City increasing bus service to/from Elburn Metra Station.
Headed to Chicago or the western suburbs? The City of DeKalb has increased the frequency of weekday bus trips to and from the Elburn Metra Station. Arrival and departure times have also been adjusted to better align with Metra’s schedule for the Union Pacific West line that runs from Elburn to Chicago. The shuttle conveniently stops on the NIU campus, in downtown DeKalb and in Cortland on its way to and from Elburn. Review the new Route 12 schedule and stops on the City of DeKalb public transit website. Fares for students and employees with an NIU OneCard are $4 each way and can be purchased online in advance or with cash when boarding.
Nominations now being accepted for new and updated staff awards.
Supportive Professional Staff (SPS) and Operating Staff (OS) have a critical role in NIU’s success. NIU annually recognizes current staff members and staff teams who have demonstrated exemplary performance and service in promoting the goals of the university while demonstrating the core values of excellence, equity and inclusion, integrity, collaboration and service.
The updated staff awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge staff members’ extraordinary effort and exemplary service.
The nomination deadline is Feb. 6, 2023. The nomination process includes providing references. Please submit nominations early, so references have enough time to provide information by the deadline.
Huskies Give Back volunteer program updated.
Paid volunteering leave provides employees with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to service and stewardship, one of the university's core values. Full-time employees are eligible to take up to 7.5 hours of paid time off each fiscal year (July 1-June 30) to volunteer in the communities in which they live and/or work. Now if your volunteer service is performed outside of your regular NIU work hours, you may make arrangements with your supervisor to apply the volunteer leave time off as comp time or as flexible scheduling during your work week. This is a great way to make a difference at your child’s school, support your favorite nonprofit or explore new ways to make a difference. More information about the Huskies Give Back program, including pre-approved volunteer opportunities and FAQs, are available by visiting the Human Resource Services website.
SPS scholarship now accepting applications and donations.
Now in its 10th year, the Supportive Professional Staff (SPS) Scholarship Fund provides two scholarships per year to NIU students who are either a child or grandchild (biological, adopted, foster, stepchild, legal guardianship) of an SPS employee, or a student who has been positively impacted by an SPS employee or retiree. This year the two scholarships have been increased to $1,250 and $750 respectively. The deadline for applicant submissions is Tuesday, Feb. 28. Interested students should visit our MyScholarships website, search for the Supportive Professional Staff Scholarship Fund and respond to the supplemental questions. Two students will be awarded the scholarship later this spring and will be applicable to the 2023-2024 academic year.
More information concerning this scholarship fund, opportunities to give to the fund and recent scholarship recipients can be found at Dependent Scholarship - NIU - Supportive Professional Staff Council. Also, feel free to contact SPS Dependent Scholarship chair Ronald Smith at rsmith11@niu.edu or SPS President Felicia Bohanon at fbohanon@niu.edu for opportunities to give or questions.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Training Center offers programming to help you succeed.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Training Center welcomes you back to campus for the spring semester and would like to take a few moments to highlight our services designed to help you achieve your success here at NIU.
The EAP and Training Center believes in fostering the overall well-being of our university employees. All of our services are free to you as an employee, your family members and retirees.
The Employee Assistance Program and Training Center offers:
- Confidential counseling with personal and family problems.
- Assistance in finding wellness resources, also help with accessing mental health and substance abuse benefits.
- Confidential coaching for employees and supervisors with workplace problems.
- Wellness events: Flu shots during the fall semester; EAP Learning Opportunities (Professional and Personal Development workshops and training events); and our “Wednesday Wellness Networking” programs.
- Career development and educational services.
- Mediation services.
To see our current events and full listing of EAP resources and support, please visit our website.
If you would like to learn more about our programs, require counseling assistance, would like to receive our “EAP Learning Opportunities and Wednesday Wellness Networking” event mailings or have other questions, please feel free to contact our office at 815-753-9191 or at EmployeeAssistance@niu.edu.
Mileage reimbursement rate increased Jan. 1, 2023.
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the mileage reimbursement rate for employees using private passenger vehicles for university business increased from 62.5 cents per mile to 65.5 cents per mile. The Electronic Travel Voucher form in OnBase has been updated accordingly. Please use this electronic form for all NIU and split-funded travel.
- Rate per mile for travel that occurred on July 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2022: 62.5 cents
- Rate per mile for travel that occurson or after Jan. 1, 2023: 65.5 cents
The paper travel voucher form located on the Accounts Payable webpage has been updated to reflect this new rate as well. Please use the updated form for foundation-only funded travel occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
Please share this message with those in your department who engage in university business travel and those who process travel reimbursement requests. For questions, please contact Accounts Payable Services at AccountsPayableSrvs@niu.edu.
Huskie Fresh serving NIU for a fourth semester.
Thanks to your continued support, Huskie Fresh is proud to serve NIU and the surrounding community for a fourth semester. Predominately a student-run program, Huskie Fresh is our on-campus meal kit service dedicated to promoting sustainability and nutrition. Created with the end user in mind, meal kits come partially prepared, premeasured and pre-portioned for your convenience. They include
easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions with educational nutrition information designed to foster mindful eating.
This spring, create flavorful nutritious meals in the comfort of your own home for you and your friends and family to enjoy. Ordering is quick, simple and all online. We accept debit/credit cards, Huskie Bucks and Dining Dollars through the Grubhub Campus Dining App. Meal kit pickup is at The Depot C-store located on the ground level of Holmes Student Center. To access on-campus parking, please visit the Parking Services website. For more information, as well as to view our exciting, upcoming spring schedule, visit the Campus Dining website.
With your Huskie Fresh purchase, you support the academic growth of our student Huskies.
Questions can be directed to dining@niu.edu
Thanks again for the continued support. Go Huskies!
The Grill at the Huskie Den offering new menu items.
The Grill at the Huskie Den is excited to announce that we have expanded our menu. In addition to all your fall favorites, you can now also enjoy a Philly cheesesteak, bacon grilled cheese, patty melt, chicken and waffles, strawberry mango salad, sliders and more. The Grill is open weekdays with a full menu available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., with meal exchange available after 7 p.m. The Bar is open weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m. with the starters menu available from 4 to 7 p.m.
In a hurry? No worries! Avoid the lines with the Grubhub Campus Dining App. For a list of all campus dining locations and hours, visit our Where to Eat page.
Register for spring 2023 Community School of the Arts music lessons and classes.
Everyone can experience the arts this semester – registration at the NIU Community School of the Arts is open for spring!
Toddlers ages one to five sing, dance, play and have fun in CSA Prelude and Development children’s music education classes. Sign up today and bring your kids for their first music classes starting Saturday, Feb. 4.
Suzuki music instruction is another popular option for young beginning students of guitar, violin and cello, and their parents.
Students of any age can learn to play a new musical instrument or brush up skills with private music lessons. Sign up today and start learning in January.
Piano group classes for adults make learning music a more fun and affordable experience. Keep your New Year’s resolution – weekly classes begin in late January. Online guitar classes are also available.
CSA Steelband, Art Express class for ages five to 12, Symphonette strings for ages eight to 16, and Sinfonia youth orchestra all begin spring sessions soon.
Please visit our CSA website for details and to register. Call us at 815-753-1450 for more information.
