Sept. 8,  2026

NIU'S 119TH HOMECOMING

A NIU tradition is making waves again! Teams will build boats using only cardboard and recyclable materials, then race them across the waters of the East Lagoon in a test of creativity, teamwork, and staying afloat. Will your boat sink or sail to victory?

Tell us why you love NIU!  Adobe is sponsoring our Homecoming Video Competition and is asking students to submit a 30-60 second self-made video sharing why they love NIU and why they have #HuskiePride. Winners of the video contest will be announced during Homecoming Week and the first place winner will receive $500, the second place winner will receive $300 and the third place winner will receive $200. Submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 25.

We're excited to welcome Huskie families to campus for a weekend full of fun, connection, and memories. Whether you're cheering at a game, exploring DeKalb, or enjoying special campus events, Family Weekend is the perfect time to experience NIU together. 

Huskies Vote is partnering with the DeKalb County Clerk's Office to offer Deputy Registrar Training on Tuesday, Sept. 15 — National Voter Registration Day, 10- 11 a.m., open to all eligible students, faculty, and staff on campus (Peters Campus Life Building 100).  

Eligibility: You must be registered to vote in DeKalb County and at least 18 years old. 

Not yet registered to vote in DeKalb County? You can do that during the Campus Meets Community event with the Clerk's Office, or register online ahead of the training. 

No other experience needed — the Clerk's Office team will walk you through everything. RSVP is required by Sept. 10 

Want a chance to win an Amazon gift card? Complete this eight- to 10-minute survey regarding our Edible Campus program on NIU’s campus.  

Questions about this survey? Contact Sam DiRienzo at Z2018615@students.niu.edu or Nancy Prange at nprange@niu.edu.

Up your game in the kitchen with NIU Recreation’s cooking classes. Our low-stress classes get you comfortable in the kitchen with hands-on cooking (and eating, yum!). In the lineup this fall are street corn chicken bowls, beef stir-fry, creamy tomato gnocchi (VG), Cajun shrimp pasta and our holiday baking class. Our hands-on cooking classes fill up fast and don’t disappoint. Use promo code FALLCOOKING26 to get $5 off your first class. Regular price $10. Claim your spot: Registration for our first class, street corn chicken bowls, ends Sept. 8.  

Researchers at Northern Illinois University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are conducting a study about how college students respond to social situations involving their peers. Students age 18 and older are invited to complete a confidential online survey that takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Participation is voluntary, and you may stop the survey at any time without penalty. While there is no direct benefit for participating, your responses may help researchers better understand social behavior, empathy and inclusion among college students.

Some survey questions include language that reflects a range of societal attitudes and may be uncomfortable for some participants. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.

No identifying information will be collected, and your responses cannot be linked to you. By completing the survey, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and agree to participate in the study.

For questions about the study, contact Nahal Salimi, Ph.D., at 314-359-0555. Questions about your rights as a research participant may be directed to the NIU Office of Research Compliance, Integrity and Safety at researchcompliance@niu.edu.

Save the Date! Are you registered to attend the upcoming Career Success Clinic on Sept. 10th? It’s time to take your career to the next level- and it starts by attending the Career Success Clinic!

Thursday, September 10, 2026
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Holmes Student Center, Duke Ellington Ballroom

This is your chance to connect directly with 30+ employees, get personalized career advice, and make valuable connections- all in one place!

Featured employers are here to connect with you to get personalized feedback on your resumes, LinkedIn Profile, elevator pitches, or gain industry insights.

Meet representatives from: Aon, Arrive Logistics, Autonomy Works, Braven, Captive Resources, City Year, COOP, Constellation Nuclear, DeKalb CUSD #428, DCEDC, Ensemble Arts, Graybar, IFG US, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Michaels, NATO, Nehring Electrical Works, NIU Admissions, NIU Alumni Association, NIU Campus Dining, NIU College of Education, NIU Department of Management, NIU Department of UBUS, NIU Esports, NIU Graduate School, NIU Orientation and FYR Programs, Paylocity, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, The Suter Company, and Woodward!

Whether you’re actively searching for an internship or job, exploring career options, or simply looking to build your professional network, this event is for you!

Don’t miss your chance to gain early access to our employers and get career ready!

Make sure to RSVP via Suitable (required to attend): https://app.suitable.co/institution/6685/activities/645419

We’ll see you there, Huskies!

Join Career Services for an interactive virtual workshop providing a walkthrough of the Huskie Career Launchpad and a brief overview of how to navigate the Suitable app. We will show you how to log your campus involvement in Suitable to earn points, build a portable portfolio, and earn digital badges to feature on LinkedIn - plus how completing badges unlocks exclusive career events, and more!

Date & Time: Sept. 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Preparation: Please download the Suitable app in advance and bring your phone or laptop to follow along!
Join us on MS Teams here.

Set yourself up for success early and start getting career-ready today. We look forward to seeing you there!