television and radio stations that broadcast information on weather-related class cancellations at NIU.
Winter Weather Advisories, Watches and Warnings
Check for current National Weather Service Winter Weather Watches, Warnings or Advisories for your location:
- NIU's Main Campus
(DeKalb County) - NIU-Naperville
(DuPage County) - NIU-Rockford
(Winnebago County) - Lorado Taft Field Campus
(Ogle County)