Cheer for the Huskies on the Field and on the Stage.

As Huskies, we take every opportunity to display our school spirit and support our pack. With 16 athletic teams and a vibrant arts community, there are plenty of opportunities for you to cheer for your fellow Huskies when we're on the field or on the stage

Celebrate Mission’s birthday and learn about student philanthropy!

Join the NIU Foundation for a special event on Monday, Nov. 3 to raise awareness about student philanthropy and how Huskies give back. 

Stop by to: 

2025 President's Holiday Card Contest Now Open

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.

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:

Join us for a week full of empowerment, creativity, and connection! There are many events designed to support our first-generation students including a hands-on loom project, an opportunities to explore college culture, get financial aid support and how to prepare for your career journey. 💼🎓✨ 

🌟 Special Highlight: We’re honored to welcome Dr. Rease Miles to campus for an inspiring book reading you won’t want to miss! 🐾 

Let’s uplift, celebrate and support our first-gen community together! A list of events, opportunities, and resources is available on our First-Generation webpage.

New to the Grill at Huskie Den’s LTO menu: The Hogfather, a pork tenderloin sandwich with pickles, onion and honey mustard. It’s served with Huskie chips for only $8.99. Truly an offer you can't refuse. Visit our Where to Eat page for hours, locations and payment types accepted.

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.

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.

2. Log in to MyNIU and Navigate Student.

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.!

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 Friday, Nov. 7.

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.