The University Council
(NIU Constitution, Article 1 and NIU Bylaws, Article 1)

Membership of the University Council 

NIU Constitution, Article 1

The University Council, in accordance with Board of Trustees Policies, has the power to:

1.1 Participate in the selection of faculty committees.

1.2 Advise the president on the appointment of administrative officers, including the selection of a president.

1.3 Participate and advise the president and the vice presidents in preparing and administering the annual budget, setting goals and priorities for the utilization of resources, and providing periodic evaluation of progress in achieving goals and priorities.

1.4 Participate and advise the president in determining basic policies with respect to campus planning and building construction and utilization.

1.5 Aid in developing basic policies for the university.

1.6 Establish such standing and temporary committees as may be necessary for the discharge of its responsibilities; to define the membership, jurisdiction, and authority of such committees; to resolve disputes among committees thus established; and to act on the reports submitted by such committees.

1.7 Advise the president, and the vice presidents, on policies affecting the quality of student life on campus.

NIU Bylaws

1.1 Composition

1.1.1 The University Council shall consist of voting representatives of the university faculty, students, staff, and administration as follows: 

Eight tenure-track faculty members, one from each degree-granting college and University Libraries. Such tenure-track faculty from each degree-granting college and University Libraries, eligible to either be elected or to elect, shall include those who hold the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor, and shall exclude the president, the president's staff, the executive vice president and provost, the executive vice president and provost's staff, the deans, and the deans’ staffs.

Two instructors as defined in the instructors’ collective bargaining agreement.

One clinical faculty member selected by the Council of Deans.

Four student members selected by the Student Government Association and one graduate student member selected by the Graduate Council.

Four supportive professional staff members selected by the Supportive Professional Staff Council.

Five operating staff members selected by the Operating Staff Council.

Four administrators including: the president of the university, the executive vice president and provost, the chief financial officer; and one dean selected by and from the deans.

1.1.2. The Faculty Senate president shall serve as the nonvoting chair.

1.1.3. The University Council shall have at least one elected member who is a member of a minority racial group.

1.1.4 Subject to the call of the University Council, other persons, serving as consultants, shall have the right to participate in the deliberations of the University Council, but shall not have the right to vote. 

1.2 Terms of Office

1.2.1 Persons elected to the position of University Council voting member shall serve terms of three years, except for persons elected as student representatives and operating staff representatives who shall serve terms of one year. The university president, the executive vice president and provost, and the chief financial officer shall serve for the duration of their term of office. The dean representative and the Faculty Senate president/University Council chair shall serve terms of one year.

Meets monthly on Wednesdays during the academic year at 3 p.m.
2026-2027 meeting schedule: Sep 9, Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2, Jan 27, Feb 24, Mar 31, Apr 28.

Membership of the University Council