Academic Affairs Newsletter
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Hello Colleagues.
Commencement is just over a week away, and the excitement is building on campus. We’re excited to host Gradpalooza at Holmes Student Center from 3-6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 4.
This celebratory event brings graduating students together to participate in fun activities, connect with fellow graduating students and learn more about commencement ceremonies. Graduating students also will have the opportunity to get involved with the NIU Alumni Association, decorate their caps, share notes of gratitude for their favorite professors and staff members, and leave notes of encouragement for incoming students.
As we are preparing to honor the fall 2025 class of graduating Huskies, it is an opportunity to recognize your efforts for contributing to student success at NIU. Participating in commencement is a true joy for me, and I hope each of you feels a strong sense of Huskie Pride in knowing that your efforts are contributing to the dreams of our students coming to fruition.
With the holiday season upon us, I would like to extend my warmest season’s greetings to you and yours. I wish you a Happy New Year as well and am looking forward to an excellent 2026 together with you at NIU.
Sincerely,
Laurie Elish-Piper, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
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Administration update
At the end of the fall 2025 semester, Bárbara González will return to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to complete her phased retirement. During this transition, she will continue to serve as the lead negotiator for the University Professionals of Illinois (UPI) contract. We are deeply grateful for Bárbara’s dedicated service and leadership as vice provost for Faculty Affairs over the past two-and-a-half years.
We are pleased to announce that Rachel Gordon will begin serving as interim vice provost for Faculty Affairs on Jan. 1, 2026. She will continue in her current role as associate vice provost for Global Affairs and Faculty Development. An internal search for the next vice provost for Faculty Affairs is expected to launch early in the spring 2026 semester.
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Donate your regalia
If you are a faculty member with regalia you no longer need, please consider donating it to Huskie Closet this semester so other NIU faculty members may borrow it for future commencement ceremonies.
You may drop off clean, good condition regalia at Huskie Closet, Chick Evans Field House, Room 102 during the following times:
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- Mondays: Noon-1 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 4-5:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 4-5:30 p.m.
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When dropping off, please include a note with your name and what degree and academic area your regalia represents; items will be organized and available for faculty to borrow for May 2026 commencement. Thank you!
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Save the date: The Real Talk Conference 2026
NIU’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center’s The Real Talk Conference 2026 is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at the Holmes Student Center. Led by the Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Division of Student Affairs, the theme for this year’s theme is “Stories of the Past, Visions for the Future”.
Please plan to attend and engage in meaningful conversations, foster empathy and ignite change within our community. Experience dynamic keynote speakers, interactive sessions and a chance to connect with NIU's students, faculty and community members.
FACCE Moment Talks
The Faculty Academy on Cultural Competence and Equity (FACCE) is an opportunity for faculty of all ranks and classifications at NIU to join an engaged learning environment of educators and scholars to address the needs of our community. “Moment Talks” are intentionally designed to offer participants opportunities to come together and discuss how emerging topics impacting higher education shape classroom teaching, learning and living. Register today for upcoming 2026 workshops and Moment Talks. We look forward to seeing you there.
Black Graduation Recognition Celebration
Register to attend the Black Graduation Recognition Celebration, hosted by the Center for Black Studies and the Black Studies Program Sunday, Dec. 7 at NIU. The celebration recognizes the academic accomplishments of graduating fall 2025 students. All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend. Please contact centerblackstudies@niu.edu for more information.
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Teaching Beyond Perfection: Embracing Challenges, Inspiring Growth
If you’ve ever had a class where the technology failed, an activity flopped or students looked lost, you're not alone – and that's the point. Teaching is a journey, not a performance. Register to join us in embracing imperfection as a catalyst for growth through Jessamyn Neuhaus's keynote and dynamic sessions with NIU Faculty Teaching Mentors at the Spring 2026 Teaching Effectiveness Institute. The event is designed to empower educators to build resilience, spark innovation and create thriving teaching communities.
Supporting NIU’s online Huskies
The Office of Online Learning has launched Wellness Wednesdays, an initiative supporting the mental health and well-being of NIU’s online students. Twice a month, students receive messages that nurture a community of care with wellness strategies, resources and ways to connect with fellow Huskies. By fostering connection and care, Wellness Wednesdays strengthen NIU’s commitment to student success and retention – helping learners thrive and reach their academic goals.
Microsoft Copilot guide available at NIU
Microsoft Copilot is an AI tool in Microsoft 365 that can draft content, summarize documents, generate images and answer questions using current web information. When accessed with an NIU account, it is protected by Microsoft’s security systems, making it safe for academic and professional use.
To help faculty, staff and students use Copilot effectively, the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning offers a Microsoft Copilot Guide. Check it out to find practical tips, key limitations and comparisons to other AI tools to support responsible use in teaching, research and daily work.
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Feedback requested
The Office of Research Development (ORD) is seeking your input to improve the Faculty Grant Writing Group. Please complete this brief survey by Friday, Dec. 12 to share your feedback and help ORD plan for upcoming spring sessions.
The Faculty Grant Writing Group is open to all NIU faculty and provides a quiet, dedicated time and space to work on writing for external funding pursuits. ORD research development specialists are available during sessions to support your grant writing.
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Experiential learning in CHHS
Mealtime at Patterson Hall and Neptune Hall got a flavorful upgrade last month, thanks to a creative team of students from NIU’s Dietetic Internship program. From Japanese-inspired dishes to Mexican favorites, diners enjoyed a trip around the globe during Special Dinners, a much-loved campus dining tradition.
Special Dinner events are part of Nutrition 617: Food Systems Management, a master’s-level course within the College of Health and Human Sciences where Dietetic Interns apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. From choosing a theme and testing recipes to managing logistics, students showcase their talents and leadership skills to the Huskie community, and diners reap the benefits.
If you missed the special dinners, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Greece on March 25 at Patterson and a taste of Italy on March 26 at Neptune.
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Disability Resource Center
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Help students finish the semester strong
As we enter finals week, many students are navigating increased stress, especially those using testing accommodations. Submitting exams promptly to the Disability Resource Center allows us to prepare materials, arrange assistive technology and schedule proctoring in a way that minimizes anxiety for students. For assistance with submitting exams, please contact Rhiannon Luft at drc_exam@niu.edu or 815-753-1303.
Your partnership makes a meaningful difference in students’ academic experience. Thank you for your dedication to accessibility, inclusion and helping students finish the semester with the support they need to succeed.
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- Students have access to a free, anonymous peer-to-peer 24/7 support service offered by NIU Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS). Togetherall allows Huskies to speak with trained college students via an online chat about things they are struggling with. Nearly 250 Huskies utilized Togetherall for support during its first full year of service at NIU. Please let students know about this free service by sharing the CCS Togetherall website with them.
- Nominations are now open for the 2026 Excellence in Online Teaching Award. This award recognizes NIU faculty and instructors who exemplify a commitment to excellence in online teaching, course development and student engagement. Please review the award details and submission guidelines; nominations are due Jan. 31, 2026.
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Shout-out to Mia Hannon for helping complete a variety of December commencement tasks. Thank you, Mia!
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Do you have comments, ideas for future newsletter topics or shout-outs about your colleagues to share? We would love to hear from you. Please complete this form to submit your feedback. Thank you!
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