Hello Huskies,
We hope you're settling well into the Summer 2025 semester and in your online courses! Whether you’re continuing your academic journey with us or have recently started your first NIU Online program, the Office of Online Learning is excited to be a partner in your success.
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We understand that online learning presents its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. That's why we're committed to fostering a strong, supportive community for our online learners and providing you with the resources you need, every step of the way. Please remember, even though you are learning online, you are a valued member of the NIU family and never truly on your own.
This newsletter is one of the ways we aim to keep you informed and connected. Each edition will bring you important updates, highlight helpful resources, showcase educational technology tools, and share tips to support you as you progress through your program.
We are consistently impressed by the dedication and achievements of our online students, and we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish this semester. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Office of Online Learning if you have any questions or need assistance.
Here’s to a productive and rewarding summer semester!
Go Huskies!
Sincerely,
Joe Woolford and Corbin Tyson
Online Student Success Specialists
Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning
Office of Online Learning
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NIU Online Student Facebook Group
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We're thrilled to announce a brand new way for our online students to connect, share, and support one another! The Office of Online Learning has just launched the Official NIU Online Students Facebook group, and we invite all currently enrolled online students to join our community.
Why Join? This Group is For YOU!
This dedicated space is designed to help you succeed and feel more connected at NIU. Here’s what you can expect:
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- Stay Informed: Get timely information directly from NIU about upcoming virtual events, important deadline reminders crucial for your success, and other key communications.
- Build Community: Connect with fellow online Huskies! This is your space to share information about student organizations or events you're involved in, ask questions, create virtual study groups, and share helpful resources.
- Engage & Support: Offer advice, celebrate successes, and build a supportive network with peers who understand the online learning experience.
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- Visit: go.niu.edu/NIUOnlineStudentsFB
- Request to Join: You'll be asked to agree to the group rules and provide your full name and Z-ID to confirm your status as a currently enrolled NIU online-only student. This helps us keep the community relevant and secure for you.
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Our goal is to create a vibrant, respectful, and solution-oriented community. We encourage positive interaction and adherence to the NIU Student Code of Conduct to ensure a great experience for everyone. Please take a moment to review the full group rules upon joining.
We believe this group will be an invaluable resource and a fantastic way to enhance your NIU Online experience. Don't miss out – join the conversation today and let's build an amazing online Huskie community together!
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Kob is a dedicated registered nurse with nearly two decades of experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospital care, school nursing, and public health. Currently, Kob serves as a clinical case manager at the McHenry County Department of Health, where she works with the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) to support access to essential screenings and care for underserved populations.
Driven by a deep passion for public health and a commitment to lifelong learning, Kob is pursuing her Master of Science (M.S.) in Nursing with a specialization in nursing education. Balancing full-time work and family life, Kob appreciates the flexibility of NIU’s online program, which allows her to advance her education on her own terms. As she prepares for the next chapter in her career, she is excited to develop the knowledge and skills needed to support and inspire the next generation of nurses.
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Tackle group assignments and personal tasks with ease using Microsoft Planner, part of your free NIU Microsoft O365 account!
Got a group project coming up or a large project you’re managing by yourself? Planner is a visual tool to organize teamwork and track progress. Create a "Plan" for any project and break it into smaller tasks called "Cards". You can assign these tasks to teammate with due dates and email reminders when a due date is upcoming.
Why Use Planner?
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- Group Projects: Clearly assign tasks, share files, and track deadlines for seamless collaboration.
- Visualize Success: See your project's status at a glance.
- Works with Teams: Integrates directly into Microsoft Teams for a unified workspace.
- Organize Anything: Great for individual assignments and personal goals too!
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Get Started: Get Office 365 on all your devices and log in to O365 with your NIU credentials, find "Planner" in the apps, and start organizing!
Give Microsoft Planner a try and simplify your project management this semester!
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Success Tip From the Office of Online Learning
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As you dive into your courses, one of the most powerful habits you can have as an online student is proactive communication.
Online learning offers incredible flexibility, but it also means you're the primary driver of your interactions. Don't wait until a small question becomes a big roadblock!
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- Reach Out Early: If you're unsure about an assignment, a concept, or a deadline, contact your instructor sooner rather than later. They are there to support you! A quick email can save you time and stress.
- Connect with Classmates: Utilize discussion boards or the new Official NIU Online Students Facebook group to ask general questions, share insights, or even form virtual study groups. Your peers are a valuable resource.
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Clear and timely communication is key to navigating your online courses successfully and feeling connected to the NIU community. Make it a priority this semester! - Tip from Corbin Tyson, Online Student Success Specialist.
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That wraps up this edition of your NIU Online Learning newsletter! We hope you found these updates and resources helpful as you continue your summer studies.
Stay tuned for future editions packed with more tips, new opportunities, and inspiring stories from our online Huskie community. And always remember, the entire team at the Office of Online Learning is here to support your success and is rooting for you.
With Huskie pride,
The Online Student Success Team
Contact Info: Office of Online Learning | online@niu.edu I 815-753-6660
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This message has been approved for distribution by the appropriate NIU party and is distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications. NIU Mass Email Policy.
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Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Learn more about NIU’s vision, mission and values.
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