| Week of January 19, 2021
Contents: | | NIU Well-Being Tip: Responding to the Inauguration
by Counseling and Consultation Services and Employee Assistance Program
Throughout these months we have all spent time thinking about, coping with and responding to changes and uncertainties at what has seemed like a dizzying pace. As we approach this week together we wanted to remind you of the resources and services that are available to staff, faculty and students in the event that you needed support or a chance to discuss these events and experiences outside of the natural supports and communities that you have already developed. Staff will be available for immediate support and includes: For Students: Counseling and Consultation Services – 815-753-1206 The Community Counseling Training Center – 815-753-9312 or cach_cctc@niu.edu (for faculty and staff, too). For Faculty and Staff: Employee Assistance Program – 815-753-9191 or EmployeeAssistance@niu.edu. It is also a good time to consider where our power to respond, influence and impact lies. One way that we can respond is through Civic Engagement activities which promote community, connection, service and support. Examples of such activities include: • Make a commitment to and seek out opportunities to serve and better your community. • Seek out opportunities and activities in your life that inspire you to grow, heal and be challenged. • Lead with curiosity instead of fear as our own self-education leads to understanding and empowerment. • Let your interactions with others be guided by a mindfulness of healing and grace.
By practicing active listening we can increase our opportunities to connect with others during a time when connection is a primary need for everyone. |
| | In addition to the three sites above, here is a recent communication you may want to read and bookmark for future reference:
• Information on Illinois’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan - Jan. 14, 2021
Remember to complete NIU’s Self-Reporting Checklist
It’s critical to the health of our community that you let the university know if you have COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. If you If you meet any of those criteria from now until the end of the semester, we expect you to complete the NIU Self-Reporting Checklist immediately so we can support you and take the necessary precautions to help reduce transmission of the virus. The Protecting the Pack Flowchart helps you identify next steps in the event you are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19. |
| | Resources for Teaching Remotely | Teaching Tip of the Week
Provide students with a variety of content. Open Educational Resources and other forms of readily available media can help by providing a broader perspective. Textbooks, journal articles, multi-media and interactive learning objects are just some of types of content you can provide your students. Create a short introduction to each module. One of the most important aspects—if not the most important aspect—of any student’s learning is you, the instructor. Short introductions to content and course activities from you the instructor can draw attention to important concepts and provide purpose and clarity. |
|
| What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
“Work hard, get involved in student clubs and engage as much as possible with your professors. We are here to serve you and focus on your education. Your educational experience is what you make of it.” Victor Gensini Associate Professor
Geographic and Atmospheric Sciences |
|
| |
| Upcoming Events
Please check the calendar for more information and for online-only events as they become available!
• Tuesday, Jan. 19: Men's Basketball vs Ohio
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: Active Bystander Workshop
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: Esports Career Lecture: Sam Heckman, Former Pro Magic the Gathering Player
• Wednesday, Jan. 20: Women's Basketball at Ball State
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Commercial Card Introductory Training
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Outdoor Adventures Weekly Thursday Crate Climb
• Thursday, Jan. 21: Well Being Workshop for SPS Professionals
• Friday, Jan. 22: So-Full Friday: Anti-Racism? What Does it Look Like?
• Friday, Jan. 22: Outdoor Adventures Open House Skate Night
• Friday, Jan. 22: Women's Volleyball at Bowling Green
• Saturday, Jan. 23: Women's Basketball vs Kent State
• Saturday, Jan. 23: Men's Basketball vs Buffalo
• Wednesday, Feb. 10: Paint Night
• Wednesday, Feb. 17: STEM Café: Unlocking the Climate Secrets of Polar Regions
• Thursday, Feb. 25: Virtually Possible: Leveraging Alumni Engagement in the "New Normal" |
|
| Notices
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Training announces the Virtual Spring 2021 Training Series
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Training is pleased to announce their spring 2021 training series. This semester, EAP continues to offer a robust schedule of training opportunities for university employees in a virtual format. Presenters from our department and program specialists across campus will provide workshops for university employees seeking professional or personal skills development, supervisory skills, leadership development and even information for those seeking to make a change on campus. To learn more about the workshops offered in the upcoming months, please visit the EAP website. All training sessions this semester will be offered via Microsoft Teams. Employees can register for the training sessions by emailing us at hrtraining@niu.edu. Please visit the Training webpage regularly as new workshops continue to be added over the course of the semester, and review the training links from our campus training partners to examine the wealth of training opportunities available. We request employees interested in any of the trainings contact our office in advance of the training date. For questions about any of the training sessions, please contact EAP at 753-9191 or at HRtraining@niu.edu.
