The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.
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Five Ways to Reduce Stress at NIU
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Juggling college with work, family, friends and life can get a little crazy sometimes. We all need a little help along the way. Be sure to take advantage of the resources we offer to help you keep the worry at bay.
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Reminder: as an NIU student you also have access to Togetherall, which offers peer mental health support anywhere, anytime.
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Join us for NIU Cares Day of Service March 27, 2026
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NIU Cares brings together NIU students, faculty, staff and alumni to serve and support the DeKalb community for our annual day of service Friday, March 27, 2026.
The day kicks off at 11 a.m. in the Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center where you will meet your service team, enjoy a complimentary lunch, get free Cares Day merch and learn about your service project. Then, from 1 to 3 p.m., you'll take part in your service project. Transportation will be provided to your assigned location and back to Holmes Student Center once you’re done.
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Participants engage in a variety of service projects, such as:
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- Cleaning up parks and public spaces.
- Assisting at food banks or shelters.
- Helping local nonprofits with projects.
- Supporting community centers and schools.
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It’s a day dedicated to service, engagement and Huskie pride, reinforcing NIU’s commitment to making a positive impact. Sign up today. The deadline to register is March 9.
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Win a $50 Amazon gift card for completing our survey
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Researchers in our psychology department need your help with a study about first-year students’ feelings.
Complete our survey sharing your experiences and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.
The more students who participate, the more gift cards we will give out, so tell your friends. Anyone who is at least 18 years old and in their first year of college here at NIU can participate. Up to three gift cards worth $50 each are available.
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Become A Global Citizen! Learn about our Study Abroad Opportunities
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Study Abroad Day Open House
3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Study Abroad Office, Williston 417
Come join us to celebrate Study Abroad Day 2026. All students welcome! Ambassadors will highlight their experiences/photos and host international-themed activities such as trivia contests, crafts, games and puzzles. International food/snacks will be provided, and all attendees will be entered into raffle drawings for study abroad prizes.
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At NIU, learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom — it happens by doing. Our Research Rookies program gives you the chance to dive into real, hands-on discovery, no matter your major.
You might wonder if research is for you, but here’s the truth: Research is happening across every discipline at NIU, not just the sciences.
Submit your application by June 29, 2026, to be considered for the 2026-2027 academic year.
As a Research Rookie, you will:
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- Join the program for two semesters (fall and spring).
- Work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.
- Receive support from a peer research mentor.
- Spend about five hours a week on various research-related activities.
- Present your work at the NIU Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement.
- Earn a $500 scholarship upon completing the program.
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If you’re excited about the opportunity to build new skills, be mentored by talented faculty and make an impact, apply to our Research Rookies program.
Have questions? Email researchrookies@niu.edu.
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Updates to HSC Retail Dining Options
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We’re excited to share a few updates to HSC retail dining options, including extended hours and new weekly specials beginning Monday, Feb. 16.
Updated Hours
The Grill at Huskie Den will now be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, extending service by one hour.
Weekly Specials
The following specials will be offered each week:
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- Taco Tuesday (Qdoba)
$1 tacos with choice of protein (limit three per guest).
- Wing Wednesday (Grill at Huskie Den)
Boneless wings with Huskie chips for $5 (limit one per guest).
- Burger Friday (Grill at Huskie Den)
50% off burgers with Huskie chips (limit one per guest).
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Please note: Specials are in-person only, not available on Grubhub, and open to NIU students and faculty/staff only.
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Take Our Campus Climate Survey. Your Responses Are Anonymous.
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NIU’s Campus Climate Survey being administered and analyzed by Viewfinder, LLC. is open now until March 6, 2026. The survey, which was sent to your NIU email address, will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and includes sensitive topics related to individual identities, discrimination, sexual harassment and the overall campus experience. These topics may bring about different emotions, and there are several university resources available to support you before, during or after taking the survey.
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Individuals who complete the survey can enter to win one of several prizes through a separate link shared at the end of the survey. Prizes include Huskie gear, free Qdoba chips and salsa vouchers, free Starbucks drink vouchers, tickets to NIU musical and theatre performances, enjoying a slice of pizza with university leadership, and more!
If you have questions, please reach out to JadeSilva Tovar, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at equity@niu.edu. Further information can be found online.
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$100 Space For All Challenge By Proxima Centauri Alpha
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Submit a clever, lightweight and creative idea for something we can attach to our weather balloon (to be launched April 26, 2026) such as a meaningful symbol, unique object or cool experiment that represents our university spirit without adding too much weight (less than 6 ounces which is a standard hockey puck).
Last year's winner was Steve D., for his suggestion of "space radishes," a packet of radish seeds that were planted in the NIU community garden after the weather balloon was recovered, simultaneously representing NIU's commitments to sustainability (community gardens/edible campus) and innovation (sending the seeds to edge of space). We look forward to seeing what new and unique ideas the Huskie community comes up with.
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The deadline is March 26, 2026. The winner will be notified by email and receive $100 in cash. This event is hosted by Proxima Centauri Alpha, an honorary STEM society recognized by NIU. All NIU staff and students are invited to participate.
Submit your idea today.
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Student Insurance Waiver Deadline
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Students taking 9 or more credit hours are automatically billed $1,378.00 for student health insurance for spring 2026. You can find more information regarding the plan on our Student Health Insurance website.
If you have comparable insurance and would like to cancel the plan the Student Health Insurance Enrollment and Waiver site is open through Feb. 28, 2026. You will find the link to Enroll/Waive in the blue box on our website. This is an online process only.
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Have any questions? Email us at studentinsurance@niu.edu.
The waiver deadline is firm; therefore, students who do not waive the student health insurance by Feb. 28 will be enrolled for annual coverage under the plan and no refund will be given.
NOTE: If you completed the insurance waiver for the Fall 2025 semester, you do not need to complete the insurance waiver for the Spring 2026 semester.
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- Through Feb. 28: Black Heritage Month
- Through Friday, March 6: Commercial Card Program Required Annual Refresher Training
- Tuesday, Feb. 24: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
- Tuesday, Feb. 24: Making the Most of Your Advising Appointment
- Tuesday, Feb. 24: Procrastination Café
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: Wellness Wednesday
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: Crash Out Course
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Soul Food
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Half Price Thursdays at the Huskie Den
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Night at the Movies
- Thursday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, Feb. 28: Antígona Furiosa - presented by the NIU School of Theatre and Dance
- Friday, Feb. 27: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
- Wednesday, March 4: Reclaiming Space: Beading as Community and Cultural Expression
- Wednesday, March 4: Turning Sewage into Energy
- Thursday, March 5: Center Stage at Holmes Talent Show
- Tuesday, March 17: Strategies for College Success: Tips from Peers & Experts
- Thursday, March 19: Camille Billie: Printmaking Workshop
- Wednesday, March 25: Juan Ignacio Mora
- Tuesday, April 7: Graduate School Panel: Is Grad School for You?
- Thursday, April 9: Michael Staudenmaier
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"I always block out my assignments for the week in list and calendar form, that way the tasks do not feel so overwhelming. When I have that schedule, I can easily say that I have time to hang out with friends and family, because I have a specific plan to get my work done or have already done it. I also never stay up late doing work, because if I do, my brain just doesn't function as well the next day."
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"Continue to be resilient and seek out assistance when you are in need. Students may seek out tutoring, confidential professional counseling and other supportive resources right at their fingertips. Also, be sure to get involved in student organizations and recreational activities and explore the cultural centers. There is something here for everyone. This entire experience is well worth the outcome of becoming a better you!"
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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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