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Oct. 14, 2024

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

As we begin a new week, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the fact that NIU is more than just a place to study or work—it's a vibrant, supportive community. Our strength comes from the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences that each Huskie brings. By embracing this diversity, we create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and safe, while also fostering greater understanding, respect, and empathy. Let’s continue to build this community together by celebrating our differences and actively reaching out to support one another. Together, we can make NIU an even more inclusive and empowering place for all.

 

Our Faculty and Staff Are Here For You.

As as a Huskie, remember that relationships are resources. Get to know faculty and support staff on campus. Build lasting relationships with your professors and our staff members and seek out their help when you need guidance and support. We're here for you and want you succeed in your classes and in life. 

Learn what advice our aculty and staff members have to offer. 
Here to help
 

We're celebrating our 117th Homecoming!

It's here--our 117th Homecoming celebration! We're excited to welcome Huskies home with the many events we have planned to celebrate our #HuskiePride. Visit our Homecoming website to learn more and view the Homecoming events calendar to join in the festivities.

Second Annual Homecoming Kick Off and Super Spirt Days

Calling all Huskies! Join us today to kick off Homecoming by gathering in the MLK Commons and the Holmes Student Center. Be sure to join the festivities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations for the Huskie Food Pantry Homecoming Fundraiser will be accepted at this event. The #HuskiePride Committee will also be around campus each day during Homecoming week to hand out NIU swag and other prizes for folks participating in Super Spirit Days.

 Learn more about Super Spirit Days. 

Homecoming Block Party

Local fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join the Huskies for a down home celebration in downtown DeKalb.  The Huskie Homecoming Block Party has something for everyone—kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more!

Learn more about the Homecoming Block Party
 View all Homecoming Events
 

Huskie Closet Winter Clothing Drive

The NIU Spirit Squad and the Office of Campus Sustainability are hosting a clothing drive during the month of October. The Huskie Closet is currently in need of winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, as well as men’s clothingand Huskie Spirit-wear. Donation boxes will be available through Oct. 31.

Donations can be made at the following locations:

  • Holmes Student Center – Outside the Oasis, across from Starbucks
  • Human Resource Services– Main office lobby (1515 W. Lincoln Hwy)
  • Altgeld Hall – 1st floor near the main entrance
  • College of Engineering and Engineering Technology – Engineering building main floor
  • Department of World Languages and Cultures – Watson Hall near 111
 

Volunteers needed for The Real Talk Conference.

The Real Talk Conference

NIU's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center's The Real Talk Conference 2024 is led by the Division of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Division of Student Affairs. Please visit the conference website to learn more about the conference theme, speakers and register to attend.
 
Volunteers are essential to the success of the. We are seeking assistance with various roles, including:

  • Registration and check-in
  • Session support and moderation
  • Guide for attendees between sessions
  • Swag bag assembly and distribution  
  • Guide for dignitaries

This unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations will help shape a more equitable and just future.

We need volunteers on:

  • Wednesday, October 23 (swag bag assembly)
  • Thursday, October 24 (set-up)
  • Friday, October 25 (the day of the conference with various opportunities)

Let's come together and open pathways to embrace our shared humanity!

Those interested are asked to sign up by October 15 at https://go.niu.edu/realtalkvolunteer. Questions? Contact Boston at tboston1@niu.edu.

We kindly ask all volunteers to attend a 45-minute orientation. Your participation will ensure a smooth and impactful conference experience for all attendees.

 

NIU celebrates National Transfer Student Week

NIU’s Office of Orientation and First Year Programs and Office of Community College Initiatives are teaming up to celebrate National Transfer Student Week Oct. 21-25.

NIU is a transfer-friendly institution, with 40% of undergraduate enrollment comprised of transfer students and 68% of transfer students having earned 60 credits from other institutions.

As part of our Strategic Enrollment Management Plan (SEM) 2.0 goals to improve access and affordability, we work to enhance transfer student success.

Learn more about National Transfer Student Week
 

Library Resources for Military-Connected Students

Please join us noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, on Zoom for a virtual introduction to the services, resources and spaces University Libraries offers to military-connected students. Visit the NIU events calendar to access the Zoom link.

 

Have you made an appointment for the upcoming Flu Clinic?

2024 NIU Campus Flu Clinic is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the Holmes Student Center Ballroom.

They do not offer COVID-19 or high-dose vaccines at this clinic.

Please read the information regarding receiving your vaccine, on what you may need to know or bring to your appointment, as well as booking the appointment and pre-fill. Download and print the client consent form to bring to your appointment at the Employee Well-being website.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, go to your confirmation email you received and scroll down to the button “Reschedule.”

For questions regarding the vaccine, or your insurance if you are not covered under one of the offered NIU insurances, call the DeKalb County Health Department at 815-758-6673.

