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Hello! Welcome Days 2013 begins Thursday

August 16, 2013

Welcome Days!Welcome Days 2013 is packed full of events to help you learn all about being an NIU Huskie.

A tentative schedule of events is listed below. Contact the sponsoring department to confirm locations and times.

Students who anticipate barriers to their participation in Welcome Days should contact the Disability Resource Center to arrange accommodations. Accommodations can take time to arrange; call (815) 753-1303 or email drc@niu.edu as soon as possible.

Residence Hall Opening
Thursday, Aug. 22, begins at 9 a.m.

Welcome home! Team NIU volunteers will be on site to welcome you and help you get settled as your NIU journey begins!

Parent and Family Orientation Session
Thursday, Aug. 22, 3 p.m.

While you meet your roommate and finish unpacking, invite your family members to attend a parent/family orientation session to learn how they can be involved in helping you establish a positive living environment in your new home away from home. They will meet the staff and learn about living on campus at NIU.

First Floor Meeting
Thursday, Aug. 22, 3:30 p.m.

Meet your neighbors and community advisers and learn how to take advantage of the benefits of living on campus. An overview of on-campus living topics will be presented, including how to make the most of your residential experience. You’ll also learn about and sign the Northern PACT.

Welcome Days 2012Family Fair
Thursday, Aug. 22, 4 to 5 p.m.
Location: Rec Center

Families, parents and friends of NIU students can learn more about the wonderful services available on campus. Meet representatives from Huskie Family Connections, Financial Aid, Health Services, the Honors Program, Athletics, Student Involvement & Leadership Development and much more.

A Taste of Northern – THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED

On Opening Day every year, Housing & Dining celebrates the arrival of our newest residents by hosting “A Taste of Northern.” This event is a fantastic opportunity for new students and their families to experience what NIU and the DeKalb community have to offer. Students, their families, NIU faculty and staff and community members are all invited to partake in the fun and lively atmosphere. Attendees can meet new students, enjoy live entertainment (including the NIU Marching Band) and eat delicious food from DeKalb-area vendors.

RHA Block Party
Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
Location: Central Park

Come out to the Residence Hall Association’s annual block party located in Central Park! Enjoy free food, entertainment, giveaways and much more. The block party will offer a variety of games and activities throughout the night and is one of RHA’s biggest programs, with thousands of residents attending each year.

Huskie Marching Band drumlineBand Run
Friday, Aug. 23, 9:30 a.m.

Wake up and bring your school spirit to this early morning procession, led by NIU’s marching band and cheerleaders. Feel a sense of pride as you make your way through campus as an NIU Huskie, and arrive as a unified class at Academic Convocation. Commuter students and first-year students living off campus are encouraged to join us at the Neptune Hall sand volleyball courts for this walk through campus. The run begins at the Neptune Hall sand volleyball courts and stops at residence halls along the way.

Academic Convocation
Friday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m.
Location: Convocation Center

Join President Douglas D. Baker and members of the faculty and staff as we celebrate the beginning of your college experience at Northern Illinois University. Academic Convocation is a formal ceremony to officially welcome you to NIU. You will learn about campus traditions, academic opportunities and set the stage to graduate.

Welcome Days 2012“We Are Huskies” Tailgate
Friday, Aug. 23, noon

Relax with your new friends and members of the university community while enjoying a great tailgate-style lunch on the west lawn of Huskie Stadium. Members of the Huskie Marching Band, spirit squad and Huskie student-athletes will be on hand to help you discover what it means to Be Proud, Be NIU!

Academic College Receptions
Friday, Aug. 23, 3:30 p.m.

The Academic College Receptions are an opportunity to celebrate and welcome new students to campus. You will have a chance to meet the faculty, staff and students in your respective colleges. This is a wonderful occasion for you to begin building connections with the faculty and staff who will be your mentors for the next four years. Light refreshments will be provided.

A full Welcome Days schedule, including the President’s Welcome Back Picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, on the west lawn of the Music Building near Gilbert Hall, is available online.

For more information, call (815) 753-1421 or email WelcomeDays@niu.edu.