Promotional items carry NIU's identity into the world. How they are ordered is governed by university brand standards and by current budget restrictions.
One form covers both requests: items from our inventory and approval to purchase your own.
Start a Promotional Items Request
Before you place or approve any order: the vendor's digital proof must be reviewed and approved by the NIU Clearinghouse. This applies to every promotional item purchase, regardless of who is paying or which brand appears on the item. Ordering without approval risks receiving merchandise that cannot be used.
University Marketing maintains an inventory of NIU-branded promotional items for student recruitment and supplies them to your department at no cost.
We cannot supply items for current-student events, including involvement fairs, student organization events and college activities for enrolled students. Our inventory is designated for prospective student recruitment.
Promotional items are not the only option for tabling at a campus event, and often not the most effective one. Creative Services can build a professional NIU table presence with table runners, display panels, banners and document holders.
Request Event Display Materials
Under NIU's promotional items and catering guidelines, departments may not purchase promotional materials through FY27 except in limited circumstances. Every purchase requires vice presidential approval regardless of fund source.
Purchases require an approved exception from the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications before you order. This includes purchases funded by a sponsor and purchases funded by a grant or contract that budgets for promotional items. Submit your request before you commit to a vendor or place an order.
The Office of Admissions, the Office of Orientation and First Year Programs, the Graduate School and the College of Law may purchase promotional items for student recruitment and onboarding without an exception. Brand review still applies. Learn what to do before you order.
Start a Promotional Items Request
Two steps apply to every purchase, including purchases that do not need an exception.
Do not send your vendor a logo file you found or have used before. Get the specifications from your vendor and submit a Creative Services request. We will create the artwork to those specifications so your vendor receives a correct, print-ready file.
When your vendor produces a digital proof, submit it to the Clearinghouse for approval before you place or approve the order. Build this into your timeline. Approving a proof directly with the vendor is how off-brand merchandise gets produced.
Both steps apply to items carrying a college or unit sub-brand, whether or not budget restrictions are in effect. Sub-brands are extensions of the university identity, not alternatives to it.
School counselors and teachers working with NIU-bound students can request NIU materials directly.
University Marketing
Still Hall 110
marketing@niu.edu