Northern Illinois University
Office of General Counsel

Injuries

What if I'm injured on the job?

Report work-related injuries to the workers' compensation coordinator in Human Resource Services.

What if I'm injured on the property, but not while working?

Please contact the risk manager at 815-753-6000. To open a claim file, please forward a statement including the following information:

• Who was involved in the incident.
• Who, if anyone, witnessed the incident.
• What happened during the incident.
• When and where the incident took place (time, date, specific location).
• Weather conditions during the incident, if relevant.
• What type of assistance you are requesting the university to consider.
• Why you think the university should provide assistance.
• Your contact information.

Reporting Possible Policy Violations

How do I report a possible violation of university policy?

Please refer to the following resources for assistance with reporting violations of university policies.

• Discrimination or harassment.
• Illegal activity.
• Department of Police and Public Safety.
• Student Conduct.
• Violations of ethics policy.

If you are unsure about how to get help, the Office of the Ombudsperson may be able to assist you in identifying appropriate resources.

How do I report a violation regarding career and outside work situations?

Please refer to the following resources:

• "Revolving Door" prohibitions.
• Employee Conduct, Accountability and Ethics in the Workplace.

How can I learn more about resources for faculty members and supportive professional staff employees?

The following resources will be useful to faculty members and SPS employees:

• Faculty grievance panel.
• Grievance procedures.
• Academic freedom issues.
• Faculty and SPS personnel advisor.

How can I learn more about resources for members of the operating staff?

The following resources will be useful to members of the operating staff:

• Civil service information.
• Operating staff personnel advisor.
• Grievance procedures.

Complaints

What if I have a complaint regarding NIU?

You should direct your complaint to the NIU department, office or organization your complaint involves. Be sure to refer to their complaint reporting procedures. You may choose to fill out a student grievance complaint form.

If you're not sure how to report a complaint, contact the Office of the Ombudsperson for help identifying appropriate resources.

Legal Assistance and Privacy Rights

What if I need legal advice?

Please refer to the following resources for legal assistance:

• Students' Legal Assistance.
• NIU Legal Clinics.

How can I learn about my privacy rights?

The following resources will help you learn about your privacy rights as a student:

• Directory information.
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Injuries

What if I'm injured on NIU property and it's not work related?

Please contact the risk manager at 815-753-6000. To open a claim file, please forward a statement including the following information:

• Who was involved in the incident.
• Who, if anyone, witnessed the incident.
• What happened during the incident.
• When and where the incident took place (time, date, specific location).
• Weather conditions during the incident, if relevant.
• What type of assistance you are requesting the university to consider.
• Why you think the university should provide assistance.
• Your contact information.

Other Issues

How can I file an appeal or grievance related to a disability?

Please contact the Disability Resource Center for more information.

What if I have an issue with another student?

Please refer to Student Conduct.

What if I have an issue with an NIU department or employee?

You can fill out a student grievance complaint form. If you're experiencing an issue with a faculty member, contact the appropriate department chair or college dean. If you're experiencing an issue with an employee who is not a faculty member, you may file a complaint with the employee's supervisor or with Human Resource Services.

What if I'm not sure how to get my issue addressed?

You can contact the Office of the Ombudsperson for assistance resolving your issue.

Complaints

What should I do if I have a complaint regarding NIU?

You should direct your complaint to the NIU department, office or organization your complaint involves. Be sure to refer to their complaint reporting procedures. If you're not sure how to report a complaint, contact the Office of the Ombudsperson for help identifying appropriate resources.

Student Privacy Issues

How can I learn more about student privacy?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) does not allow us to disclose personally identifiable information about our students, even to parents, without the express written authorization of the student.

• Important information about students' privacy.
• University catalog statement regarding FERPA.
• FERPA authorization form.

Other Issues

How can I learn whom to contact if my student is experiencing a problem?

The following resources will help you identify whom to contact regarding your student's problem.

• Division of Student Affairs.
• Housing and Residential Services.
• Academic Advising Center.
• Counseling Services.
• Office of the Bursar.

Collection Notices

I'm a former NIU student and I received a collection notice of legal action from NIU. What should I do?

If you received a collection notice, please contact one or both of the following offices:

• Office of the Bursar (to inquire or arrange for a payment program).
• Office of General Counsel (about pending legal action).

Working with NIU

How can I learn more about working with NIU as a vendor, supplier, service provider or program sponsor?

Depending on your needs, one or more of the following resources will be helpful to you:

• Seeking to do business with the university.
• Issues with payments.
• Inquiring about pending contracts.
• Non-procurement contracts.
• Business procedure manual.
• Illinois Procurement Code.
• If you're thinking about hiring a university employee.
• Huskies licensing information.

Legal Business Involving NIU

I'm a process server. Where can I come on campus, and when?

The Office of General Counsel is located on the DeKalb campus in Altgeld Hall, room 330. Our normal hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m.

Get directions to campus.

Please note: The university is typically closed from a period in late December until after the first of the new year.

What if I have a question regarding outside legal counsel?

Contact the attorney of record, if known, otherwise contact the Office of General Counsel at 815-753-1774.