Jan. 27, 2025

Know a student who is eligible to graduate in May?  Remind them that Feb. 1 is the deadline to apply for Spring 2025 graduation via self-service in MyNIU. Undergrads with 90+ credits are encouraged to apply. More information about applying to graduate can be found on the Registration and Records website.

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 staff awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge staff members’ extraordinary effort and exemplary service. The nomination deadline is Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. and references must be submitted by Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Please plan to submit nominations early, so references have enough time to provide information by the deadline.

Join NIU Recreation for this program is led by a CancerFit/LiveStrong-certified instructor. It is designed with progressions and regressions to provide safe and effective exercises for all stages and types of cancer. Evidence-based programming will be introduced and led during the duration of the program. Includes 30-minute health consultation before and after program.

Awarding an honorary degree is an opportunity for the university to recognize someone especially outstanding in a field of interest to the university. It is necessary, though not sufficient, for a nominee to be accomplished and renowned in their field; an honorary-degree recipient should be clearly exceptional among other outstanding persons in that field. While a connection to Northern Illinois University or to the state of Illinois is not a requirement for nomination, any such relationship should be noted and will be considered during the selection process. Learn more about honorary degrees and the nomination criteria by visiting the Division of Academic Affairs website.

Any person affiliated with NIU may submit a nomination indicating the nominator’s identity and connection with the university. As the university does not intend to award more than two honorary degrees in a year, the selection process is stringent.

This year’s nominations, with the required supporting information, should reach Kayla Doane at kdoane@niu.edu  by Friday, February 28, 2025. 

The Office of Employee Well-being (EWB) has this semester’s Supervisor Training Program Cohort group ready to go, but we are re-opening our waitlist to employees who are interested in being a part of one of our future groups. Our Employee Well-being Supervisor Training Program Cohort group offers new, experienced and emerging supervisors (those hoping to become supervisors in the future) a guided and graduated training and coaching experience for those looking to hone their leadership skills and understanding of the university via a series of training programs, educational experiences, group discussions and some one-on-one coaching. This program lasts for 10 weeks, and after in-person opening and closing sessions is mainly offered in a virtual Teams group.

If you or an employee you know are interested in participating in a future cohort group, please contact our office at 753-9191 or via email at EmployeeAssistance@niu.edu to be added to our waitlist.

The Office of Employee Well-being reminds new and returning campus members of the services we offer to address your wellness needs.  We provide a wide range of services and resources to support you and your family members as you encounter difficult life situations. Our counseling services can assist you with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, workplace challenges, life transitions, relationship concerns and provide a safe place to work through other wellness matters. We can provide support in response to crises on campus or in your department/office. We remain focused on your personal and professional success. Our career development offerings include coaching, résumé assistance or review, interviewing skills, mentoring and helping employees in their campus roles. Mediation services remain available as an option for helping employees work through office conflict.

Our Learning Opportunities (training sessions and other wellness activities) also remain part of our commitment to you. Our learning opportunities can help you achieve personal well-being and provide you with information to assist you in your career. Remember, we may be able to provide your department with customized soft skills development; please contact our office for more information. (If an employee has an interest in sharing a wellness idea with our office or has a special skill or talent you would like to share with our university employees, please contact our office so we can learn more.)

For our in-person events, we ask participants to be mindful of your fellow Huskies. If you are feeling sick or have COVID-19, flu or other illness symptoms, please stay home. Help us to keep each other healthy and well!

Developing a Study Abroad Program Workshop

3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Interested in developing a first-time study abroad program? Register for our virtual workshop to learn about how you can work with the Study Abroad Office to develop a new study abroad program. This workshop introduces the faculty-led program model, provide an overview of the program development process and provide some resources to get started. This workshop also walks faculty step-by-step through the proposal, as well as the proposal review process.

This workshop is required for faculty submitting a new program proposal for the first time.

Register for Developing a Study Abroad Program Workshop.

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

All are invited to join our NIU community as we celebrate a traditional Lunar New Year Luncheon at Neptune Dining Cafeteria. Performances: NIU Chinese Music Ensemble and Dragon Dance. Learn more.

Financial Month End Close

The month of January is closing for all financial reporting activity at noon Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Journals not posted at that time will go into February business. Submit January journals before end of business Friday, Feb. 7. Final January reports are scheduled to be available Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. In addition, February reports are scheduled to be available Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. These and other important dates can be found on the Controller's Office website.