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NIU provides many opportunities for undocumented students, however, it is crucial that we identify the program requirements of the major they are interested in pursuing. The majority of NIU’s majors require students to participate in clinical experience, practicums, internships, or student teaching; yet, many undocumented students do not have the paperwork to complete these essential components toward their degree.
The following table is an overview of clinical experience, internships, observation hours and student- teaching requirements set by various academic programs at NIU. It also provides information on the process students will need to pursue to complete background checks prior to a required out-of-classroom experience in their chosen field of study.
More Questions?
For specific questions students should contact the designated advisor for their specific major.
College |
Required Outside Classroom Experience: |
Process |
Business |
Not required, but highly recommended. Some unpaid internships, but students will need to inquire of individual departments. A great opportunity for all majors is the Experiential Learning Center where students (junior standing) work on real company business problems |
Depends on the company |
Education |
Required for Elementary Ed., Special Ed, Physical Ed, Early Childhood Studies. Observations, clinical experience, and student teaching |
Background checks are done at the Regional Office of Education (ROE) or at the school district's administration office (where the student will observe or teach) depending on the school district’s preference |
Education |
Athletic Training & Kinesiology: Observation hours required. Some can be done with trainers at NIU in the Recreation Center. Student is responsible to find an approved site |
Varies by site |
Liberal Arts & Sciences College |
Required for teacher licensure programs, clinical experience and student teaching |
Background checks are done at the ROE |
Liberal Arts & Sciences |
Internships are not required, but highly recommended for non-teacher licensure programs |
Depends on the major and internship site |
Visual & Performing Arts |
Required for teaching licensure programs (Art & Music Education) |
Background checks are done at the ROE |
Visual & Performing Arts |
Highly recommended for non-teaching programs |
Depends on site |
ROTC |
Only U.S. citizens |
N/A |
Engineering & Engineering Technology |
Highly encouraged internships |
Depends on the company |
Health & Human Sciences |
Most majors under the College of Health and Human Sciences require internships, observation hours, student teaching, or clinical experience |
Teacher licensure majors under Health and Human sciences need to process background checks via the ROE or at the school district's administration office depending on the school district’s preference |
Contact Us
Sandy López
Coordinator for Undocumented Student Support
Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Campus Life Building 230
slopez1@niu.edu
815-753-2391
Hours
Fall 2020 office hours beginning September 1.
Monday: Closed (virtual appointments only slopez1@niu.edu)
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thursday: 1-5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.