NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
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Academic Affairs Newsletter
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Hello Colleagues.
Somehow, spring break already has come and gone, we faced blizzard conditions, and we now find ourselves well into the second half of what has been a busy and productive semester.
In just a few weeks, we’ll come together to celebrate the remarkable work and achievements of our colleagues. Our annual faculty awards and staff awards ceremonies give us opportunities not only to honor excellence but also to reconnect, share stories and enjoy time together. I hope you’ll join us for these important events. Join us at 3 p.m. in the Altgeld Hall Auditorium on Thursday, April 16 for the faculty awards ceremony and 3 p.m. Thursday, April 23 for the staff awards ceremony.
Just beyond that, will be commencement. We are excited to announce we will have three undergraduate ceremonies this May, in addition to our graduate student ceremony. Participating in commencement is truly one of the great joys of our academic year—it’s an opportunity to see the impact of everyone’s work reflected on the faces of our graduates and their families. In the coming weeks, we will be sending invitations to faculty to be a part of the commencement ceremonies. Additionally, you’ll receive a volunteer invitation, and I encourage you to consider lending your time to help create a memorable experience for our newest alumni.
As we all continue to navigate uncertain times in our country and around the world, it is understandable that members of our campus community may be experiencing stress as a result. NIU offers resources, including Employee Well-Being and I encourage you to utilize these resources should you need them. Please also let students know that mental health resources like Togetherall are available for them. Additional resources to support students are available, including:
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Thank you, as always, for everything you do to make NIU a wonderful place to learn, work and thrive.
Sincerely,
Laurie Elish-Piper, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
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Graduate Assistant Compensation Task Force
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This semester, a new, cross-functional task force has been formed to assess current practices and recommend strategies to strengthen support for our graduate assistants. Led by Jim Ahern, dean of the Graduate School, the work of the Graduate Assistant Compensation Task Force will align with University Goal 3C to continue efforts to create competitive graduate student recruitment offers and compensation packages that reflect reasonable institutional responsibility and that align with program and discipline expectations and benchmarks.
The task force will articulate the purposes of graduate assistantships, assess and provide recommendations for NIU’s graduate assistant compensation. They will present recommendations to university leadership this May.
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Faculty Fellow for Internationalization
We are pleased to have Kanjana Thepboriruk as our Faculty Fellow for Internationalization this semester. Thepboriruk also serves as an associate professor of Thai Language in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and acting assistant director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at NIU.
As part of this role, Thepboriruk is collaborating to improve processes for assisting departments, centers and units across campus as they develop and implement agreements with international universities and organizations.
These efforts include chairing a subcommittee on international agreements and partnerships of the International Affairs Spring 2026 Action Team. This team is advising the university related to past accomplishments and future directions in internationalization across multiple areas including international student and scholar services, international recruitment and admissions, study abroad and internationalization of campus activities.
Emerging Faculty Leaders Program
The Provost’s office invites applications for the 2026-27 cohort of the Emerging Faculty Leaders Program. The program is an intensive year-long professional development experience for faculty seeking to expand their capacity for leadership in higher education.
All full-time faculty (tenured, tenure-track, clinical, research and instructors) are eligible for the program, with priority given to tenured faculty. Up to 10 faculty members will participate in the program, which will include monthly cohort meetings, assigned readings and mentorship. Faculty interested in future administrative roles or exploring higher education leadership are encouraged to apply.
Please submit a letter of interest and CV to provost@niu.edu by Monday, April 13. Please contact psingh1@niu.edu with questions.
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Career Services engagement opportunities
NIU Career Services is excited about upcoming opportunities for faculty and staff to engage with our programs, tools and campus-wide initiatives. Whether you’re looking to connect with students, integrate career readiness into your course, or streamline student employment processes, there’s something for you this spring.
Check out this news site post to learn more about how to observe UNIV 301 in action, integrate AI career tools into your course, manage on-campus employment postings, and attend career fairs.
