State of the University Address Scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16
Join fellow Huskies in person on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center for President Freeman’s annual State of the University address and Q&A session. Refreshments will be served from 4-4:30 and employees are granted release time from 3-4:30 p.m. to participate. For those not able to join in person, the event will also be offered virtually via Zoom.

 

Microsoft Teams Voice replacing NIU's phone system in 2022

After 35 years of service, NIU's phone system is retiring in 2022. Over the course of a phased rollout, the traditional phone system and equipment will be replaced with Microsoft Teams Voice, which uses the existing Teams platform to make and receive external calls on a computer or mobile device.

 

The transition to Teams Voice will offer modern calling enhancements, such as voicemail to email, call history, call blocking, call transferring, call forwarding, and much more. The switch will also permit NIU employees to use existing 753 or 752 numbers to simplify the transition and minimize disruption. In addition to adding modern calling features, this change allows NIU to reduce telecommunications costs by removing a legacy phone system that is expensive to maintain, difficult to repair, and obsolete.

 

The move to Teams Voice is a large project in the early planning phase. The project team is committed to effective communication and will update  campus regularly through NIU Announcements, presentations, direct communications, and the NIU Teams Voice website.  The transition is expected to begin in January of 2022, followed by a phased rollout over the course of several months. It is anticipated that the first phase of the rollout will migrate individual numbers to Teams, while a second phase will transition departmental phones, faxes, conference rooms, and call centers. The project team will regularly connect with individuals and units regarding scheduling, training, and next steps.

 

If you would like to gain access to Teams Voice earlier in the rollout, please contact the project manager, John Kearsing, at kearsing@niu.edu.

 

Please visit the NIU Teams Voice website to learn more and gain access to the most up-to-date information.

 

Seeking Nominations for the 2022 Outstanding Women and Gender Advocacy Student Awards

The Presidential Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) is accepting nominations for this year’s Outstanding Women and Gender Advocacy Student Awards.

 

This award recognizes students who demonstrate active engagement in women’s issues and gender advocacy, have nontraditional aspirations and/or overcome significant adversity in pursuing their education.

 

If you would like to nominate a student for this award, or learn more about its history, please visit our website. The nomination deadline is Dec. 17, 2021.

 

Eligibility: Students with a graduation date during the 2021-2022 calendar year (seniors, third-year law students, graduate students who will receive a degree in December 2021, May or August 2022). Students may self-nominate.

 

Submit nominations electronically at go.niu.edu/women-gender-advocacy.

 

President's Office seeks applications for President Staff Fellow Program

The Office of the President seeks to identify a member of the Supportive Professional Staff or Operating Staff interested in serving a year-long, full-time professional develop fellowship. The Office of the President Staff Fellow will be assigned special projects needed to carry out the functions of the Office of the President and will be afforded professional development opportunities. The fellow will be appointed for the 2022 Calendar Year and will report to the President’s Chief of Staff. Learn more about the President Staff Fellow Program, including how to apply. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.

 

Autumn Brunch Bowl Fundraiser for NIU Communiversity Gardens
Ever wanted to learn how to start your own planter?  Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 5 to 6 p.m. to start your own indoor planter with a mix of flowers and herbs. There is also a virtual option; kits are available for pickup before the event.

 

After registering you'll receive a link to choose from 20 plants, including herbs such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, mint and chive as well as flowers including borage, rose bee balm, snap dragon and nasturtium. The $25 registration fee covers the cost of supplies and supports scholarships for our student interns.  Visit go.niu.edu/brunch for more information and reach out to niucg@niu.edu with any questions. 

 

Nominations being accepted for Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Award
Nominations for the 2022 Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction Award (EUIA) are now being accepted.  EUIA honors excellent undergraduate teaching in the university, specifically among non-tenure track educators. Recipients of the EUIA will be among the most outstanding instructors on campus. Undergraduate students have a significant role in nominating instructors for this award.