Interested in nutrition education or support?
NIU's team of nutrition professionals and interns are interested in hearing from you! The information you provide in this needs assessment will help us create meaningful programs for our community. We appreciate your time and feedback in completing this survey.
Winter activities for students (grade 3-12) with NIU STEAM Studio! What does an online after-school program even look like? Is it just more time in front of a screen? No! Starting this January, NIU STEAM Studio will offer hands-on activities that are open-ended and allow for free choice and exploration. Our small class size gives plenty of time for socializing and one-on-one instruction with our knowledgeable and passionate STEAM educators.
If your child is looking for a chance to socialize, connect in a smaller group and rekindle their spark of inspiration, STEAM Studio after-school programs are the perfect choice. We are putting the fun back in online, hands-on learning for as little as $39 for a 2-week session. Learn more and register at www.niusteamstudio.com. |
| Deadlines
Sunday, Jan. 31: DEADLINE EXTENEDED: Supportive Professional Staff Awards Nomination Deadline
Sunday, Jan. 31: DEADLINE EXTENDED: Nomination Deadline for the Presidential Supportive Professional Staff Award for Excellence
Friday, Feb. 5: 2021 Operating Staff Outstanding Service Awards Nomination Deadline
Wednesday, Feb. 24: Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Work-Life Balance Survey Deadline
Monday, March 15: Presidential Commission on Persons with Disabilities Award Nomination Deadline
Wednesday, Feb. 3: Faculty ISGC Grant Deadline The Illinois Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) is offering five different grant opportunities to all faculty at their member institutions, including Northern Illinois University. All faculty are encouraged to review the grant opportunities online. ISGC’s mission is to coordinate opportunities in the STEM disciplines in pursuits aligned with the National Space Grant Program’s objectives and NASA’s Mission Directorates; by inspiring, engaging, educating and employing the diversity of Illinois’ students, faculty and the public through stimulating research, education and outreach programs. The deadline to apply for all faculty grant opportunities is 11:59 p.m. Feb. 3. |
| | 
| Honor an outstanding alumnus with one of four awards
Every year, the NIU Alumni Association recognizes the achievements of outstanding alumni. Recipients are selected based on outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as involvement in civic, cultural or charitable activities. Alumni are recognized in the following four categories, and you can nominate an outstanding NIU alumnus to receive these awards. Read more.
|
|
| Dean Cassandra L. Hill receives prestigious 2021 AALS Section Award
Cassandra L. Hill, dean of NIU’s College of Law, received the 2021 Association of American Law Schools Section Award for the Section on Legal Writing, Reasoning, and Research during its annual meeting Jan. 6, 2021. This prestigious award recognizes her significant contributions to the field of legal writing and research. The award, created in 1995, has sometimes been described as a “Lifetime Achievement Award in Legal Writing Education.” Read more. |
|
| | Celebrating our amazing history
America’s most enduring institutions are those created to meet specific needs and allowed to evolve as those needs change. Such is the story of Northern Illinois University, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary. |
Featured Key Moment
First female athletic director named (1994)
Befitting its strong commitment to inclusion and diversity, Northern Illinois University turned to one of its own, naming alumna Cary Groth as director of intercollegiate athletics for the school’s (then) 16-sport, NCAA Division I program. Learn more about NIU's first female athletic director. |
|
|
| This message has been approved for distribution by the appropriate NIU party and is distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications. NIU Mass E-Mail Policy |
|
|  Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach.
Learn more about NIU’s vision, mission and values.
|
|
| |
|
