Hello, Huskie families!
We at NIU continue to be impressed by the promise in our pack. Freshman classes have grown for five straight years, but this fall is special. Compared to 2020, 12% more first-year students chose to become a Huskie. This is the largest year-over-year increase in two decades!
Clearly, the word is out about NIU—and I'd like to ask you to join me in welcoming one of the most diverse freshman classes in university history. Our newest Huskies come to us with an average high school GPA of 3.34, the second-best for an entering class in the past 10 years.
I hope that some of the parents of our outstanding first-year students made it to NIU's Family Weekend that wrapped up Sunday. Chances are good that some of you did, as our Hotel at Holmes on campus was completely booked with visitors creating new Huskie memories.
As your student forms their routine a month into classes, here are my top tips for a strong finish to the fall semester.
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Stay connected and have fun
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Students—and you—have so many opportunities to enjoy our campus. If you missed Family Weekend, another chance to visit NIU is just around the corner.
Homecoming is Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, and will celebrate Huskie Stars. One highlight is A Night at Holmes with music, games and more at the Holmes Student Center.
Other events include a late-night movie showing and, of course, the Huskie Football Homecoming Game. Encourage your student to join in, and maybe we'll see you, too!
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Keep on track academically
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Does your Huskie know who their academic advisor is? It's easy to take advantage of this service recommended for all students through the Academic Advising Center. Meeting with an advisor will help your student plan their best possible pathway to graduation.
Huskies can also sign up for academic skills coaching through the Huskie Academic Support Center to learn tips for studying, test-taking and managing time—and will additionally find tutoring and writing help with specific courses they're taking at the HASC.
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Be caring and responsible
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Making sure your student is vaccinated ensures their continued success at NIU, as I shared at the beginning of this month that proof of a COVID-19 vaccine, or a medical or religious exemption, will be required to register for spring 2022 classes.
Please remind your student to follow all expectations of a Huskie and stay up-to-date on Protecting the Pack communications.
I'll continue to reach out every other week with helpful updates and need-to-know information. You're always welcome to get in touch in the meantime by responding to this email.
Go Huskies!
Charles J. Fey, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President
Division of Student Affairs
Northern Illinois University
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