Gradpalooza 

May 7 3 PM to 7 PM 
Holmes Student Center

Hey Huskies!  Are you graduating in May?  If so, make sure you join us for Gradpalooza, a celebratory event where you can decorate your cap, take photos with Mission, Victor E. Huskie, NIU President Lisa Freeman, and Executive Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish-Piper, learn more about our commencement ceremony and connect with other graduating Huskies. Family and friends are welcome to attend! 

Graduating Huskies Photoshoot 

May 7 3 PM to 5 PM 
Altgeld Hall  

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We’re so proud of you, and we want to capture this milestone with a photoshoot. NIU staff photographers from Institutional Communications will be on hand to take photos of #NIUGrad Huskies in their regalia outside of Altgeld Hall and in MLK Commons. 

Graduate Commencement Ceremony

May 9 4pm 
Convocation Center 

The graduate commencement ceremony is May 9, 2025, at 4 P.M. at the NIU Convocation Center! For those participating, tickets will be released to your graduate student account between May 6 to May 9, 2025. Doors will open at 3 P.M., and all participating graduates must be checked in by 3:30 P.M. More information about tickets and the ceremony can be found here.  

All Spring 2025 degrees will be conferred by May 29, 2025. Official transcripts with the conferred degree will be available after May 29, 2025. Official transcripts can be ordered from Registration and Records. Diplomas for Spring 2025 graduates will be mailed out to students’ permanent address on file within 6-8 weeks of conferred date, May 29, 2025. You can track your diploma’s shipping here. 

Maintaining and Growing your Network 

May 14 1 PM to 1:30 PM 
Virtual  

Networking doesn’t stop when you land a job. You need to continue to build your local network and support system as you advance in your career. In this webinar with Beyond Grad School, you’ll learn how to build relationships with your manager and colleagues, and the importance of building in-person networks and relationships. Register to attend: https://institutions.beyondgradschool.com/webinar-maintaining-network/ 

Identifying Opportunities to Advance in your Career 

May 28 1 PM to 1:30 PM 
Virtual  

What happens if you aren’t sure you love your current job? First of all, know that it’s okay to re-evaluate your job or career path. Join the Beyond Grad School team for this webinar where you’ll learn how to evaluate your current job and determine what’s not working — are there challenges with managers, colleagues, or company culture? You’ll then learn how to create a plan and take steps towards better aligning your values, skills, and current position.  Register to attend: https://institutions.beyondgradschool.com/webinar-advance-in-your-career/ 

Thesis and Dissertation Summer Work Group 

June | July Summer 2025 
Virtual 

We know that completing your research and thesis/dissertation is a high priority. Our Summer 2025 Thesis and Dissertation Work Group, conducted virtually, will help you reach your goals during this potentially isolating and overwhelming process. Participants may register for morning or afternoon sessions (or both) in June or July (or both) as their schedules permit. 

Each work group will meet virtually for 2 hours each day to balance weekly output with accountability partners and supported by facilitators from The Graduate School. 

Registration is required and can be completed through this Qualtrics form! This effort is sponsored by The Graduate School; for more information, contact Mary Ann Warren mkolls@niu.edu. 

Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering Workshop, Washington DC, April 2025 

Jonathan Teller, clinical psychology Ph.D. student, participated in the 2025 AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop in Washington, D.C. “This experience provided me with both theoretical frameworks and practical training in science policy and advocacy, culminating in visits to Capitol Hill where I engaged directly with congressional staff about the impact of federal funding cuts on mental health research,” reports Teller.  This opportunity was possible through a scholarship from The Graduate School, Office of Federal Relations, and Office of Research, Innovation and Partnerships.  

Thesis and Dissertation Formatting 

Are you defending your thesis or dissertation this summer or fall? Email thesis@niu.edu to make a short appointment to discuss the formatting needs for your document and see the resources and examples on the Thesis and Dissertation Office website. 

Huskie Food Pantry 

The Huskie Food Pantry is open to students May 1, 7, 8th at the Chick Evans Field House.  

If these times don't work for you, please feel free to schedule a visit!  

We are always looking for volunteers as well! It's a great chance to get involved in the NIU community and build experience. 

International Students 

To our international students: we greatly value your scholarly commitment, your dedicated teaching and research contributions, and your overall well-being. Please remember to stay informed and utilize resources available to help you ensure status compliance and well-being. Reach out to the International Student and Scholar Services Office with any questions and concerns, and review university guidance and information.  

Dara Vancea
Speech-language pathology graduate student

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people and make a difference across various communities. I went through several career choices before solidifying my decision to become a speech-language pathologist due to my own personal experience of receiving speech therapy, as well as my family’s background in health care. I have been attending NIU as a proud Huskie for six years and am graduating with my master’s in May.