Becky and Lindsay are doing a great job with their Hidden Gems of NIU series, highlighting interesting places around NIU’s campus. They were a pleasure to work with and are both obviously very passionate about what they do and about promoting NIU. Go Huskies!
Date posted: March 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Becky Griffith and Lindsay Van Geem – NIU STEAM
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences proudly presents its Second Annual International Roundtable as part of their Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series at 4 p.m. CDT March 20. The Roundtable showcases the research of college faculty in areas related to democracy and a global society.
The event, conducted on Zoom, will feature a discussion between five faculty experts and Dean Robert Brinkmann covering the worldwide impacts of climate change. The discussion will include topics like changing weather patterns, environmental policy, as well as the effects on population, public health, water availability and quality, and how changing conditions affect the evolution and extinction of species. A moderated question and answer session will follow.
Panelists for the discussion include Walker Ashley, professor, earth, atmosphere and environment; Colin Kuehl, assistant professor, political science/Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy; Melissa Lenczewski, professor, earth, atmosphere and environment/Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy; Karen Samonds, professor, biological sciences; and Jim Wilson, professor, earth, atmosphere and environment.
The program is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Go to http://go.niu.edu/Rebuilding-Democracy-RSVP to request a link to the event prior to March 20. Event links will be sent from the clas-communication@niu.edu mailbox one day prior to the event.
The Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series showcases how the liberal arts and sciences is at the center of a healthy democracy. The Series addresses various aspects of building a stronger democracy and bringing together a fractured society – everything from restoring civility, exploring branches of government, rebuilding our diplomatic and intelligence offices, as well as topical issues such as education, healthcare, media, public health, budget and finance, sustainability/environmental issues, and social justice/human rights.
Date posted: March 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Rebuilding Democracy Lecture Series International Roundtable features discussion on climate change on March 20
It’s never too early to learn about medical laboratory sciences.
That was the case last week when more than 60 students from Somonauk Middle School arrived on campus as part of a science-focused field trip supported by the School of Health Studies and NIU College of Health and Human Sciences.
“Thank you so much for hosting us and making it a wonderful experience,” said science teacher Christopher Gomes. “My students are still talking about how wonderful it was.”
Students arrived at DuSable Hall and were outfitted in lab coats and safety goggles to begin their work as medical laboratory scientists. From a simulation to demonstrate disease transmission to viewing cultures of microorganisms that cause strep throat and performing a chemical analysis of a urine specimen, there was plenty to keep students engaged.
“Introducing young people to medical laboratory science (MLS) at NIU is important,” said Jeanne Isabel, chair, NIU School of Health Studies. “By providing educational and fun activities, we hope to spark an interest in a career in MLS.”
Medical laboratory scientists are vital health care team members who provide scientific analysis of blood, body fluids and tissues. They work in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ office laboratories and reference laboratories as well as in public health roles, forensics, research, sales and marketing and education.
“I always enjoy sharing information about medical laboratory sciences since so many people don’t know this profession exists,” said Ellen Olsen, MLS program coordinator. “Our profession is not in the spotlight like other health careers.”
NIU faculty members, staff members and students are invited to attend open forums with the finalists for dean of the College of Business.
Open forum sessions with the candidates will be in person with a virtual attendance option, and are as follows:
Candidate #1
11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, March 19 in Barsema Hall 300 or via Teams.
Candidate #2
11 a.m. to noon Friday, March 29 in Barsema Hall 301 or via Teams.
Candidate #3
11 a.m. to noon Friday, April 5 in Barsema Hall 301 or via Teams.
The dean serves as a senior administrative officer who reports directly to the provost and is responsible for the academic, programmatic, administrative and fiscal leadership of the College of Business. The dean leads the college and works in collaboration with the faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders to formulate and implement an effective strategic plan consistent with the institution-wide planning, budgeting and evaluation process. This position develops, fosters and maintains positive and productive relationships with key college stakeholders within and external to the university. The dean manages the college’s budget and resources effectively, transparently and collaboratively.
