NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

July 20, 2026

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

Important Update from International Student and Scholar Services

The Department of Homeland Security has released the final rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media. The rule has a 60-day implementation period and will not become effective until September 15.

The changes implemented through this regulatory change will have an impact on existing and incoming F-1 and J-1 visa holders. NIU’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team has been preparing for this release, and the team is reviewing the over 500-page document to ensure a solid understanding of what the changes will be.

Daily in-person and virtual information sessions will be held the week of July 27-31. The sessions have been added to the NIU events calendar and are open to the entire NIU community.

We recognize the stress this situation may create for our students and campus community and ask that you inform any concerned students that help is available through the Center for Student Assistance and Counseling and Consultation Services.

ISSS is committed to supporting all our international students through this transition. Please contact us at isss@niu.edu with questions.

Reserve Your Table for the Involvement Fair

Looking to participate in this year’s involvement fair? The involvement fair takes place Sept. 2 in the MLK Commons and Sept. 3 virtually. All student organizations and departments can sign up for both days.

The Sept. 2 event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Student organizations and departments can check in for their table at 10 a.m. If your student organization/department does not check in by 11 a.m., your table may be given to another organization/department. You can have no more than to two people at your table. A reminder email will be sent out the week before.

The virtual Sept. 3 runs all day. Instructions on how to manage your virtual booth will be sent out prior to the fair. You must have a Huskie Hub page to participate in the virtual fair.

If you have any questions regarding sign-up, please reach out to Alex Pitner at apitner1@niu.edu.

NIU Adventures Offers Gear Rental

Ready to trade screen time for green time? NIU Adventures offers budget-friendly gear rentals for adventures big and small. From camping and water sports to recreational and winter gear, we've got everything you need to get outside and make some memories.

Parking Permits Available for Purchase

Parking permits for the 2026-2027 academic year are available for purchase. 2025-2026 permits expire
Aug. 15, 2026. Annual permits for the 2026-2027 school year will be valid until Aug. 15, 2027.

The parking permits are virtual — you will not get a hangtag or sticker for your vehicle. Your license plate will act as your parking permit. You have the option to add an additional vehicle to your permit, with a maximum of two vehicles allowed. At no time are your primary and secondary vehicles allowed to be parked on campus at the same time under the same virtual permit.

You can obtain your new virtual permit online.

For those only needing temporary parking, there are short-term parking options available. Short-term permits can be purchased online, and options include daily weekly and monthly permits. Short-term parking is also available at the visitor pay lot and through the AMP Park mobile app in lots throughout campus. A map of campus parking options is available online.

Parking Services offers two payment options:

Bill Bursar account.
Credit card

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Parking Services at 815-753-1045 or at parking@niu.edu.

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

Tuesday, Aug. 18: New International and Graduate Student Resource Fair
Friday, Sept. 4: International and Graduate Student Welcome Back Social

Huskie Athletics' events

Concerts, exhibits and performances

Inclusive Excellence events

Career Services events

Tips from Fellow Huskies

I am so grateful for the help offered by Career Services. They helped me format and polish up my resume and gave me interview tips. Additionally, I’m grateful for the Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (OSEEL) and the opportunities they give students through research grants.

Taylor Hennessee
Medical laboratory sciences major

My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of resources and get involved as you are able. I attended college on a scholarship for low- and limited-income students in the state of Indiana and was a bit lost when I first went away to college. I quickly became connected with student organizations and secured on-campus employment, which helped me understand everything that was available to me. My last piece of advice would be to find a mentor. My mentor was one of my greatest supports.

Lauren Teso
Director of Residential Life, Housing and Residential Services

Deadlines

Monday, July 20: Last day for undergraduates to change or declare a major to be effective for the summer session (Summer 2026)
Friday, July 24: Last day for undergraduates to request a second-half session course withdrawal through advisor (Summer 2026)

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