Doug Baker
NIU has been a top destination for community college transfer students in the state of Illinois for many years. Those transfer students perform well when they get to NIU and ultimately have strong graduation rates.
To build on these strengths, our academic and enrollment management staff members are examining opportunities to further enhance our partnerships.
In recent weeks, we have had busloads of students and staff from College of Lake County and Malcolm X College visit campus, meet with our academic and enrollment staff members and attend football games. We have also implemented a policy allowing all community college students to show their IDs at football games to get reduced ticket prices.
We are proud to note that many of the of those in leadership roles at these schools are NIU graduates including College of Lake County President Jerry Weber and Malcolm X College Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Darrylinn Todd.
Other examples of our community college collaborations include strong ties to Kishwaukee College with NIU alum and President Tom Choice. The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is also working closely with Rock Valley College, Rockford University and Embry Riddle, as well as local industry. I am also pleased that NIU’s articulation agreement with Waubonsee Community College is being presented as a model for the state in Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s College Completion Playbook. Christine Sobek, president of Waubonsee, is another NIU alum.
As we enhance the opportunities for collaborations across sectors of higher education, we better serve students and enhance the quality of life in Illinois. These cumulative effects will allow students to easily transfer to NIU, succeed in the classroom and prepare for career and life successes. We are proud of our transfer students and the excellence they bring to the university.
Together forward,
