Aug. 4, 2025

As part of a rebranding effort, Microsoft has changed the name of their productivity platform from Office 365 (O365) to Microsoft 365 (M365). You might notice both names being used as we work to update the NIU website accordingly. For example, the Quick Links menu in the global top navigation now includes a link labeled Microsoft 365 instead of O365. 

No changes to access or functionality are associated with this rebrand. You'll still sign into and use Microsoft apps (Outlook, SharePoint, etc.) the same way. However, you should update your favorites or bookmarks as follows:

Also, please note that https://O365.niu.edu will be taken down in the future, so you'll need to change that favorite/bookmark as well.

Another aspect of the rebranding to be aware of is the integration of Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant, across the platform. You'll notice references and links to Copilot when you use some apps.

If you have any questions about Microsoft 365, please contact the Division of Information Technology at 815-753-8100 or ServiceDesk@niu.edu. 

Beginning September 2, the university will reactivate the convenience fee for all credit card payments used to pay for tuition and fees. The fee will be 2.85% or a minimum of $3 per transaction.

We encourage students with an outstanding balance to plan ahead if using a credit card, to avoid the convenience fee that will be assessed starting Sept. 2, 2025. 

As a reminder, ACH/eCheck payments remain free of charge and are a great alternative for avoiding fees.

The university’s enhanced payment platform offers a more convenient and user-friendly experience for students and families. Features include the ability to securely save payment methods, receive automatic receipts via email, get payment notifications, and more tools to simplify managing your student account payments.

Payment Options:

For questions, please contact the Bursar Office by visiting

Parking permits for the 2025-2026 academic year are available for purchase. 2024-2025 permits expire Aug. 15, 2025. Annual permits for the 2025-2026 academic year will be valid until Aug. 15, 2026.

The parking permits are virtual; you will not get a hangtag or sticker for your vehicle. Your license plate will act as your parking permit. You have the option to add another vehicle to their permit, with a maximum of two vehicles allowed. At no time are the primary and secondary vehicles allowed to be parked on campus at the same time under the same virtual permit.

You can obtain your new virtual permit online.  

For those only needing temporary parking, there are short-term parking options available. Short-term permits can be purchased online and options include daily weekly and monthly permits. Short term parking is also available at the visitor pay lot and through the AMP Park mobile app in lots throughout campus. A map of campus parking options is available online.

Parking Services offers several payment options:

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Parking Services at 815-753-1045 or at parking@niu.edu.                                     

The university has announced openings for two Office Administrator positions. These opportunities are being advertised to current NIU employees.

Inviting all young huskies 12 years old and under to join the coolest club in town, the NIU Pup Club for just $30! 2025-26 Pup Club Memberships are available now for purchase and membership kits will be shipped directly to your doorstep! For more information visit niuhuskies.com/PupClubInformation or by calling the NIU Ticket Office at (815) 753-PACK.

Week of Welcome is packed with energy, connection and NIU pride—and you can be part of the experience! Volunteers help set the tone for new students by supporting fun, engaging events like the Color Run, Jewel Jamboree and our brand-new Pajama Party. Whether you're hyping up the crowd, helping with setup or welcoming students, your presence makes a difference. It's a great way to meet colleagues and kick off the year. Sign up to support WOW events.

Housing and Residential Services is seeking volunteers to be a part of Team NIU to lend a helping hand with new students for their move-in Aug. 20 and 21. Students, faculty and staff, and alumni are encouraged to volunteer and help ease the transition for our newest residents. If interested, visit go.niu.edu/TeamNIU to sign up today.

On July 8, the university launched an internal search (open to any current employee at NIU) for the Director of Career Readiness and Success.

The Director of Student Career Readiness and Success leads Career Services and provides strategic leadership and vision for the university’s career development initiatives. This role oversees the planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive career services that support students’ career readiness, experiential learning, and successful transition to post-graduate opportunities. As part of the Division of Academic Affairs, the Director plays a key role in embedding career development into the academic and co-curricular frameworks of the student experience.  

For more information and the application process, please visit: https://employment.niu.edu/postings/83688

Review of applications will begin August 5, 2025.

Applaud a Colleague is a show of appreciation for those coworkers who go above and beyond. These are just a few of the employees throughout the university that go the extra mile:

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

Financial Month End Close

The month of July is closing for all financial reporting activity at noon Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Journals not posted at that time will go into August business. Submit July journals before end of business Friday, Aug. 8. Final July reports are scheduled to be available Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. In addition, August reports are scheduled to be available Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. These and other important dates can be found on the Controller's Office website.