Undergraduate Research Month
April marks NIU’s annual celebration of Undergraduate Research Month (URM), a time when we shine a spotlight on the contributions our students are making across campus, in our local communities and within their disciplines. Their curiosity, dedication and innovation are shaping meaningful change, and we are proud to honor their achievements throughout the month. Follow NIU’s Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning on Facebook to see a variety of research highlights.
These accomplishments are made possible by the outstanding mentorship of our faculty. Their guidance empowers students to explore big questions, develop new skills and discover their potential as emerging scholars and leaders. If you have mentored an undergraduate researcher – thank you for the time, expertise and care you invest in their success.
We invite you to view this brief video highlighting this year’s URM and to join us at the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) Tuesday, April 28. It’s an inspiring opportunity to see firsthand the impact our faculty and undergraduate researchers are making, and to celebrate the collaborative spirit that drives innovation at NIU.
NIU Presents Mission AI (Authentic Interventions) with EdSights at national conference
NIU’s director of Planning and Assessment, Brandon Lagana recently presented, "When the Student Voice Becomes the Strategy: How 4-Year Institutions are Turning Student Feedback into Action," at the national NASPA conference, in Kansas City. The session highlighted NIU’s innovative student support strategies and impact of Mission AI, powered by EdSights.
Presenting to more than 50 higher education professionals, NIU’s portion of the presentation focused on how real-time data drives "authentic interventions," a student-centered twist on AI. NIU gained national exposure for how it leverages effective collaborations between Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion divisions to triage outreach effectively, emphasizing wins in leadership buy-in and managing campus-wide follow-up.
Help us boost course evaluation response rates
Your help is needed to increase course evaluation response rates and improve the student experience at NIU. For 16-week courses, evaluations open April 1 and close April 28. Here are tips to encourage participation:
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- Dedicate class time for students to complete their evaluations.
- Explain how their feedback helps improve your course.
- Many students may have multiple evaluations to complete. Express your gratitude for their time and thoughtful feedback.
- Show students where to find the evaluation or post a reminder on Blackboard.
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New interdisciplinary summer special topics to be offered
This summer, IDSP 300 “Understanding Contracts: Law, Power and Everyday Life” will be taught by Tiffany Puckett, professor in the College of Law, and offered as an online asynchronous course from May 11 to July 4.
IDSP 310 “Generative AI Across Disciplines: Strategies, Implications and Real-World Applications” will be taught by Cindy York, professor in the College of Education. This course is designated as general education knowledge domain creativity and critical analysis and will be offered May 11 to July 4 as an online synchronous course on Tuesday evenings, as well as asynchronously. Mini-sections are available for Honors students in both courses.
Summer and fall course material adoption – training session and deadlines
Having course materials is a critical component of student success. To give students time to get the materials they need, faculty are asked to adopt summer and fall course materials with Huskie Books and Gear before the end of the spring semester.
On-time course material adoption is critical so that students using financial aid can purchase their materials during the Book Charge period, which is July 20 to Sept. 4 for the fall semester. Student athletes also must purchase required materials through the NIU bookstore to use their scholarship funds.
We will host a faculty training session on course material adoption from 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 26 on Teams. RSVP by contacting aschatteman@niu.edu.
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Register for FACCE Moment Talk: Artificial Intelligence
As generative AI continues to have a major impact on teaching and learning, it is important to use a critical lens to evaluate how it affects efforts to improve equity and inclusion. In this conversation led by Eric Junco and Stephanie Richter from 9-11 a.m. Friday, April 10, we will facilitate a conversation about the risks that AI poses to equity and inclusion in higher education, our communities, and the world at large. We will also provide examples and firsthand opportunities to practice using AI to create more inclusive teaching and learning environments. Please register for this event.
