Image

Oct. 20, 2025

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Campus Hot Spots

Our campus offers many spaces for you to study with classmates or socialize with friends. With many beautiful outdoor spaces and cozy indoor areas, you're bound to find comfortable spots on campus to break open the books or kick back and relax. Where is your favorite space to study on campus? Where do you enjoy congregating with your friends?  Learn more about our common spaces and some unknown hidden gems.

Discover some campus hot spots.
 

Celebrate National Transfer Student Week at NIU!

NIU celebrates our transfer Huskies Oct. 20–24. Throughout the week, you’ll find fun, welcoming events designed to help you connect with fellow Huskies, as well as faculty and staff who share your transfer journey. From showing your pride at the NIU letters to joining our Transfer Student Social and career-focused sessions, this week is all about celebrating your accomplishments and supporting your success at every step.

 

Get ready for Family Weekend!

We’re excited to welcome our Huskie families the weekend of October 23-26, 2025. We have a fun weekend of activities planned. For more information, visit our Family Weekend Website.

View the Family Weekend calendar of events
 

International Education Award Nominations Now Being Accepted

Please consider nominating students, staff or faculty for an Outstanding International Award. The nomination and submission information is on our website.

The award winners will be announced during International Education Week (Nov. 17-21) at the International Recognition Reception, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 with remarks at noon, in the Sky Room of the Holmes Student Center.

We are seeking nominations for the following awards:

  • Outstanding Department Contribution to International Education at NIU.
  • Outstanding International Educator.
  • Outstanding Staff Contribution to International Education.
  • Outstanding Student Contribution to International Education (two students will be recognized).

The deadline for all nominations is 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.

 

International Education Week Event Promotion

Each year, the Division of International Affairs celebrates International Education Week (IEW), an opportunity to recognize the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, reflecting efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences. 

This year, International Education Week takes place the week of Nov. 17-21.

We want to feature and encourage others’ celebrations of International Education Week. If you plan on hosting an international education event between Nov. 17-21, please visit our Division of International Affairs website to have your event featured on our NIU International Education Week calendar feed. Simply follow the steps under the Submit an Event section.

 

Falling fees! NIU Recreation Nutrition Coaching midterm price cut now live for students.

You’re feeling the midterm struggle and need a boost. What better time of year to create a fresh start to your eating habits and finish the semester strong. NIU Recreation is dropping the student price for nutrition coaching to only $29. Learn how to eat the right amount and types of food for your body to power you through to finals and get you ready for a great winter break. Get started with a nutrition coach before Nov. 7 to take advantage of this super offer.

 

Prepare now to get the classes you need. Class registration opens Nov. 3, 2025. 

Now is the time to start preparing to register for spring 2026 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.

  1. It’s important to stay on track to graduation and your advisor is here to help ensure you are heading in the right direction. 
  2. 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. 
  3. Come prepared to your meeting with any concerns that you have. Your advisor can help answer your questions and point you to available resources. 

2. Log in to MyNIU and Navigate Student.

  1. In MyNIU, you can check your enrollment date—the date and time you are able to register for classes. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
 

Join us for FAFSA Fridays!

The 2026-27 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 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

  • Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 
  • Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 
  • Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 
  • Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 
  • Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 
  • Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 

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!

 

Apply now to be an Orientation Leader

Orientation Leader Applications are now open! Apply before Wednesday, Nov. 5.

An Orientation Leader (OL) is an undergraduate student who helps incoming first-year and transfer students transition to NIU. OLs build connections between incoming students and foster a sense of belonging at NIU. This is a paid undergraduate student leadership position that runs from February through August.

This is a great opportunity to develop your leadership skills, communication skills and build your résumé while making a positive impact on new Huskies. Found out more on our Be a Leader - Join Our Team! page.

2026 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.

 

Crowdfunding Projects Now Live on NIU Impact

Dozens of crowdfunding teams from across the NIU campus are raising money to help fund important projects in their departments. Initiatives include student travel, food insecurity, lab equipment, scholarships and so much more. Visit crowdfund.niu.edu to learn more and make your donation today.

 

Upcoming Webinars Hosted by Career Services

Quinncia + Resume
Join us from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22 for an interactive webinar led by Quinncia, NIU’s AI-powered career readiness platform. This session will focus on resume building—helping you learn how to create a strong, career-ready resume that highlights your skills and experience. You’ll see how Quinncia can provide instant feedback and personalized tips to make your resume stand out to employers.

