April 13, 2026

Please help us spread the word to students. A federal system update on Sunday, April 26 will prevent NIU from loading new FAFSA records until a software fix is in place, which means financial aid offers for students who miss the priority deadline may not be available until July. Any student planning to enroll in 2026-27 must complete a FAFSA to receive a financial aid offer, and we are encouraging everyone to submit by Saturday, April 25 at studentaid.gov. If students have questions, they can contact the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at finaid@niu.edu, call 815-753-1395 or stop by Swen Parson Hall 245, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come celebrate the recipients of this year's faculty awards on Thursday, April 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Altgeld Auditorium.  Learn more about this year's recipients by visiting NIU Today.

Faculty mentors play an extremely important role in the development of the next generation of researchers. Research Rookies faculty mentors guide undergraduate students who are brand new to research through the research or artistry process by providing hands-on opportunities to engage in a research project.

If you are interested in mentoring an undergraduate student through the Research Rookies program this academic year, please complete the interest survey.

The NIU Operating Staff Council (OSC) has five vacancies to fill this year. All five vacancies will be for three-year terms, starting July 1, 2026.

We are an integral part of NIU’s shared governance system through our participation, communication, advisement and assistance on the resolution of issues and the formulation of policies relevant to the general welfare of all operating staff employees. The OSC is committed to performing our duties in a professional and conscientious manner in the furtherance of the NIU mission.  The Council meets at 9 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month, 12 months a year.  Currently all meetings are in a hybrid format — in person and online via Teams. 

If you are:

Then the OSC encourages you to run.

Complete the Candidate Data Form. Deadline for submitting the Candidate Data Form is 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 30. Electronic voting will begin Thursday, May 7 and will run through 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 22.

Questions regarding elections? Contact Jay Monteiro, election committee chair, Operating Staff Council at jmonteiro@niu.edu.

You asked, and we heard you!  The Office of Research Development (ORD) is pleased to announce a Summer Writing Retreat to be held August 10 to 14, 2026.  

The writing retreat is designed to provide faculty time and space away from typical day-to-day work and personal responsibilities to focus on core writing projects that will advance their research, scholarship, and creative activities. The program involves a full week of focused writing and gatherings with co-participants and provides lodging, meals, summer salary, and dependent care funds if needed. 

Applications are due May 4, 2026. 

Visit the ORD InfoReady portal to learn more and apply. (Click the Summer Writing Retreat hyperlink to access the application portal and complete program guidelines.) 

Please contact ord@niu.edu with questions about the program or application process. 

The Staff Professional Development Academy is a yearlong, cohort-style program that both promotes professional development and creates a network of leaders across campus. We aim to have diverse cohorts with representation across campus and encourage staff at all levels to apply. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply by visiting the Office of the President's website. Deadline for applications is May 1, 2026.