NIU’s College of Business is among the elite 5% of business schools worldwide with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation in both business and accounting and is one of the nation’s esteemed business schools for 34 consecutive years according to U.S. News & World Report (2022 ranking).
Contact the provost’s office at provost@niu.edu for more information on the open forums.
Date posted: March 14, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Open forums for College of Business dean candidates
Carlos helped me in a state of minor emergency – to prepare for a class when all class materials were ruined at the last minute. This is out of his job description and he assisted me so that while I was more than 10 minutes late in starting, it would have been much worse had he not assisted.
Date posted: March 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Carlos Garcia – College of Health and Human Sciences
Mark is an outstanding colleague! Not only is he an extremely talented graphic designer, he is a true team player and all around great person. Mark is constantly juggling multiple projects, some with accelerated deadlines, but he is always willing to jump in and help a colleague out with a smile and gracious attitude. Thank you Mark for everything you do!
Date posted: March 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Mark Lobo – University Advancement
The Illinois Supreme Court will leave the Illinois Supreme Court Building in Springfield behind for a day and “ride the circuit” to hear oral arguments at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb on March 21.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases starting at 10 a.m. (doors open at 9 a.m. and all guests are asked to be seated by 9:30 a.m.), on Thursday, March 21, at the Holmes Student Center at Northern Illinois University, located at 340 Carroll Avenue in DeKalb. The cases before the court will be People v. Flournoy and Andrew W. Levenfeld & Assoc. v. O’Brien.
“The Court is so excited to continue its tradition of Riding the Circuit and bring oral arguments to Northern Illinois University,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis said. “It is such a pleasure to hold court in front of hundreds of students who are likely observing the work we do for the first time. My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming them and other local residents to DeKalb on March 21.”
Students and teachers from local schools have been invited to participate in the March 21 program either by attending the arguments live or watching via a live stream at https://vimeo.com/event/4041658.
“We are honored to be hosting the Supreme Court of Illinois for the first time at NIU,” said NIU College of Law Dean Cassandra L. Hill. “The Supreme Court’s practice of hearing oral arguments is a crucial aspect of the American legal system, offering a dynamic interaction between the Court and those directly involved in a case. This valuable opportunity serves as not only a unique educational opportunity but also as a critical component of the legal process that can inspire a deeper appreciation for the legal system and its role in society.”
Those attending are asked to RSVP to lawevents@niu.edu by March 18. Attendees are asked to arrive early as all guests should be seated by 9:30 a.m. for opening remarks. Groups should contact Assistant Dean Melody Mitchell at mmitchell@niu.edu to receive additional information regarding bus drop-off, parking, and group seating. Backpacks, other large items or bags, food, and drink will not be allowed. Proper courtroom decorum will be required. A question-and-answer session will follow the oral arguments.
In People v. Flournoy, the defendant was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery for shooting and killing a car dealer while robbing a car dealership in 1991. In 2021, defendant filed a pleading, claiming he has newly discovered evidence that: (1) demonstrates his actual innocence; (2) shows the State concealed and fabricated evidence; and (3) shows that he received ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. The lower courts denied relief to the defendant.
At issue before the Illinois Supreme Court is whether this newly discovered evidence may be used both to support defendant’s claim of actual innocence and to supplement his constitutional claim that the State concealed and fabricated evidence.
In Andrew W. Levenfeld & Assoc. v. O’Brien, two law firms sued their former clients to recover attorney fees for their services in an estate dispute. The clients had fired the law firms two months before the clients, represented by new counsel, settled their dispute. The law firms sought to recover the value of their legal services based on their contingency fee agreement with the clients. However, the contingency fee agreement did not specify how the law firms would split the contingency fee, an omission that violates the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. The trial court found that the law firms were entitled to a reasonable fee, consisting of the contingency fee minus the amount the clients paid to new counsel.
The appellate court held that the violation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct renders the contingency fee agreement unenforceable, and thus, the reasonable fee for the law firms cannot be based on the contingency fee. The appellate court remanded the case to the trial court to determine the reasonable value of the law firms’ services.