Quinncia + Mock Interview
Prepare with confidence for your next interview! In this webinar, on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from noon to 1 p.m., Quinncia will walk you through its mock interview feature, showing how you can practice, get feedback, and improve your answers. You’ll gain strategies to communicate more effectively, build confidence, and make a strong impression during real interviews.

Quinncia + Resume, Mock Interview & LinkedIn
Wrap up the semester by taking your career readiness to the next level on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from noon t0 1 p.m. This webinar covers Quinncia’s resume, mock interview, and LinkedIn tools—all in one session. Learn how these resources connect to help you present your best self on paper, online, and in person. Perfect for students preparing for internships, job searches, or graduate school applications.

 

We’re Hiring Northern Ambassadors

The NIU Office of Admissions is looking for enthusiastic, outgoing students to join our Northern Ambassadors team. Ambassadors lead campus tours, share their NIU experience and help prospective students find their home at NIU.

Why Join?

  • Build leadership and public speaking skills.
  • Make connections and be part of the NIU community.
  • Enjoy flexible hours around your class schedule.

Who Can Apply?

  • Any current, full-time NIU student.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Passion for representing NIU.

Apply by Oct. 22 to be invited to the Hiring Workshop Oct. 25. Invitations are sent as applications are submitted. Apply today.

For questions, contact Ethan Wybourn at ewybourn3@niu.edu.

Help future Huskies find their path!

 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

Image
  • Monday, Oct. 20: National Transfer Student Week - Tabling
  • Tuesday, Oct. 21: Transfer Student Trivia with HASC
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22: Show Your Community College Pride!
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22: Transfer Student Portraits
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22: Transfer Student Social
  • Thursday, Oct. 23: Transfer to Career Triumph: Professional Approaches to Career Success
  • Thursday, Oct. 23: Reclaiming Space: Making Corn Husk Dolls
  • Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26: Pumpkin Fest
  • Friday, Oct. 24: FAFSA Fridays!
  • Friday, Oct. 24: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Saturday, Oct. 25: Football vs Ball State
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28: Fall 2025 Graduate and Professional School Fair
  • Wednesday, Oct. 29: Walking Challenge — Exercise is Medicine On Campus
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: Treinta y tres: History, Heritage, and the Latinx/Latin American Experience
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: Treinta y tres Keynote: Zones of Encuentro: Latinx Language and Identities in Nuevo México and Beyond
  • Friday, Nov. 14: Treinta y Tres: History, Heritage, and the Latinx/Latin American Experience
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Uday Kiran Chigurupati

"The Huskie Academic Success Center and Mathematic Assistance Center have been a great help in solving my doubts. The Huskie Food Pantry was of major help when I needed it. International Student and Scholar Services and the admissions department provided me help in securing housing prior to my travel from India."

Uday Kiran Chigurupati
Biological sciences major

Carrie Zack

"Focus on the positive things people say about you and believe them even if you don't see the same things in yourself yet. And step out of your comfort zone to do or consider things you might not have thought about doing before. For example, I never considered going to graduate school, but a professor saw potential in me and put the idea in my head, which has led to a career I didn't know existed. "

Carrie Zack
Associate Director of Accreditation, Assessment and Evaluation

 

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Friday, Oct. 24: Nomination Deadline for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards
  • Wednesday, Oct. 29: Nomination Deadline for the 2025 Outstanding Contributions to International Education Awards
 

Weekly Wellness Tip

Make it Through Midterms with Togetherall

It’s the midpoint of the fall semester and academic pressure might be building, especially for first-year students. As a Huskie, you have many resources to support you, including Togetherall.   

Togetherall is a free, anonymous peer-to-peer 24/7 support service offered by NIU Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS), that allows you to speak to trained college students, via an online chat, about things with which you are struggling. Togetherall offers an online space to connect with peers who understand what you’re going through. Share your thoughts, explore others’ stories, and engage anonymously in a supportive environment. In its first full year of service at NIU, Togetherall was used by nearly 250 Huskies and 94 percent of users found it helpful.

Use Togetherall by visiting the CCS website or accessing the Togetherall website where you use your NIU email account to register and access the online chat function.  The service is anonymous, supportive and safe, with mental health professionals monitoring the site 24/7. 

 

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.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

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.