Submit for Examples of Excelencia
Join the Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s (ADEI) Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives for an informative workshop designed to guide you through the process of applying for Examples of Excelencia, the national recognition for programs accelerating Latinx student success and advancing student success overall in higher education. Register for an upcoming session to learn about key components of a strong submission and best practices for showcasing your program’s effectiveness.
Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program
NIU faculty, staff and administrators are eligible to apply by Monday, March 23 to the USDA E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program. The program strengthens educational partnerships with faculty, staff and administrators from Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic-Serving School Districts by collaborating with the USDA to gain more insight and understanding of the federal government. Interested individuals should contact Jade Silva Tovar, assistant vice president – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at jsilvatovar@niu.edu.
Graduation and recognition celebrations
ADEI’s cultural and resource centers invite you to celebrate the graduating class of 2026 at their annual spring graduation celebrations. All graduating students are invited to register to participate, and all employees are invited to attend.
Latino Graduation Celebration
Sunday, April 26; RSVP by April 10
Asian American Resource Center Graduation Recognition Celebration
Sunday, May 3; RSVP by March 20
Black Graduation Recognition Celebration
Sunday, May 3; RSVP by April 13
Lavender Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 7; RSVP by April 29
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Save the Date: Digital Accessibility Institute—May 12, 13, and 14
Learn how to create accessible content across multiple formats including Word, PowerPoint, PDF and more May 12-14 at NIU’s first Digital Accessibility Institute. Faculty, staff and graduate assistants can choose from a variety of online and in-person sessions that focus on practical guidance and tips.
We hope you will join us as we advance our commitment to enhancing our students’ experience with teaching and learning; be on the lookout for additional details, soon!
From analog to AI and back again: Finding an accessible middle ground
Is stepping away from technology the answer to concerns about AI in education? This news site post explores how fully analog teaching, such as relying solely on handwritten work, can unintentionally create barriers for students who depend on digital accessibility tools. The article considers the need to balance reasonable limits on AI use with inclusive course design and shares practical ideas for supporting academic integrity and diverse learning needs and offers a grounded perspective for instructors thinking about how to navigate AI in the classroom.
AI Network is growing
Join the NIU AI Network, a community of practice dedicated to exploring and advancing artificial intelligence in ethical, equitable ways aligned with the university’s mission and values. Open to all NIU faculty, staff and students, the network fosters collaboration and resource sharing to help members navigate AI’s complexities.
The NIU AI Network brings together those who work with or are curious about AI, creating opportunities to learn together, while supporting the exchange of AI use cases, needs and approaches that strengthen NIU’s mission while deepening understanding of AI’s risks and tradeoffs across campus.
2026 AI Curricular Innovation Grants
NIU faculty are invited to apply for the 2026 AI Curricular Innovation Grants, a competitive grant program supporting course redesign projects that thoughtfully integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. This year’s program focuses specifically on AI-enabled course redesign. The grants will support faculty who wish to incorporate AI into course design, assignments, assessments or instructional practices in ways that strengthen student learning, engagement and career readiness. Check out this news site post to learn more.
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APLU Public Impact Research (PIR) Award
The Office of Research Development (ORD) invites faculty to apply for the PIR award by Monday, March 23. The award recognizes university research initiatives that demonstrate exceptional outcomes and meaningful public impact.
Across NIU, faculty advance research and artistry that strengthens communities, informs policy and contributes solutions to real-world challenges. This competition provides an opportunity to elevate that work and position it for national recognition.
NIU is limited to one institutional nomination to submit to APLU by Friday, June 26. To ensure a strong submission, ORD will conduct an internal competition through infoready to identify NIU’s nominee.
Strong ideas deserve strong proposals
The Research Development Support team partners with NIU faculty to strengthen research, scholarship and artistry through strategic funding planning and proposal development support. Our Research Development Specialists (RDS) primarily support individual faculty and faculty teams in trajectory planning, proposal development and fostering collaborations. Your RDS can provide dedicated support and expert guidance across a wide range of research development needs.
Please visit the Research Development Support Team webpage to learn more and identify your RDS.