At issue before the Illinois Supreme Court is whether the law firms’ failure to specify how they would split the contingency fee renders the contingency fee agreement unenforceable and whether this failure prevents a court from considering the contingency rate when determining the reasonable value of the law firms’ services.
The program is sponsored by the Illinois Supreme Court, Northern Illinois University and Northern Illinois University College of Law, the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission and the DeKalb County Bar Association.
Date posted: March 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Supreme Court of Illinois will hear oral arguments at NIU on March 21
NIU will host a team of five Higher Learning Commission (HLC) peer reviewers for a site visit March 25-26 as part of the university’s 10-year comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation process ensures NIU meets the criteria for accreditation, is pursuing institutional improvement and is complying with certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education.
As part of this site visit, faculty, students and staff members are encouraged to attend open forums with members of the HLC peer review team.
Open Forum for Faculty: 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Monday, March 25 in the Holmes Student Center Heritage Room.
Open Forum for Students: 4:15 to 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 25 in the Holmes Student Center Heritage Room.
Open Forum for Staff: 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, March 26 in the Holmes Student Center Heritage Room.
“Receiving HLC accreditation is critical for continuing NIU’s eligibility for federal funding, along with maintaining a high standing with current and prospective students and the public,” said Amy Buhrow, NIU’s accreditation liaison officer and assistant vice provost of Assessment and Accreditation. “We thank members of the NIU community for their feedback on our Assurance Argument for the comprehensive evaluation and invite all faculty and staff to the upcoming open forums. We are looking forward to showcasing our university and enjoying a great visit with the HLC team later this month.”
Serving as Special Assistant to the Provost for the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Charles David Moon II holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts from University of Texas at Austin, and a Bachelor of Arts from Austin College. Moon has served in numerous roles at UCCS since 1991. His teaching experience is centered in Political Science and Government.
Serving as Joint Faculty for the Bioinformatics Graduate Program at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Marico Cobett Bryant Howe holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Bryant Howe also holds a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science from Bowie State University. Bryant Howe has served at numerous institutions of higher education, including her current position since 2018. Her teaching experience includes Bioinformatics, Biomathematics, Computational Biology, Computer and Information Sciences and Pharmacy.
Serving as Dean and CEO for Kansas State University Olathe, Benjamin A. Wolfe holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science from University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Bachelor of Science from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Wolfe has served at several Kansas universities and colleges, including his current role since 2022. Wolfe’s teaching experience includes Environmental Studies, Earth Science and Geology.
Serving as Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs for South Dakota State University, Kimberly Ann Grieve holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Education from University of Toledo. Grieve also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University. She has served in higher education since 2012, including her current role since July 2023.
Serving as Professor at Central Michigan University, Vincent Mumford holds a Doctor of Education from University of Delaware and Certificates from Harvard University and Indiana University Bloomington. Mumford has served in several positions at Central Michigan University, since 2013. Mumford’s teaching experience includes Sport and Fitness Administration and Management.
HLC is an independent corporation, founded in 1895 as one of seven regional accreditors in the United States, accrediting degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions. HLC accredits the institution as a whole, with a mission to advance the common good through quality assurance of higher education as the leader in equitable, transformative and trusted accreditation in the service of students and member institutions.
As we approach our Huskies United Day of Giving, there are so many ways you can advocate for and support NIU students and programs, whether you volunteer your time or resources.
Your generosity fuels students who are working toward their dreams and goals and feeds innovative programs and research at NIU that change lives.
Huskies United kicks off at 4:25 p.m. on March 20, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 21, which makes for 1,895 minutes of championing NIU, a tribute to the year the university was founded.
As with every year during Huskies United, there will be challenges funded by generous donors to help stir excitement about giving to NIU, for donors of all types and all amounts every hour during the Day of Giving These challenges will be online and in person on NIU’s DeKalb campus at the Holmes Student Center.
