July 1, 2024

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

Try NIU's AI KnowledgeBot in Navigate Student until July 12

NIU is testing an AI chatbot in Navigate Student and you’re invited to try it out!

 

You may have a question about class scheduling, advising, recreation, transportation or perhaps something else. In your Navigate Student app, tap the Ask Victor E. [Beta] link, type your question and “Ask Victor E.” will provide an answer.

 

So far, the system has a 90% accuracy of information rate, with more than half of the responses providing a complete reply. However, we’re still in the testing phase, and some responses may not be fully accurate or complete. If you don’t get the response you’re looking for, just tap the thumbs-down icon and leave your feedback to help us improve the system.

 

Go ahead and give it a try from now until Friday, July 12. Thank you and Go Huskies!

Changes to Einstein Bros. Bagels Hours of Operation.

With Independence Day upon us, please note that Einstein Bros. Bagels will be closed the week of July 4. Normal hours resume Monday, July 8. Starbucks and the Grill at Huskie Den will maintain normal hours July 1-3. Have a safe and happy holiday, Huskies!

Red and Black Fridays is always in fashion. 

As Huskies, we end the week by wearing Red and Black to show our #HuskiePride! So, pull out your red dress and black shoes, put on your black pants and adjust your red tie, or just throw on your Huskie gear and join us. If you’re spotted by our new Spirit Squad and wearing red and black, you’ll get some NIU swag—which is always in style.

Parking Permits on Sale Beginning July 15

Parking permits for the next academic year (2024-2025) are available online beginning July 15, 2024. Parking permits are virtual, so you will not receive a physical permit. Your license plate will act as your parking permit.

 

The Customer Parking Portal provides convenient access to your parking account information. You can view your account, purchase a parking permit, make a ticket payment, and update vehicle information.

 

A free parking option is also available. Those who take advantage of this option will have a virtual green permit, which allows for remote parking in Lot K on the west side of campus, just off Lincoln Highway.

 

For those only needing temporary parking, there are short-term parking options available. Short-term permits can be purchased online, and options include daily, weekly and monthly permits. Short term parking is also available at pay stations and via the AMP Park mobile app.

 

You can visit our website for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Parking Services at 815-753-1045 or parking@niu.edu.

There's still time to register for fall classes.

If you have not registered for fall semester courses, there is still time. Register as soon as possible to make sure you get the classes you need. You will not be billed for fall classes until after the semester begins.

 

Visit go.niu.edu/register to learn more about class registration.

Move Forward Faster with UNIV 301

Fall 2024 Registration begins April 1. If you’re looking to get ready for your career or graduate school, consider taking UNIV 301: Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator, a 3-credit elective course taught by Leadership Coaches working in a variety of industries. As mentors, they provide you with valuable feedback and insights, so you’re better prepared for your future after NIU. 

 

Nearly 800 Huskies have enrolled in UNIV 301 since it first launched in Fall 2022 and the course will be offered in three sections in the fall. Talk to your advisor and enroll for Fall 2024 via MyNIU during registration.

Benefits of the course include:

• Small class size. You’ll be on a team with 5-8 other Huskies from a variety of majors.
• Completely online and once-a-week. You’ll meet with your Leadership Coach and teammates once a week online either Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m. or Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Career exploration and preparation. You’ll develop a professional portfolio, including strong interview skills, a competitive resume and a professional Linked In profile.
• Hands-on learning with leading companies. You’ll work with your teammates on creating solutions for real companies and real clients in Chicagoland and beyond.
• Long-lasting support. Once you complete the Braven Accelerator course you’ll be paired with a mentor who will continue to support you throughout your academic and professional career planning.

 

Learn more about UNIV 301 HERE.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, July 4: Independence Day (university closed)

Tip from a Huskie

"A college education is important to me because it will make me a more valuable and knowledgeable engineer. A college education will equip me with the skills and information necessary to pursue a higher-level occupation, while also allowing me to increase my knowledge in a subject I am passionate about."

 

Ben Crowninshield

Transfer mechatronics engineering major

Deadlines

Wednesday, July 17: Last day for undergraduates to add or drop second half-session course(s) via self-service in MyNIU (Summer 2024)

Weekly Wellness Tip

Togetherall is a peer-to-peer round-the-clock support service that allows you to speak to other college students, via an online chat, about things with which you are struggling. This could include home sickness, relationship issues, identity issues, roommate or parent conflicts, loss of a loved one and a variety of others. Togetherall peer educators are diverse college students, who are supervised by licensed medical professionals, and are trained to talk through a wide range of issues.

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