Limited submission funding opportunities
For the funding opportunities listed below, the sponsor has restricted the number of applications permitted per institution. The Office of Research Development coordinates internal competitions to identify which proposals will advance as NIU-nominated submissions.
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University Grants Academy
Keep an eye out for the opening of spring 2027 University Grants Academy applications along with upcoming program updates.
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NIU hosts Midwest Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium
Twenty-five students in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KNPE) planned and hosted the 2026 Midwest Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium, which came to NIU this month for the first time in the event’s 35-year history.
Held March 6 and 7, the student-led, student-focused conference is designed for individuals interested in, or actively pursuing, careers in sport, exercise and performance psychology.
Nearly 275 undergraduate and graduate students and faculty from dozens of Midwestern institutions enjoyed opportunities to present posters, receive feedback on ongoing research, attend talks, build professional networks, gain mentorship and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Keynote speakers were Robin Vealey, professor in the Department of Sport Leadership and Management at Miami University in Ohio, and Pete Kadushin, manager of Learning and Development for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Doctoral students Jeremy Charles, Grace Louis and Jordyn King chaired the planning committee supervised by Shaine Henert, associate professor and Kinesiology Program director.
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Disability Resource Center
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Accommodations and midterms
As midterms increase academic demands, accommodations help ensure students with disabilities can demonstrate learning without lowering course expectations. Accommodations such as extended time on assignments or flexibility with attendance address disability related barriers but do not alter essential requirements or competencies. Students are still completing the same assignments, mastering the same material, and meeting the same standards as their peers.
Accommodations preserve academic integrity by allowing assessments to measure knowledge, not the impact of a disability. If you have questions about how to maintain standards while implementing accommodations, please contact drc@niu.edu or 815-753-1303.
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NIU Community Engagement Week
Join us April 13-17 to learn with and from communities during NIU Community Engagement Week.
Events include:
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- Community Engagement Exemplar Symposium: Discover NIU’s community-engaged scholarly projects, hear from community partners and learn from experts in engaged teaching, learning and research.
- Brunch and Build: Learn from community experts and network with potential community partners over a casual brunch (for faculty and staff).
- Engagement in Action: Growing Community at the Edible Campus: Dig into NIU’s Edible Campus gardens to experience food system innovation in action.
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Internationalization Fund
The Division of International Affairs is pleased to invite applications to the Internationalization Fund. This fund is made available through generous donor gifts. Requests up to $1,000 will be considered for activities advancing international educational, research or engagement objectives in support of NIU’s vision, mission, values and goals.
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- Campus visits by prospective and admitted students are a critical part of the recruitment and enrollment process. The Undergraduate Admissions team hosts more than 15 on-campus events each academic year, welcoming hundreds of admitted and prospective students to learn what it’s like to be a Huskie. Sign up at the NIU Admission Events Volunteer Form to volunteer at these events and welcome future Huskies.
- NIU is celebrating Women’s History Month with educational discussions and workshops featuring guest panelists. Check out the NIU calendar for more information.
- You can visit the Accessibility at NIU website to learn how to create an accessible syllabus and webpage, plus get updates on digital accessibility and much more.
- The Well-being in Action Award recognizes employees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a culture of well-being on our campus. Submit your nomination by Monday, March 30. The honoree will be recognized Thursday, April 30 at the Joint Presidential Commissions Awards Ceremony. Contact pcwb@niu.edu with questions. Also, check out NIU’s annual Well-being Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at the Duke Ellington Ballroom. Campus and community partners will offer interactive activities, services and information focused on “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Spirit.” A release for staff will be granted. Contact Sarah Moskal at smoskal1@niu.edu for more information or to host a table.
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Shout-out to the Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Division of Student Affairs for hosting The Real Talk Conference! The guest speakers and breakout sessions were engaging and thought-provoking.
Thanks to Wade Duerkes for the extra effort to get updated photos for a recent project. Much appreciated!
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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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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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