Some of the impactful challenges include:
Challenge Name
When this number of gifts is made to any area…
…a gift will be unlocked totaling
Huskies United Participation Challenge
1,500
$150,000 to the Northern Fund
Huskies United Leadership Donor Challenge
50 gifts of $1,000+
$50,000 to the Northern Fund
Huskies United Plus 1 Challenge
2,415
$25,000 to the Northern Fund
The Northern Fund provides flexible, unrestricted support that allows us to seize emerging opportunities and plan with confidence as we continue to meet the demands of our rapidly changing environment.
This year, there are also new Flash Challenges for donors on the Huskies United website. For example, the first Huskies United donor will get $500 allocated to the area of their choice, and with the 1895 Challenge, the 1,895th donor will be recognized with $1,895 to be donated to an area of their choosing.
For those who love swag, every donor who gives $50 or more will get an exclusive 1,000-piece NIU puzzle that’s as unique as our Huskie spirit!
Come by the Organizations and Student Involvement Suite (OASIS) in the Holmes Student Center on March 20 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on March 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to join us at the Huskie Headquarters. Stop on by and get a chance to win cash for your favorite area of giving at NIU during the cash grab game! There will also be special appearances, photo and video booths and more!
In addition to the opportunities for donating, you can volunteer to be a Huskies United Ambassador. Our ambassadors spread the word about Huskies United via their social media accounts, texting, emailing, and networking with others passionate about NIU to amplify their impact on NIU students and programs by helping unlock more than $350,000 in challenge gifts.
Whether you give gifts big or small, any amount makes an impact and as we have seen during past years of Huskies United, such as last year when donors raised more than $2.5 million, Huskies can accomplish a lot when we join together to support NIU students and programs.
For more information on Huskies United, please visit the website: https://dog.niu.edu/ To sign up to become a Huskies United ambassador, please visit this website: https://dog.niu.edu/giving-day/83665/signup If you have questions about becoming an ambassador, please contact Liz McKee, M.S.Ed. ’14, at Lmckee@niu.edu.
Date posted: March 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on So many ways to give during upcoming Huskies United Day of Giving
“It has been a wholesome experience for me at NIU, and I really feel at home here. I do not feel like a number. I feel like a person, that I am being seen and heard. NIU is set up in a way that whatever you want to do for yourself, there is always a community and resources to help you thrive.” -Amaka Peace Onebunne, graduate student
Graduate students are an important part of the Huskie family. NIU offers over 80 graduate programs including master’s, doctoral, certificate and dual degrees to almost 4,000 graduate students from around the world.
As part of NIU’s university goals to support and enhance the academic and career aspirations of graduate students, NIU’s Graduate School is providing opportunities for graduate students to get involved and further enhance their educational experience.
“We want to support the success of all our diverse graduate students,” said Kerry Wilks, dean of the Graduate School at NIU. “We know that fostering belonging, providing support for academic excellence and creating opportunities for growth and professional development are key components of this, and we strive to provide this for our student population.”
Offering NIU graduate students meaningful development opportunities is a top priority for the Graduate School.
“Our graduate students have shared with us their desire for professional development. This isn’t only career preparation, but also thinking about graduate student success while they’re here as students,” said Jessica Reyman, associate dean of the Graduate School. “We want to help them succeed in classes, develop the skills they need to graduate, then launch into their next step of their careers.”
Jessica Reyman, associate dean of the Graduate School
One of the popular professional development programs is the Responsible Conduct of Research Forum Series, a partnership between the Graduate School and the Office of Research, Compliance, Integrity and Safety. Students can participate in lunch hour webinars featuring topics related to research ethics and integrity across a variety of disciplines.
Students participate in seven webinars across two years and can earn a microcredential in responsible conduct of research that is noted on their transcript, showing they have received training in that area.
“Following each webinar, there is an interactive online discussion space. Students extend the conversation from the presentation to among their peers and with others in that space,” Reyman said. “The series connects the deep expertise and experience of our research faculty with graduate students who are just launching their own research projects. There are currently about 70 graduate students pursuing the credential.”
