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NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Aug. 17,  2026

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

What it Means to be a Huskie.

We know a good fit affects your entire college experience, and our priority is to make sure all Huskies feel at home. We value uniqueness and celebrate diversity as one of our greatest strengths. We customize resources, programs and events to ensure you not only have fun and thrive, but also feel welcome, included, safe and valued. Here you can lead and succeed in both life and your career by being who you are while you discover who you will be.

Discover what it means to be a Huskie →
What it Means to be a Huskie.
 

Join us for Week of Welcome!

Week of Welcome is Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 and welcomes Huskies to campus with programs and events designed to help you meet new people and learn about NIU traditions and resources. It’s the best way to get started at NIU! All new undergraduate students are expected to participate in WOW, one of our biggest annual traditions on campus. Huskies say it's an easy way to meet people and start making NIU feel like home – we’ll see you there!

Week of Welcome calendar of events →
 

Is the NIU Safe App on Your Home Screen?

NIU Safe: The official safety app of NIU. Available for download at go.niu.edu/NIUSafe.

Keep yourself and our campus safe by downloading the NIU Safe App. You can receive weather and safety warnings, get police assistance at the touch of a button and walk safely across campus by allowing friends or the police to temporarily track your progress. Learn more and download.

 

Looking for a Job? Campus Dining is Hiring!

Need a job? Campus Dining is hiring. Work on campus, earn money, meet people and build
skills — all while working around your class schedule. We’d love to have you on our team.

Interested? Visit our website for details and to apply online. Please note: You’re required to submit your fall semester availability as part of our application process.

 

It's Not Too Late to Purchase a Off-campus Meal Plan

It’s not too late to purchase an Off-campus Student Meal Plan or Dining Dollar Level Plan. Check out our Off-campus Student Meal Plans page for more details. Meals can be used to dine in, take food to go using an eco-friendly container or toward meal exchange at participating retail locations. Dining Dollars can be used at all campus dining locations. Your time is valuable — make it a priority with an off-campus meal plan. Sign up today!

For all that Campus Dining has to offer, visit our website, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

 

Save the Date for NIU's 119th Homecoming—Oct 5 through 11, 2026

Be part of Homecoming Court.

As part of Homecoming festivities, the Campus Activities Board sponsors the Homecoming Court selection process Homecoming Court selection process. The Court honors students who have made meaningful contributions to the life and culture of the University.

  • 10 students will be selected for the Court based on: leadership, academic excellence, service, campus involvement and school spirit.
  • From this group, 4 students will be named Homecoming Royalty, determined by their NIU Homecoming Committee  application scores and student body votes.

Interested in being part of Homecoming Court?  Learn more about the requirements and process by visiting the Homecoming website. The deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

 

Corn Fest is Coming to Downtown DeKalb!

Looking for something fun to do during one of our first weekends back on campus? Corn Fest is one of the last remaining free music festivals among Illinois music festivals and summer festivals. Celebrating its 48th year, the festival will be held in downtown DeKalb on Lincoln Hwy. between 1st and 4th St. from Friday, Aug. 28 through 30.

Visit the Corn Fest website →
 

Get Career Ready with Huskie Career Launchpad

Offered by NIU Career Services, the Huskie Career Launchpad helps you turn everyday NIU experiences — attending workshops, leading student groups, completing job simulations or working an internship — into tangible skills organizations look for. As you track your involvement in the Suitable app, you earn digital badges to feature on LinkedIn, build a strong portfolio and stand out to future employers.

Download the Suitable app and log in with your ZID@niu.edu to start earning badges today.

Start the Semester Strong with our Career Success Clinic

Ready to build your confidence and prepare for your career journey? The Career Success Clinic is your chance to connect with employers, explore career resources, and strengthen the skills you need to succeed.

Join us on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center for an interactive evening featuring:

  • 30+ employers to connect with
  • Resume and career preparation support
  • Professional development resources
  • Free LinkedIn headshots
  • A professional fashion show and tips to help you make a great first impression

Whether you are looking for an internship, preparing for any of the upcoming Career Fairs, exploring career options, or just getting started, this event is for you! Open to all majors and class years. RSVP is required. Reserve your spot today!

Don't forget to utilize your resources we are here for you! Come visit us in Peters Campus Life Building Room 220 and let us know how we can help. 

Career Services Homepage | Peer Coach Drop In Hours | Huskie Career Launchpad | Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected to all things Career Services! 

 

NIU Community School of the Arts — Register for Fall 2026 Music Lessons and Classes

Experience the arts and learn something new this semester, registration at the NIU Community School of the Arts is now open.

Students of any age can learn to play a musical instrument or brush up skills with private music lessons. Enroll today and start learning this semester.

Piano and guitar group classes for adults make learning to play music a more fun and affordable experience. Meet new friends and gain new skills with weekly classes beginning in September.

Toddlers ages 1 to 5 sing, dance, play and have fun in CSA Prelude and Development children’s music education classes.Sign up soon and bring your kids for their very first music classes.

Suzuki music instruction is a popular option for aspiring violin students and their parents. The fall Suzuki session begins soon.

Piano Starter class for kids ages 5 to 7, Symphonette for middle school string musicians, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, CSA Steelband and CSA Guitar Ensemble offer more opportunities to explore new sounds and connect with other music lovers.

Please visit the CSA website or call 815-753-1450 for more information.

 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Tuesday, Aug. 18: New International and Graduate Student Resource Fair
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18: UNIV 301 Info Session
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 23: Week of Welcome 2026
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19: Culture Fest
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19: NIU Esports Varsity Info Session
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19: STEAM Café: Innovation and Local History at the Glidden Homestead
  • Thursday, Aug. 20: Transfer Student Social
  • Thursday, Aug. 20: WOW Block Party
  • Friday, Aug. 21: Transfer Student Social
  • Friday, Aug. 21: Level Up Your Semester: Academic Resource Quest
  • Friday, Aug. 21: Rec Open House
  • Saturday, Aug. 22: Welcome Holmes
  • Sunday, Aug. 23: President's Welcome Back Picnic
  • Thursday, Aug. 27: Interdisciplinary Centers Open House
  • Friday, Sept. 4: International and Graduate Student Welcome Back Social
  • Friday, Sept. 18: Call for Papers: Treinta y tres
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20: On-campus Flu Clinic
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Brianna Baker
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It is very important to attend class every week. In class, there will be discussions about future exams, and if you aren't attending class, you will miss out on the material. I also take notes in class, both on the PowerPoint presentation and on what the professor discusses.

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Brianna Baker
Rehabilitation counseling graduate student 

Bo Zhang
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My advice is to be curious, take on challenges and make the most of every opportunity. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone by joining research projects, internships, student organizations or competitions. Those experiences often teach lessons that go beyond the classroom. At the same time, build strong relationships with your professors and classmates. They can become valuable mentors, collaborators and lifelong friends. Finally, remember that learning is a journey. Stay persistent, embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow and never stop asking questions.

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Bo Zhang
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

 

Deadlines

  • Friday, Aug. 28: Application Deadline for Homecoming Court Candidates
  • Sunday, Aug. 30: Last day for undergraduates to drop a first-half-semester course through advisor (Fall 2026)
  • Sunday, Aug. 30: Last day for undergraduates to add or drop a first-half-semester or full-semester course(s) via self-service in MyNIU (Fall 2026)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30: Deadline to Complete Student Health Insurance Waiver
 

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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.