The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.
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Finish the Semester Strong
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The end of the semester is a busy time as you prepare for final exams and wrap up projects, papers and presentations. Being prepared, making time for self-care and having some fun can help you stay motivated throughout the remaining days of the semester.
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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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Summer in the Arts at NIU — 2026 camp registration is now open.
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This summer, campers will live the life of an artist at NIU in DeKalb, exploring creativity, experiencing residence hall life, meeting mentors, making lifelong friends and more.
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Summer arts camps at NIU fill quickly — register early to guarantee your spot. Early-bird registrants save $100!
Eligible families are encouraged to apply for need-based scholarship assistance through April 1, 2026.
For more information call the Summer in the Arts camp office 815-753-1450 or visit our website.
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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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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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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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"Attending class regularly has increased my ability to do well in all of my courses. Doing homework and reading required material is one piece of the puzzle, and attending class helps you to achieve the full picture. There is so much important discussion that takes place in class that you would miss if you decided to skip class. Class is also a great space to ask questions about the material."
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"There are people here to support you! I’ve had so many experiences with students where they missed an assignment or missed classes, and when I check in on them, they have so much going on and haven’t shared it with anyone. There’s a belief among many students (particularly those who are first generation, come from a low-income background or are from marginalized communities) that they have to make it on their own. You do not have to do all of this on your own! College is hard. You’re not the only one struggling. And a lot of that tuition money you spend is for resources like counseling services, the Huskie Academic Success Center and your academic advisor. If you’re struggling, it is not a sign that you’re failing. There are people here to help."
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Finish the Semester Strong with Togetherall
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With final exams and the end of semester upon us, academic and social pressure can feel overwhelming, especially for first-year Huskies. You don’t have to face it alone.
Togetherall is a 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.
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.
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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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