 

Each department nominates an instructor by providing their college with nomination materials. The colleges then select nominees for consideration by the Committee for the Improvement of Undergraduate Academic Experience (CIUAE). The committee chooses the award recipients.

 

Award recipients will receive a plaque and a $2,000 one-time stipend. Read more about the criteria, eligibility and nomination process and submit a nomination.

 

Nominations being accepted for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award
Nominations for the 2022 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (EUTA) are now being accepted. EUTA encourages and honors outstanding teaching at NIU. It also promotes discussion about teaching excellence and improvement on campus. Recipients of the EUTA will be among the most outstanding tenure-track and tenured faculty on campus.  Undergraduate students have a significant role in nominating faculty for this award.

 

Each department nominates a faculty member by providing their college with nomination materials. The colleges then select nominees for consideration by the Committee for the Improvement of Undergraduate Academic Experience (CIUAE). The committee chooses the award recipients.

 

Award recipients will receive a plaque and a $2,000 one-time stipend. Read more about the criteria, eligibility and nomination process and submit a nomination.

• Through Friday, Nov. 5: Ethics Annual Online training and Information Security Awareness Training
• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Hospitality 320 "Ellington's" served at The Depot
• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Anti-Asian Violence: Vincent Who?
• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Introductory Commercial Card Training
• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Bike Service at the Adventure Center
• Tuesday, Nov. 2: Outdoor Adventures: SUP Yoga Classes
• Wednesday, Nov. 3: Onboarding for Success: What to Do with the New Employee
• Wednesday, Nov. 3: NIU Communiversity Gardens - Growing Brunch Bowls Fundraiser
• Wednesday, Nov. 3: Food Fight: Win Your Inner Battle with Intuitive Eating
• Wednesday, Nov. 3: Northern Illinois University Football at Kent State
• Thursday, Nov. 4: Operating Staff Council meeting
• Thursday, Nov. 4: Hospitality 320 "Ellington's" served at The Depot
• Thursday, Nov. 4: Presidential Teaching Professor Seminar: Dr. E. Taylor Atkins, Department of History
• Friday, Nov. 5: Tips for Daily Self-Care and Mindfulness
• Saturday, Nov. 6: Asian American Resource Center Cultural Fashion Show
• Tuesday, Nov. 9: NIU Faculty and Staff Appreciation: Women's Basketball Game
• Wednesday, Nov. 10: Navigating the Holidays
• Thursday, Nov. 11: Jesse McCartney - The 'New Stage' 2021 Tour
• Friday, Nov. 12: Outdoor Adventures: Campfire Series
• Wednesday, Nov. 17: Introductory Commercial Card Training
• Friday, Nov. 19: Treinta y tres: Sustainability, Conservation and Environmental Justice
• Tuesday, Nov. 30: Introductory Commercial Card Training
• Wednesday, Dec. 1: NIU Faculty and Staff Appreciation: Men's Basketball Game
• Sunday, Dec. 12: Outdoor Adventures: Colorado Snowboard/Ski Trip

Financial Month End Close
The month of October is closing for all financial reporting activity at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. Journals not posted at that time will go into November business. Submit October journals before end of business on Monday, Nov. 8. Final October reports are scheduled to be available Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. In addition, November reports are scheduled to be available Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. These dates, and other important dates related to the Controller’s Office can be found on their website.

 

Monday, Nov. 1: SEF and READ funding applications deadline

Wednesday, Nov. 3: President Staff Fellow Application Deadline

Friday, Nov. 5: Ethics Annual Online training and Information Security Awareness Training Deadline

Wednesday, Nov. 17: Research and Artistry 2022 internal grant competition deadline

Monday, Nov. 22: MAC Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success nomination deadline

Friday, Dec. 17: Nomination deadline for the 2022 Outstanding Women and Gender Advocacy Student Awards

Monday, Jan. 31, 2022: Nomination deadline for Excellence in Online Teaching Award