If you have any questions regarding booking an appointment or the event, please contact NIU Employee Well-being at 815-753-9191 or email ksmith12@niu.edu.

 

Policy Library Update - New Policy

A new policy is open to review and comment for a 30-day period. This provides our NIU community the opportunity to consider and respond to the new policy before it takes effect. The new policy is:

Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning Policy by Nov. 1.

To submit a comment, go to our Policy Library website. Click on “Comment on New/Renew Policies.” You’ll be able to review the policies and provide your comments. If you have any questions, please contact the university policy librarian at policy-library@niu.edu.

 

Apply now to be an Orientation Leader.

Orientation leader applications are now open! Apply before Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Orientation leaders are undergraduate students who help incoming first-year and transfer students transition to NIU. Their primary role is to build connections between new students and help form a sense of belonging on campus. This is a paid student leadership position.

This is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills, communication skills and build your résumé while making a positive impact on new Huskies.

2025 Orientation Leader Application.

Contact Scott Johansen, program assistant for student training and development for the Office of Orientation and First Year Programs, at sjohansen@niu.edu with any questions and to learn more about the orientation leader position.

 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Through Sun, Oct. 20: NIU Homecoming 2024
  • Monday, Oct. 14: Second Annual Homecoming Kickoff
  • Monday, Oct. 14: Crafting Connections
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15: Throwback Tuesday at the Huskie Den
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15: Ellington's: Sausage Egg Bake, Veg. Egg Bake, Blueberry French Toast Bake, Cheesy Hash-browns, Bacon, Yogurt Parfait, Cinnamon Rolls and Fruit
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15:  2024 National I Stand With Immigrants Day of Action
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15: Huskie Sound Garden
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15: Procrastination Café
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Fall Food Truck Wednesday: Homecoming Edition
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Huskies Go Green: Native Planting
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Braven Homecoming: Networking and Career Connections
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Wellness Lounge Open Hours
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Clean our Campus - Lagoon Clean-Up Day!
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: Huskie Rumble: A Night of Gaming Past & Present
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Half Price Thursday at the Huskie Den
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Homecoming Block Party: Down Home in Downtown DeKalb
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Game Night at the Museum: Retro Games
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: Night at Holmes: Homecoming Edition
  • Thursday, Oct. 17: "Intimate Interiors" Artist Talk and Workshop - Register by Oct. 15
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Red and Black Fridays
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Huskie Showdown
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Huskie Hour with DeKalb County Bold Spirits at Jonamac Orchard
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Richard A. Flournory Homecoming Inclusion Reception and Award Ceremony
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Center for Greek Life Kickoff
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, Oct. 18: Huskies S'mores N'more
  • Friday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 20: School of Theatre and Dance presents Macbeth
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Brunch with Mission and Victor E.
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Latino Center 25th Anniversary
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Mission's Grove
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: Homecoming Football Game vs. Toledo
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: 13th Annual NPHC Homecoming Step Show
  • Sunday, Oct. 20: Huskies at the Farm
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22: Transfer Student Week: Focus Group
  • Thursday, Oct. 24: Neptune's 1950s Diner
  • Wednesday, Oct. 30: Arts and Action
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Equity and inclusion events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Cindy Carbajal

"Being a transfer student, it was a bit difficult in the beginning trying to integrate myself into the NIU life and community. When I signed up for Research Rookies, I thought it would be an excellent way to gain experience and make connections. Just as I thought, the program really allowed me to put myself and my interests out there and connect with other students and staff who understood my goals. I am extremely grateful to have been in the program and believe it has allowed me to flourish in numerous ways. I now have a better understanding of what research is and can be." 

Cindy Carbajal 
Transfer public health major, biology minor

Andrea Guzman

"I always encourage my students to think of learning as an ongoing process. No major sports figure or musician rose to be the best at what they do on the first day they started playing a sport or instrument. Learning is work, hard work. My job as an educator is to help guide students in their understanding of how to learn, so that when they graduate, they have the critical thinking and other necessary skills to continue learning and growing."

Andrea Guzman
Associate Professor of Journalism, Department of Communication

 

Deadlines

  • Friday, Oct. 18: New Student Healthy Relationships and Sexual Misconduct Training deadline
  • Sunday, Oct. 20: Last Day for Online Voter Registration
  • Monday ,Oct. 28: Nomination Deadline for the 2024 Outstanding Contributions to International Education Awards
  • Thursday, Oct. 31: Deadline to voluntarily enroll in student health insurance coverage
 

Weekly Wellness Tip

Togetherall offers mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Togetherall

Online mental health support from your peers, any time of day or night.

When you’re facing a tough situation, feeling low or just need to connect with someone, turn to Togetherall. It’s an online platform that supports your mental health with interactive chats, self-care tools and more.

Learn more about Togetherall.
 

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.