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Nov. 10, 2025

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Get Moving and Get Involved

As a Huskie, you automatically have access to NIU Recreation and can simply use your OneCard ID to enter. Use our fitness machines, participate in intramural sports, swim laps, rent a court or outdoor equipment, or take an adventure trip. Group classes, nutrition coaching, personal trainers and more are available for a fee.

Learn more about how to get active on campus
 

Graduating in December? Prepare Now for Commencement and Gradpalooza.

If you are graduating in December, remember to RSVP for your commencement ceremony and to order your cap and gown. Also save the date for Gradpalooza--we're looking forward to celebrating you!

  • Wednesday, Nov. 19: December 2025 Commencement - Cap and Gown Order Deadline
  • Tuesday, Dec. 2: December 2025 Commencement - RSVP Deadline
  • Thursday, Dec. 4: Class of 2025 Gradpalooza
 

MyNIU Student System Maintenance

Due to system maintenance, the MyNIU Student System will be unavailable between 5 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

 

Join us on for an unforgettable evening celebrating the heart and soul of education

“A Teacher’s Shoes” is a compelling new short documentary that offers a powerful look at a single day in the life of three NIU alumni teachers. This film follows their journey from home to the classroom, highlighting their dedication and the profound impact they make. Walk alongside these passionate educators as they navigate challenges, spark curiosity and leave lasting imprints on their students. Whether you're an aspiring teacher, a proud Huskie or simply someone who believes in the power of education, this screening will move you, inspire you and remind you why great teachers matter.

Wednesday, Nov. 12
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center Ballroom

5:30 p.m.          Light refreshments and conversation.
6:00 p.m.          Welcome and documentary showing.
6:45 p.m.          Panel discussion with featured teachers.

Please RSVP

While registration is not required, we encourage you to RSVP so we can plan accordingly and acknowledge those attending.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

If you have any questions regarding this event, please email our Morgridge Endowed Chair Office Graduate Assistants Kristen Aragon and Kimberly Teal at meco@niu.edu.

 

Campus Dining values your feedback

Huskies, we want your on-campus dining experience to be exceptional. Please take a few minutes to complete our Campus Dining Customer Satisfaction Survey and let us know what you love and what you’d like to see improved. We’re listening!

 

There's Still Time to Enter the 2025 President's Holiday Card Contest

President Lisa C. Freeman invites students to submit an original artistic design to be used as the 2024 NIU holiday card to help spread warmth and good cheer to the entire community. Entries should capture the spirit of campus life, winter and Huskie values. The holiday card should help convey to all Huskies –students, faculty, staff and alumni— that NIU cares and appreciates all.

The contest is open to all currently enrolled NIU students. Entries consisting of original artwork or photography can be submitted up until 5 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2025. Students may submit multiple entries. We encourage submissions to review past years' winners and think creatively about how to avoid repetition or duplication.

A committee of faculty and staff will select the top three submissions based on quality, originality and holiday/Huskie spirit. The students with the top three selections will receive a one-time scholarship (first place $500, second place $300 and third place $100) and be featured in the president's electronic holiday card.

Learn how to enter
 

Jump Start Your Career with Career Services

📅 Save the Date for Spring 2026 Career Services' Events

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:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 3: Career Success Clinic, 5–7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 18: All-Majors Internship & Job Fair, 1–4:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 23: NEW HELPS (Healthcare, Education, Legal, and Public Service/Non-Profit) Fair, 2–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 22: End-of-Year Career Fair, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

💼 Quinncia + Mock Interview: Nail Your Next Interview with Confidence

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.

This event is Huskie Career Launchpad Approved through Suitable.

Learn more about this webinar
 

Spring Class Registration is Underway.

Now is the time 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, 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!

 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Monday, Nov. 10: Crafting Connections
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veteran's Day Luncheon
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Procrastination Cafe
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: From Page to Power: "Smart Girl" Book Reading with LaTonya Rease-Miles
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Huskie Den Trivia Night
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12: From FAFSA to Finances: First-Gen Money Matters
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12: Food for Thought: Exploring Food Insecurity Through Faith Traditions
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12: Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series: John Curran (R-41)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12: UNIV 301/Braven Information Session
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12: A Teacher's Shoes: Documentary and Panel Discussion
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12: Crash Out Course
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: Board of Trustees Meeting
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: Your Story, Your Strength: Career Prep for First-Gens
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: Half Price Thursdays at the Huskie Den
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: Aperion Care Holiday Choir
  • 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
  • Thursday, Nov. 13: NIU Opera Theatre - Voices for Change: Make them hear you
  • Thursday, Nov. 13 through Saturday Nov. 15: Accidental Death of an Anarchist - presented by the NIU School of Theatre and Dance
  • Friday, Nov. 14: FAFSA Fridays!
  • Friday, Nov. 14: Innovation Showcase: The Road to 2035
  • Friday, Nov. 14: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, Nov. 14: Bowling Tournament - Huskie Shuffle Classic at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, Nov. 14: Treinta y Tres: History, Heritage, and the Latinx/Latin American Experience
  • Saturday, Nov. 15: Rolling with the Mic
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19: Quinncia + Mock Interview: Nail Your Next Interview with Confidence
  • Thursday, Nov. 20: Reclaiming Space: Paint and Sip with Negwes White
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Logan Redman

"Attending classes regularly has helped me stay ahead and to properly learn the material in all of my classes. As I continue on my degree path, my classes get harder, so attending class is really important in ensuring I am learning as effectively as I can."

Logan Redman
Meteorology major

Danica Billingsly

"You might never again have the opportunity to stretch your experiences like you can at NIU. Visit the cultural centers on campusand take an elective that is out of your comfort zone. Make use of every resource for academic support: make a study plan and stick to it, do your readings, go to office hours, talk to your professors (we like to get to know our students), attend study groups, visit the University Writing Center. But also make use of resources for you as a person: stay physically active, make use of mental health protection and care, and try to build into your schedule a few habits that keep you feeling grounded."

Danica Billingsly
Clinical Assistant Professor in Audiology

 

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Monday, Nov. 17: Holiday Card Contest submission deadline
  • Wednesday, Nov. 19: December 2025 Commencement - Cap and Gown Order Deadline
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: Real Talk Conference: Call for Proposals
  • Tuesday, Dec. 2: December 2025 Commencement - RSVP Deadline
 

Weekly Wellness Tip

Level up your goals with these 6 accountability hacks

Do you hit the snooze button time after time? Or start your assignments the night before they’re due? We all have habits we’d be happy to kick. One of the keys to breaking old habits and forming new ones is accountability—being held responsible for our actions and decisions. In a recent CampusWell survey, nearly 9 out of 10 students who responded said they find accountability helpful. Here are six ways to make it work for you.

Learn more
 

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