Operating Staff Council election now underway.

The OSC election will be held electronically — there will be no paper ballots. There are five vacancies, and we have 11 great candidates. Voting is now open and closes 5 p.m., May 17. Please review the candidates and vote for those who will represent you in shared governance. If you have questions, please contact jslagstad@niu.edu.

Supportive Professional Staff Council elections underway.

Supportive Professional Staff (SPS) are encouraged to participate in the Supportive Professional Staff Council general election. You have the opportunity to select the SPSC President and representatives and alternates for your area. Visit go.niu.edu/spscelection and cast your votes. The link will remain open until noon on Friday, May 17, 2024. Thank you for your involvement in this important shared governance opportunity. For questions contact Tom O'Grady, SPSC Constitution and Elections Committee Chair at togrady1@niu.edu .

Transact (OneCard) system maintenance scheduled.

For departments that use the Transact System, the system will be unavailable from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18 due to system maintenance. The OneCard Office will bring all Transact devices and readers back online following the system update. 

The following areas will have service impacts: All Huskie Bucks-accepting locations on and off campus will be affected starting 9 a.m., May 18.

If you have Transact equipment that is not functioning following the upgrade, please contact
onecard-it@niu.edu.

Holmes Student Center announces summer hours.

HSC Summer Hours from Monday, May 13, 2024 – Sunday, August 18

Sunday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The HSC will be securing entrances with either doors being completely secured or only accessible with a valid OneCard. Hotel South may be accessed without a OneCard.  

HSC Door Security (Beginning May 13)

• Hotel South: Remains open during Open Hours (7am – 8pm)
• Auto-lock doors secured: Valid Onecard required for North & West bus loop
• Secured: East, Old South, West (north Sandburg entrance)
• ADA East ramp entrance will be available by calling 753-1924 for assistance

Holidays

• Monday, May 27; Memorial Day; Closed
• Wednesday, June 19; Juneteenth Celebration; Open
• Thursday July 4; Independence Day; Closed
• Friday, July 5; Administrative Holiday; Closed

Travel Voucher update:  New allowance maximums for lodging and meal per diem.

Effective Feb. 1, 2024, allowance maximums for lodging and meal per diem should be verified through the GSA per diem rates in accordance with 80 Ill. Adm. Code 3000.400, 3000.500, 3000.510 and Appendix A. You may search per diems by selecting the state and city, or by ZIP code to find the applicable rates. Per diem on travel days is still based on time of travel using the quarter system per HETCB allowances. This information may be found on the Controller's Office website under the

“Meals — Employees in Travel Status” section. The General Services Administration (GSA) may modify these rates periodically throughout federal fiscal year 2024. When using the GSA meal per diem rate tables, please do not include the “incidental expenses” in amounts submitted for reimbursement. The policy for day-trip meal allowances for reimbursement of breakfast and/or dinner has not changed. If you have any questions, please contact Accounts Payable Services at 815-753-1514 or email AccountsPayableSrvs@niu.edu. 

NIU supports students who are parents.

Know a student in need of assistance with child care costs? Our Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant provides direct funding to NIU students, who are parents, of between 50% to 100% of child care costs at accredited centers in Illinois for Pell-eligible families. Apply today.

Presidential Commissions now accepting new members.

The Office of the President seeks nominations for individuals to serve on the Presidential Commissions. These commissions play a critical role in advising the President and provide an opportunity to engage the relevant expertise and multiple perspectives of faculty, students and staff to promote problem solving, innovation and change in pursuit of NIU’s mission, vision and values. The commissions support the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible Huskie community where individuals feel welcome and experience a profound sense of belonging. Accordingly, we seek nominations for individuals with interests, experiences, or expertise related to the commissions’ work to enrich their efforts and ensure that their recommendations reflect the diverse viewpoints of the Huskie community.

To nominate someone or self-nominate, please complete the online application, which seeks general information and a brief statement of interest by Friday, May 17, 2024. The Commission review panel will evaluate all nominations, and the nominees will receive an email notification before the fall semester starts.

NIU Commission Application

Explore the individual websites of our commissions for comprehensive details and insights into their respective missions, activities, and contributions.

• Presidential Commission on Interfaith Initiatives
• Presidential Commission on Persons with Disabilities
• Presidential Commission on Race and Ethnicity
• Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
• Presidential Commission on the Status of Women
• Presidential Commission on Well-being