Jan. 20, 2026

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, advancement of NIU’s mission, vision and values, integrity, collaboration and service.

The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge staff members’ extraordinary effort and exemplary service. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. and references must be submitted by Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Please plan to submit nominations early, so references have enough time to provide information by the deadline.

Join President Freeman for the State of the University at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 in the Altgeld Hall Auditorium. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions both in person and online, and employees are granted release time to join the event.

Students intending to graduate in May 2026 must apply in MyNIU by no later than Feb. 15. Please share this date with students and colleagues. This is the only (and final) deadline for spring (May 2026) graduation candidates. More information about applying for graduation is available at niu.edu/registration-records/graduation

Research and Innovation Partnerships (RIPS) invites all faculty and members of campus to attend an upcoming RIPS Town Hall. These town halls will include a brief overview of the current external funding landscape and a short presentation about NIU’s historical investments in research, scholarship, artistry and innovation, followed by a Q&A discussion with RIPS leadership. This is an opportunity to learn more about RIPS services, ask questions and share feedback on how RIPS can best support research, scholarship, artistry and innovation across the university. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to shape the future of RIPS and how it serves campus.  

Three town halls will be offered on different dates at different times — we hope you can attend one. All sessions will be held in Altgeld Hall, Room 301 (Board of Trustees Room) and will be offered in a hybrid format. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged and appreciated to support discussion and engagement. 

Townhall dates and times: 

For environmental portrait requests, photographers from Institutional Communications will be offering multiple open portrait sessions this semester for faculty, staff, and Huskie Spotlight participants. Examples of environmental photography can be seen at NIU Experts Guide and Huskie Spotlights. No appointment is needed and portraits are taken on a first come first serve basis. All dates will have two time blocks: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. The days and locations are:

The application process is now open for the 2026 David W. Raymond Award for Use of Technology in Teaching. This award is open to all tenured/tenure-track faculty members.

Visit the award website before March 20 to access the online application and learn about the application materials, including a letter of support from your department chair.

Winners receive a minimum award of $1,000 and are expected to give a public presentation to demonstrate their project. Contact Shannon Becker at sbecker@niu.edu with questions.

Join us as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and embrace the spirit of the National Day of Racial Healing through a week dedicated to advocacy, connection and justice. Together, we will empower students to be advocates for themselves, foster a sense of belonging and build bridges across our community.

Through acts of service and transformative dialogue, each event invites us to reflect, connect and act toward equity and collective care. Let’s celebrate Dr. King’s vision by creating spaces where voices are heard, communities are strengthened and justice is pursued.

Students are invited to join the NIU Foundation for Thankuary, an opportunity to thank NIU donors who make scholarships, campus programs and student experiences possible. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Trident Room at Neptune Hall or from 5 to 8 p.m. in the lounge of Patterson Hall, students can join the NIU Foundation to write a note or record a video message, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and enter to win prizes! Our students' gratitude helps show donors the difference they make for Huskies. Learn more.

A revised policy is open to review and comment for a 30-day period. This provides our NIU community with the opportunity to consider and respond to the policy before it takes effect. The revised policy is:

To submit a comment, go to our Policy Library website. Click on “Comment on New/Renew Policies.” You’ll be able to review the policies and provide your comments. If you have any questions, please contact the university policy librarian at policy-library@niu.edu.

Applaud a Colleague is a show of appreciation for those coworkers who go above and beyond. These are just a few of the employees throughout the university that go the extra mile:

Tip: Submit your event, lecture, training session or deadline to the NIU calendar to help inform Huskies about everything that is happening on campus.