Resources

University Resources

• The Office of the Ombudsperson provides students, faculty and staff with confidential, neutral, informal and independent guidance to help solve a variety of university-related issues or conflicts. While the Office of the Ombudsperson cannot provide legal advice or advocate on your behalf, it can advise you of your rights within the university.
• Students’ Legal Assistance can offer general advice and guidance on First Amendment law.
• Employee and Labor Relations is responsible for managing relationships between the university (as the employer) and its employees.

City of DeKalb Municipal Ordinances

Some streets on the NIU campus (PDF) are governed by traditional City of DeKalb ordinances, not university policies. Links to relevant information on the city’s website are provided below. 

• Noise Ordinance (PDF) (Chapter 52.08 - Noise in Public Places)
• Chapter 34 —  Mass Gatherings (PDF)
• Chapter 49 — Human Relations Commission (PDF)
• Application for Mass Gathering (PDF) (minimum 30-day advance notice must be given prior to issuance of license)

Additional Online Resources

• Free Speech on Campus: How Universities Can Communicate Our Policies and Values
• Balancing Free Speech and Inclusion: Four Simple Strategies for Campus Leaders
• Free Speech Tensions: Responding to Bias on College and University Campuses
• Campus Free Expression: A New Roadmap (PDF)