The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.
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Get a head start to finish the semester strong.
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As we approach the final weeks of the fall semester, now is the time to get a head start on final projects, papers and presentations and begin studying for final exams.
Visit our Student Life website to learn more about how to stay on track and find some study tips to end the semester strong.
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Change your future while keeping more in your pocket.
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Applying for scholarships is a great way to help pay for your NIU education. Scholarships do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement and financial need.
You can now search and apply for most NIU scholarships online in MyScholarships. The deadline for many scholarships is January 31, 2025.
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Ombudsperson Office can help you solve end-of-semester challenges.
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With the end of the semester approaching, you might have a few problems you just cannot seem to solve. It could be a grade appeal, an ongoing concern with a roommate, financial issues, or other challenges. The Ombudsperson Office provides ways you can navigate an outcome to your concern, and you choose what you do or do not want to do.
The Ombudsperson Office is a place for you to share questions, concerns, and challenges with a neutral party outside of the normal NIU administrative channels. It offers a confidential, non-judgmental, and impartial perspective.
There are four important things to know about the office:
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- It is independent and does not advocate for students, employees, or the university. It advocates for appropriate following of policies and procedures and positive experiences for all at NIU.
- Its role is to see things from an impartial point of view.
- It looks for informal ways to help you resolve your concern and can connect you with other resources you need for formal processes if you choose to do so.
- It is a confidential office (with a few exceptions) so you can feel comfortable sharing your concerns.
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It is easy to reach the Ombudsperson Office:
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- Hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by appointment only. Holmes Student Center Suite 601
- Phone: 815-753-1414
- Email: ombuds@niu.edu
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Win a $50 Amazon gift card for completing a survey!
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Researchers in our psychology department need your help with a study about young adults’ relationships with their parents.
Complete our survey sharing your experiences and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.
The more students who participate, the more gift cards we will give out, so tell your friends. Anyone ages 18 to 29 can participate. Up to 20 gift cards worth $50 each are available.
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Join us for FAFSA Fridays!
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The 2025-26 FAFSA is now open. Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office for assistance completing your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. All students eligible for financial aid who plan to enroll next year should complete a new FAFSA or Alternative Application each year, as soon as possible, to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid.
Bring your own laptop or use one of ours. We're here to help!
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Can't make it on Friday? We're available every weekday (excluding holidays and university closures). We also offer virtual appointments. Visit go.niu.edu/SFAS to schedule your appointment now!
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Fall 2024 graduates: Get red, black and white philanthropy cords by contributing to the NIU Foundation.
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Congratulations upcoming graduates on earning your degree and joining our 262,000-plus Northern Illinois University alumni worldwide.
As you embark upon your next chapter, we hope that you will keep NIU as part of your story by supporting our NIU Foundation through your senior class gift so that you may build your Huskie legacy. By making a gift of $10 or more to the Northern Fund, you will receive a red, black and white philanthropy cord to celebrate your outstanding support of NIU. Make Your Gift.
Your senior class gift supports the evolving needs of our NIU campus community and is an investment in an institution where extraordinary work is done every day by students — like you — and faculty who are filled with grit, determination and a desire to improve our world.
Go Huskies!
P.S. Keep your information current to stay connected with NIU and learn about networking opportunities, events, university news and additional resources exclusive to alumni.
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Graduating in December? Join us for Gradpalooza!
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Join us for this celebratory event at the Holmes Student Center on Wednesday, Dec 11, anytime between 2:30 to 5 p.m. Come participate in fun activities, learn more about our commencement ceremony and connect with other graduating Huskies.
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- Capture memorable moments with our photographers ready to snap photos. Feel free to bring or wear your cap and gown!
- Decorate your grad cap.
- Check out the NIU Alumni Association for graduate cords and Class of 2024 shirts or visit the NIU bookstore for grad signs and gear.
- Share your gratitude with your favorite professor or NIU staff member and write a note of encouragement for incoming students at our notes table.
- Enjoy cake and snacks as we celebrate you!
- Stop by our know-before-you-go information table for any questions about our commencement ceremony, logistics, etc.
