April 27, 2026

The Go.NIU link shortener has an exciting new feature. When you use it to create a shorter version of a URL (webpage address), you'll  have the option to download a corresponding QR code. When users scan the code, they'll be directed to the Go.NIU URL you set in the system.

Multiple QR codes designs are available, including some with the NIU logo, helping promote brand consistency.

To download a QR code, you'll first need to request a Go.NIU URL on the go.niu.edu platform. NIU employees can access the platform by signing in with their NIU ID and password. After your request is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with instructions on downloading QR codes.

If you have existing Go.NIU URLs, you can download QR codes for them by logging into the platform and selecting Edit for the desired URL. 

Contact webcommunications@niu.edu if you have any questions about Go.NIU URLs or QR codes.

Help wrap up Undergraduate Research Month by attending the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) on Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom at the Holmes Student Center. Students from all colleges will showcase their research, artistry, creative inquiry and engagement projects. These can be part of a capstone project or senior project, faculty-mentored research, including community-engaged research, community engagement project or course, class research projects, independent studies, or funded research and artistry projects. 

Candidates for the position of Vice President for Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development will be on campus to meet with faculty, staff and students. Please join us, either in person or via Microsoft Teams, for the open forums to hear from the candidates and to ask questions. Candidates' names, CVs and cover letters will be made available at the links below 24 hours prior to their campus visits.

Please join your colleagues on Thursday, April 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Altgeld Hall's Auditorium to honors the recipients of this year's Presidential Commission Awards.

Facilities Management and Campus Services is seeking applications from current NIU employees for the Director of Campus Services. This leadership role carries broad administrative authority to implement and manage the policies and procedures that keep the program functions of Campus Parking Services, Materials Management, and Transportation Services running.

The director will make independent decisions, collaborate across all levels of administration, supervisors, and staff, and drive outcomes that impact both the division and the wider university community. Strong judgment and a university-wide perspective are essential.

Interested employees can review the full posting and apply here: https://employment.niu.edu/postings/91495

Application deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026

Become a Growing through Inclusive Vulnerability and Empathy (GIVE) Circle Facilitator.

GIVE Circles are opportunities for participants, whether students, faculty or staff, to engage in deep listening and conversation of shared experiences related to various topics. They are moments to build connections, understanding and empathy amongst those participating. GIVE Circles can play an important role in bringing the campus community together to explore our common humanity. 

As a facilitator, you would be an important part of creating and maintaining spaces on campus for students, faculty and staff to establish self-agency and cultivate a sense of belonging.

Register today for our next training on May 12, 2026.

The Certificate of Recognition Program was initiated in 2003 to acknowledge the contributions of SPS who have achieved accomplishments in addition to their regular job duties.

Certificates are presented for such accomplishments as:

Nominate yourself or a fellow SPS for a certificate of recognition by Monday, April 27. For questions contact SPSC President Felicia Bohanon at fbohanon@niu.edu.

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.

The Office of Research Development (ORD) is accepting internal proposals for the National Science Foundation (NSF) FINDERS FOUNDRY program. NSF limits institutions to one proposal, and ORD will coordinate an internal competition in InfoReady to determine NIU’s submission.

The following is taken directly from the NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY solicitation.

“The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, parents or guardians, and researchers, to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.”

“A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers. The program encourages partnerships to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions between key sectors – schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits – and our nation’s families.”

Each NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY leadership team must have at least one member from each of four stakeholder groups: (1) K-12 educators, (2) technologists, (3) researchers, and (4) parents or guardians.

Internal submissions are due in InfoReady by 4:30 p.m. May 1, 2026. Full planning proposals are due to NSF by 5 p.m. May 27, 2026.

Interested applicants should read the full funding announcement.

Apply for FINDERS FOUNDRY.

Other open internal competitions:

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.