We-re Here to Help

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 our their help when you need guidance and support. We're here for you and want you succeed in your classes and in life.

Student success just got easier. The Huskie Academic Success Center (HASC) has moved all its services to the Learning Commons on the first floor of Founders Memorial Library.

This new location brings together writing help, tutoring, academic coaching and supplemental instruction alongside the Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC), the DoIT Technology Support Desk and the Research Help Desk.

The Learning Commons isn’t just about services. Its spaces and resources are designed to support students’ success. Students can borrow a laptop or calculator at the checkout desk, settle into a booth for group work or a quiet study pod, and refuel at the snack pantry between sessions.

What’s available?

Want to bring your students to the Learning Commons for a tour or integrate its services into your assignments? Contact Kimberly Shotick, student success librarian and Learning Commons coordinator.

Career Services offers a variety of events that provide opportunities to connect with employers, explore internships, and plan for your future career. All events are listed on our calendar for easy reference: NIU Career Services Calendar Below are several events scheduled for the spring semester that you should add to your calendar now:

Students taking 9 or more credit hours are automatically billed $1,378.00 for student health insurance for spring 2026. You can find more information regarding the plan on our Student Health Insurance website. 

If you have comparable insurance and would like to cancel the plan the Student Health Insurance Enrollment and Waiver site is open through Feb. 28, 2026.  You will find the link to Enroll/Waive in the blue box on our website.  This is an online process only.

Have any questions?  Email us at studentinsurance@niu.edu.  

The waiver deadline is firm; therefore, students who do not waive the student health insurance by Feb. 28 will be enrolled for annual coverage under the plan and no refund will be given.

NOTE: If you completed the insurance waiver for the Fall 2025 semester, you do not need to complete the insurance waiver for the Spring 2026 semester.

Planning to Graduate in May 2026? Apply by Feb. 15!

Feb. 15 is the final application deadline to be a candidate for spring (May 2026) graduation.  Log in to MyNIU, select the Academic Records tile and follow the application for graduation steps. 

We are excited to announce the dates for the 2026 Spring Involvement Fair. This two-day event will take place on:

Sign-up Details:

Registration deadline:
The deadline to register for the Spring Involvement Fair is Wednesday, Jan. 14. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Alex Pitner, associate director for student organizations and leadership in Student Involvement. Register today.

Space is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Change Your Future While Keeping More in Your Pocket.

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, 2026. 

Join us as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and embrace the spirit of the National Day of Racial Healing through a week dedicated to advocacy, connection and justice. Together, we will empower students to be advocates for themselves, foster a sense of belonging and build bridges across our community.

Through acts of service and transformative dialogue, each event invites us to reflect, connect and act toward equity and collective care. Let’s celebrate Dr. King’s vision by creating spaces where voices are heard, communities are strengthened and justice is pursued.

The Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS) supports NIU faculty and students whose research and artistry address themes of water, energy, food systems and environmental adaptation.

NICCS is excited to announce its first round of funding opportunities to support NIU researchers and artists through travel awards and program grants. NICCS awards aim to advance research and artistry that strengthen communities and increase the visibility of NICCS and NIU, as well as to provide networking and leadership opportunities for NIU students and faculty.

More information about each funding opportunity, including amounts of support, eligibility requirements and due dates, is now available. Learn more.

Limited-time student deal! Spring into new habits at NIU: One-on-one nutrition coaching now offered at NIU Rec.

Whether it’s for the Iditarod or a college semester, Huskies need good fuel to power through and perform their best. Meet with one of our nutrition coaches to learn eating strategies for your nutrition challenge. Whether you want to change your weight, get stronger at the gym or build a better relationship with food, we’re here to help. Our early bird student rate is only $29 through Feb. 15. Meet with a nutrition coach up to weekly; for this one-time semester fee, it’s a steal!

Let’s get cooking, Huskies: Grab a friend or meet new fellow Huskies at our campus cooking classes.

Up your game in the kitchen with NIU Recreation’s cooking classes. Our low-stress classes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen with hands-on cooking (and eating). In the line-up this spring are Ramen Revolution, Lara Jean’s cherry turnovers, chicken fajitas, pasta primavera and a Huskie-favorite: Our Chopped Challenge! Our hands-on cooking classes fill up fast and don’t disappoint. Use promo code SPRINGCOOKING26 to get $20 off your first class. Regular price is $25. Claim your spot — registration for our first class, Ramen Revolution, ends Tuesday, Jan. 20.  

Presidents Student Service and Leadership Awards Application is Live

The Presidential Student Service Leadership Awards Ceremony honors students who have made a significant contribution to our NIU community. We recognize these students in a variety of categories, including class standing (freshman through graduate), Steven Agee II award, our multiple student organization awards, and our Presidential Student Service and Leadership Award.

Students who are interested in applying for any of these awards should visit our Student Involvement website to review the different awards and will need to complete the application process. Those who are looking to recommend or nominate student can do so, too. If you have any questions about the application process, please feel free to contact studentinvolvement@niu.edu. Applications and nominations are due 11:59 p.m., March 6.

NIU Community School of the Arts: Register for Spring 2026 Music Lessons and Classes

Everyone can experience the arts this semester at NIU — registration for the NIU Community School of the Arts is open for spring.

Students of any age can learn to play a new musical instrument or brush up skills with private music lessons. Inquire today and start lessons in January.

Piano and guitar group classes for adults make learning to play music a fun and more affordable experience. Keep your New Year’s resolution to learn to play an instrument with weekly classes this semester.

Piano Starter class for kids ages 5 to 7, Symphonette strings for ages 8 to 16, CSA Steelband, Sinfonia youth orchestra and Children’s Music Education classes for kids ages 1 to 5 all begin new spring sessions soon in the NIU Music Building.

Please visit the CSA website for details and to register. For assistance or more information, call the CSA office at 815-753-1450.