The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.
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Like other Huskies, you want to earn a degree in a way that’s affordable—and each student’s path to that goal will look different. We’re here to share resources and help make sure you understand your options. Visit out Student Life website to learn about financial resources, employment opportunities and assistance available to help you reach your goals.
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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, 2026.
Monday, Dec. 1: MyScholarships Informational Table and Financial Aid Check-In
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As the semester wraps up, here is a great opportunity to say thank you to a professor or instructor who has meant a lot to you.
Please consider taking a few moments and filling out our Thank a Professor form to leave a thank-you note. Submissions are posted anonymously on our Thank a Professor website and your comments are shared with professors.
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Graduating in December? Prepare Now for Commencement and Gradpalooza.
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If you are graduating in December, remember to RSVP for your commencement ceremony.. Also save the date for Gradpalooza--we're looking forward to celebrating you!
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Seniors, Let’s Leave a Legacy
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Class of 2025, you’ve made memories, built friendships and crushed goals. Now it’s time to leave a legacy. Make your Senior Class Gift and donate $20.25, and you’ll get philanthropy cords to wear with pride + an exclusive gift. Let’s show the future Huskies what we stand for.
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Family Service Agency Offers Community Shoe Box
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The Community Shoebox at the Family Service Agency provides DeKalb County residents with shoes at no cost. Residents can claim shoes for themselves or a family member. The Shoebox is open to any DeKalb County resident needing shoes. All individials must be present to claim shoes.
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- Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Shopping takes place Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Become an ambassador for the NIU Foundation
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If you’re passionate about NIU, enjoy connecting with people, and want to make a real impact on campus, the Student Ambassadors program is a great opportunity. Ambassadors represent the NIU Foundation at events, promote giving campaigns like Huskies United and the Senior Class Gift, and inspire pride in our community.
Requirements: Open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum of 2.0 GPA. Ambassadors commit 3–5 hours per month, attend monthly meetings and participate in major Foundation events each semester.
This program offers leadership development, networking with alumni and donors, and recognition such as graduation cords and ambassador gear.
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Save the Date for the Real Talk Conference and Submit Your Proposal
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Share your voice and vision on February 6, 2025, at NIU’s Real Talk Conference 2026: Stories of the Past, Visions for the Future! We invite faculty, staff, students, and community members to submit proposals that spark dialogue, inspire change, and highlight diverse perspectives. Whether through research, creative projects, performances, or interactive workshops, this conference celebrates authentic storytelling and courageous conversations that move us toward a more inclusive future. We have extended the deadline to submit proposals to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to contribute your insight and experience—submit your proposal today and help shape this year’s Real Talk Conference!
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Provide feedback and enter for a chance to win!
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Spring Class Registration is Underway.
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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.
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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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Join us for FAFSA Fridays!
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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.!
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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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- Monday, Nov. 24: NIU Foundation Student Ambassador Tabling
- Monday, Nov. 24: Northern Illinois University Women's Basketball vs. Chicago State
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: Procrastination Cafe
- Friday, Nov. 28: Northern Illinois University Football vs. Kent State
- Saturday, Nov. 29: Northern Illinois University Men's Basketball vs Bellarmine
- Monday, Dec. 1: Stress Less at Founders
- Monday, Dec. 1: Lebowski Games - Finals Countdown No-Tap at the Huskie Den
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: Math Assistance Center (Extended Hours)
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: Procrastination Cafe
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: Huskie Den Trivia Night
- Tuesday, Dec. 2: NIU Percussion Ensemble Winter Concert
- Thursday, Dec. 4: Conference Proposal Basics for Undergraduates: Getting Started
- Monday, Dec. 8: Finals Late Night Breakfast
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"Balancing everything takes structure and flexibility. I use detailed planners and color-coded calendars and set aside specific blocks of time for schoolwork. I also remind myself to take breaks and maintain boundaries between work and study, so I don’t burn out. And when all that careful planning fails, I fall back on the time-honored tradition of late-night study sessions that somehow stretch into the wee hours of the morning."
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"NIU is student-centered. It is a great institution that can support your growth and where you can make a difference. Difficult times are the real times that can make us who we are today and who we will be in the future. Always be strong and change those challenges into opportunities to be stronger. NIU is a diverse institution; take every moment to learn more about other cultures, traditions and practices, and respect everyone."
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We’re at your service so you’re safe and secure.
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We know that in order to do well, you have to be well; both physically and mentally. The less time you have to spend worrying about things, the more time you can spend focusing on your studies and enjoying your college experience. That's why your safety and security are our top priority, and why we provide resources to ensure you have the assistance and support you need.
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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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