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Sept. 29, 2025

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Explore resources to help you reach your goals.

The most successful Huskies are the ones who ask for help. This Student Life website highlights a variety of support offices on campus to help you succeed in your studies. In addition, be sure to ask your academic advisor, professors and friends for advice and support when you need it. Below are just a few available services that will help you succeed in the classroom.

Learn more about academic resources
 

It's Homecoming Week!

We're excited to welcome Huskies home for our 118th Homecoming celebration happening the week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 5, 2025..

View all Homecoming events

Join us for our 3rd annual Homecoming Kickoff

Calling all Huskies! Help us kick off Homecoming from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29 in the MLK Commons.

Come celebrate with the NIU Marching Band, our 2025 Homecoming Court and the winners of the student organization Paint the Windows Contest. You can also purchase your 2025 Pride with Purpose shirt and make a donation to the Huskie Food Pantry.

Learn more about the kickoff

See you at the Homecoming Block Party: Down Home in Downtown DeKalb

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Local fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join the Huskies for a down home celebration in downtown DeKalb.  

The Huskie Homecoming Block Party has something for everyone—kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more!

Learn more
 

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.!

  • Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 
  • Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
  • Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 
  • Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 
  • Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 
  • Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 
  • Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 
  • Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 

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!

 

Preparing for a career fair.

Start preparing now for the All-Majors Internship and Job Fair taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 8. 

Attending a career fair is a valuable opportunity to learn about different industries, make important professional contacts, practice your interviewing skills and gain intelligence about the job market within your major and outside of it. With a little preparation and a focus on some key details, it can be a worthwhile experience.

Learn how to prepare for the career fair.
 

We’re Hiring Northern Ambassadors

The NIU Office of Admissions is looking for enthusiastic, outgoing students to join our Northern Ambassadors team. Ambassadors lead campus tours, share their NIU experience and help prospective students find their home at NIU.

Why Join?

  • Build leadership and public speaking skills.
  • Make connections and be part of the NIU community.
  • Enjoy flexible hours around your class schedule.

Who Can Apply?

  • Any current, full-time NIU student.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Passion for representing NIU.

Apply by Oct. 22 to be invited to the Hiring Workshop Oct. 25. Invitations are sent as applications are submitted. Apply today.

For questions, contact Ethan Wybourn at ewybourn3@niu.edu.

Help future Huskies find their path!

 

‼️Student Insurance Waiver Deadline Approaching‼️

Students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours are automatically billed $1,378.00 for student health insurance for Fall 2025. You can find out more information regarding the plan at the United Healthcare Student Resource website. 

If you have comparable insurance and would like to cancel the plan the Student Health Insurance Enrollment and Waiver site is open through September 30.  You will find the link to Enroll/Waive in the blue box on our website.  This is an online process only.
 
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 September 30 will be enrolled for annual coverage under the plan and no refund will be given.

 

Schedule Your Hearing Test Today!

Are you exposed to loud sounds or music? Do you often ask others to repeat what they say? NIU students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in a free, 30-minute hearing test at The Hearing Conservation Center, sponsored by the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders.

Services include: hearing health screener, noise exposure assessment, outer/middle ear screening and hearing protection consultation.

Email hcc@niu.edu or call 815-753-6246 to set up your screening. Hearing tests take place at Wirtz Hall, Room 314 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays.

Learn more at go.niu.edu/hcc.

 

Want to be in NIU Photos and Videos? We Need You!

Hey Huskies! We need your help!  The Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications Division (EMMC) produces dozens of videos and thousands of photos each year for use both within and outside of the Huskie community. This includes printed materials, social media and Web content, as well as videos promoting classes, programs and activities.   

If you love the camera and would enjoy helping your school, we need you! The EMMC team is updating its diverse group of students we tap regularly to appear in these videos and photos throughout the year. It’s easy, takes just a little of your time and we promise you a Huskie t-shirt each time you participate. Interested?

Give us just a bit of your information, and we’ll contact you in plenty of time to make it work for your schedule.   

 

NIU Campus Flu Clinic – Fall 2025

Northern Illinois University will host its annual flu clinic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in the Holmes Student Center Ballroom.

Please note: COVID-19 and High-Dose flu vaccines will not be available at this clinic.

Appointments are required. Visit the Flu Vaccine Clinic Information and Instructions page to schedule your appointment and download the required Client Consent Form. Go to: Flu Vaccine Clinic Information and Instructions.

  • For NIU employees on state insurance: Bring your completed consent form.
  • Employees not on state insurance, retirees, dependents and students: Bring a valid ID and insurance card to your appointment.

To reschedule or cancel, use the “Reschedule” button in your confirmation email.

For questions about vaccine eligibility or insurance coverage, contact the DeKalb County Health Department at 815-758-6673. For assistance with booking or event details, contact NIU Employee Well-being at 815-753-9191 or email ksmith12@niu.edu.

 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Sept. 15 through Oct. 15: Latino Heritage Month
  • Monday, Sept. 29 through Friday, Oct. 3: Homecoming Super Spirit Days
  • Monday, Sept. 29: Third Annual Homecoming Kickoff
  • Monday, Sept. 29: Huskie Sound Garden
  • Monday, Sept. 29: Crafting Connections
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30: Public Radio 101
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30: NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Job and Internship Fair
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30: Recycled Boat Race
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1: First-Gen Forward: Huskie Pride Celebration
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1: Food Truck Wednesdays | Homecoming
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1: Huskie Rumble presented by Turtle Beach
  • Thursday, Oct. 2: Half Price Thursdays at the Huskie Den
  • Thursday, Oct. 2: Homecoming Block Party: Down Home in Downtown DeKalb
  • Thursday, Oct. 2: NIU Homecoming Concert: Coi Leray
  • Friday, Oct. 3: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, Oct. 3: Bowling Tournament - Huskie Shuffle - Three Step
  • Friday, Oct. 3: Huskie Hour at Jonamac Orchard
  • Friday, Oct. 3: Huskies S'mores N'more
  • Saturday, Oct. 4: Brunch with Mission and Victor E.
  • Saturday, Oct. 4: Mission's Grove
  • Saturday, Oct. 4: Homecoming Football Game vs. Miami (Ohio)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 8: Fall 2025 All-Majors Internship and Job Fair
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Matthew Vanderwater

"Going to class is very important in gaining further understanding of a class and a topic. Having access to someone who is extremely knowledgeable is a truly invaluable resource. It also reinforces the knowledge you learn each day. It is one of the best ways to learn a topic, and oftentimes, there is not a great excuse for skipping. Building a rapport with professors is also a very rewarding experience, as they truly care about educating the students who go to their classes."

Matthew Vanderwater 
Industrial and systems engineering major

Christopher Goodman

"Take advantage of the connections that NIU has in the community. If you want to get involved, just ask."

Christopher Goodman
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration

 

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Tuesday, Sept. 30: Student Insurance Waiver Deadline (Fall 2025)
  • Friday, Oct. 24: Nomination Deadline for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards
  • Wednesday, Oct. 29: Nomination Deadline for the 2025 Outstanding Contributions to International Education Awards
 

Weekly Wellness Tip

Get Moving and Get Involved

One of the best ways to handle the stress of college life is through fitness.

As a Huskie, you automatically have access to NIU Recreation and can simply use your OneCard ID to enter. Use our fitness machines, participate in intramural sports, swim laps, rent a court or outdoor equipment, or take an adventure trip. Group classes, nutrition coaching, personal trainers and more are available for a fee.

Learn more
 

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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.