Another professional development initiative is a partnership with Beyond Graduate School, a digital platform that offers career preparation training. This is a comprehensive, interactive curriculum featuring bootcamps and additional events. Topics include career exploration, best practices for searching for jobs, how to prepare application materials, interviewing and negotiation tips, and increasing awareness of available technology.
Graduate students who are on campus or online, full time or part time, all have access to this service. Training sessions for students and faculty are taking place this spring. The sessions will instruct students and their faculty advisors on how to use the Beyond Graduate School platform and associated resources to improve graduate students’ career planning and preparation.
Furthermore, Reyman has started a graduate student professional development lunch series to bring students together for a meal and conversation several times during the semester. Topics have included building a productive relationship with your mentor, job search strategies and overcoming impostor syndrome.
“It’s a lunch and learn series. Topics and presenters are selected based on what we have heard from students about their interests and needs,” Reyman said. “We leave plenty of time for roundtable interaction, and students can reflect on where they are in their programs, challenges they might they be facing and how they can learn from each other.”
Reyman notes the essential role of graduate faculty, program directors and academic advisors – “the heart of graduate education at NIU.” She adds that ensuring graduate student success is a collaborative effort among numerous entities across campus, including University Libraries, Huskie Academic Success Center, Career Services and more.
“We want students to feel confident walking into the classroom or lab, starting as teaching assistants or researching, applying for that first fellowship or presenting at that first conference,” said Reyman. “We see our role as a mechanism for opening doors, as we seek to serve our diverse graduate student population.”
Onebunne, a graduate student in the Communication Studies program, said, “NIU has given me the right tools to succeed as a researcher. The Graduate School offers programs and resources that have helped with my interest in research studies, and I’m already getting offers to work on different projects. Faculty are so willing to help. I have enjoyed the relationship with my professors and my advisor, and every class has been so good.”
Upon starting this role in 2023, Reyman hosted listening sessions with graduate students across campus from different backgrounds and experiences to increase engagement opportunities.
“My role is to support and develop student success initiatives for graduate students,” Reyman said. “During the listening sessions, we learned about graduate students’ feelings regarding NIU, how things were going for them, challenges and barriers, and their interest in programs and events. We received a lot of good feedback.”
Reyman has helped develop new opportunities for graduate students to connect with the university community while they are attending NIU, including welcome events and graduate student socials, which have been well received. A graduate student orientation also is planned for the near future.
“We want to help graduate students truly align themselves with the NIU community as Huskies,” Reyman said. “These experiences bring graduate students together from across disciplines to connect and build positive community and establish NIU as a home for them during their graduate journeys.”
Graduate Student Appreciation Week is back this year, after debuting at NIU in 2023. The week is an opportunity for the university community to show their appreciation for the many ways graduate students contribute to the vibrancy of NIU. Highlights include a bowling and billiards event, a wellness event and a yoga session, in addition to free food and giveaways for graduate students.
“We invite everyone to celebrate with us April 1-5,” Reyman said. “These events are really focused on that student engagement piece and bringing the students together in community.”
Onebunne is in her final semester as a graduate student at NIU, pursuing an M.A. in Communication Studies. Onebunne has gotten involved, by serving as a senate member for NIU Student Government Association and working as a Braven leadership coach.
“My experience at NIU has been transformational,” Onebunne said. “I have been presented with many opportunities, and that is why I recommend NIU to others when I talk with them.”
“Even before coming to NIU, I sensed I would feel at home because of the communication I had with my program coordinator and advisor. It’s not just that I wanted to come, they wanted me to be here. NIU is a good school. I’m always going to be a Huskie.”
Date posted: March 12, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on NIU graduate student programming promotes inclusivity and opportunity
Andrew is an incredible teaching assistant who has gone above and beyond to make sure his students are learning the material. He has risen to every challenge and opportunity from the class all while preparing for a busy field season ahead. Super impressed with his tenacity and positive attitude.
Date posted: March 10, 2024 | Author: Andrew Pemberton | Comments Off on Andrew Dreelin – Department of Biological Sciences