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Class registration is now underway.
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Now is the time to start preparing to register for spring 2025 classes. Read the tips below and learn when to register and how to register for classes.
1. If you have not met with your advisor, do so. They are here to help you.
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- It’s important to stay on track to graduation and your advisor is here to help ensure you are heading in the right direction.
- Remote advising is available. Options for remote advising could include virtual video conferences, phone calls, NIU emails or IM chats. Schedule an advising appointment through Navigate Student by clicking Appointments and selecting the "Advising" service, or contact your academic advising office to learn more about your options.
- Come prepared to your meeting with any concerns that you have. Your advisor can help answer your questions and point you to available resources.
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2. Log in to MyNIU and Navigate Student.
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- In MyNIU, you can check your enrollment date—the date and time you are able to register for classes.
- In Navigate Student, you can see a list of important, time-sensitive To-Do items related to class registration. You can also schedule an appointment with your academic advisor through Navigate Student by click on Appointments and selecting the "Advising" service.
- In both MyNIU and Navigate Student, you can see any holds on your account that may prevent you from registering for classes. Learn more about holds on student accounts.
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Add UNIV 301 to your courses for the spring semester.
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Registration for spring 2025 classes opened Monday, Nov. 4. We would love to have you join us for UNIV 301: Braven Leadership Career Accelerator.
UNIV 301 will help you learn important career skills, create career readiness materials and get you plugged in with career professionals so you can get a great job and succeed in the workforce when you graduate. Plus, industry leaders will mentor you along the way.
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“The experiences through Braven have been great. The United event at Willis Tower was incredible — just being in a professional environment and being able to talk to professionals in the field I want to go into. Learning networking skills was huge as well. I love this course.” - Haley Heckermann, management major and current UNIV 301/Braven student.
“One of the best things about Braven is the leadership coaches. We have a person who works at Microsoft and another person who works at a big company. Having regular one-on-one meetings and being able to bounce ideas off them is something I'm definitely taking advantage of.” - Kevin Dela Paz, computer science major and current UNIV 301/Braven student.
Upcoming Information Sessions:
Monday, December 2 (campus) 3 -3:30 p.m. CT, Peters Campus Life Building room 235
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Search for Courses with Low- or No-cost Materials in MyNIU
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Registration for spring 2025 classes is right around the corner. Do you know that you can search for and select classes that use low- ($40 or less) or zero-cost course materials in MyNIU?
To find courses with affordable course materials in MyNIU, apply the Textbooks/Low Cost or Textbooks/Zero Costfilter to class searches. Or you can search by the keyword low cost.
Note: Course materials are defined as required books, textbooks, ebooks, streaming video, CDs or DVDs. Because students using the book charge program must purchase texts through the bookstore, the cost of materials is determined by the bookstore price.
Want to know more? Check out our Affordable Materials Search and Filter for Students page.
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Policy Library Update - Revised Policy
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A revised 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 policy before it takes effect. The revised policy is:
Change or Closure of University Operations Pay and Benefit Policy by Dec. 21.
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.
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"I always attend class whenever I can. I prefer to be in person for class meetings as this helps me absorb the information presented and organize my to-do list. I would not have been nearly as successful in my courses if I didn't attend class regularly."
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Lizzy Small
Transfer biological sciences graduate student
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"Focus on your studies but take advantage of all of the activities available on campus and the opportunities to stretch yourself outside your comfort zone. No matter what your age, college provides a space in which you are challenged to think beyond what you know and push yourself to learn more and to take new perspectives. Be willing to experience a little discomfort as you grow in your knowledge and your understanding of the world. Don't limit yourself to just who and what you know best. Enjoy the wide variety of opportunities to meet new people, build new relationships, and shift your perspectives and ideas about the world."
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Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget as a College Student
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Eating healthy for college students can be difficult, especially with the price of groceries. Being mindful about how much you’re spending on food can seem impossible. Between busy schedules and grabbing something fast in between classes, and late-night food runs with friends on the weekend, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy balanced diet as a college student. Budgeting for food in college can be challenging but eating healthy on a budget as a college student can be possible with some strategic planning.
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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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