Academics - NIU - Undocumented Students

Academic Opportunities

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: Internships, student teaching, clinical experience, observation hours, etc.	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 Non-teaching majors	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 Non-teaching programs- depends on site
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 It is recommended that the student talk with an advisor on the specific major to better address the background-check protocol and site placement requirements	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 All other majors requiring a background check need to consult with their primary academic advisor

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.