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artigras-bannerExcitement is building for ARTIgras 2016, a celebration of the arts in the DeKalb community and at NIU.

The second annual event has expanded to two days this year: Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7.

Sponsored by NIU and the City of DeKalb, ARTigras once again will feature the popular arts parade and post-parade party on the NIU campus featuring music, crafts and games. Art gallery exhibitions and receptions and evening concerts are also a part of the celebration.

New this year is Friday night’s “March to Bourbon Street” event that will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. The opening night event is designed to celebrate the New Orleans experience and will include roaming performers, live visual artists, art on display and a variety of live performances, including music from local jazz musicians.

The ARTigras Arts Parade celebrates the visual and performing arts, featuring colorful costumes, musical talent and much more. An art parade has a flamboyant and artistic twist. Costumes can be simple or elaborate, and participants can wear masks, carry banners, decorate scooters or bikes or build floats for their groups. Imagination is the key to building something unique and fun.

artigras-crayonsAlong with the Arts Parade, Art Gallery Shows and Receptions will be held at various locations on campus and in the DeKalb community from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7. These events will feature the work of NIU Fine Arts students and showcase artwork from members of the local community.

Show and reception locations include:

Refreshments and live entertainment will be available, and shuttle buses will run from 4 to 6 p.m. to transport patrons to different art show and reception venues.

For more information, visit http://niu.edu/artigras/, call (815) 753-1999 or email ellena@niu.edu.

Date posted: April 28, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on ARTigras celebrates local arts May 6, 7

Categories: Arts Centerpiece Communiversity Digital Signage Events Latest News On Campus Students

Campus Parking Services building

In an effort to address the expanding transportation needs of the university community, NIU Parking Services has been engaged in a months-long review of current campus parking resources and policies.

Among the practices being examined is enforcement hours for campus parking regulations. Recently, Parking Services temporarily changed parking enforcement hours  to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The temporary modification of the campus parking enforcement allows drivers without an appropriate NIU parking permit to park in a campus lot after 5 p.m.– currently designated with 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. parking enforcement signage – without receiving a citation. The temporary change in parking enforcement hours also applies to the visitor lot, meters and pay stations.  Drivers that park in spaces on campus with parking meters or pay stations after 5 p.m. may park free of charge.

The new parking enforcement hours are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of the spring semester.

The change in the parking enforcement hours has allowed Parking Services to better manage campus parking resources during peak hours of university operations while providing enhanced access to on-campus parking during evening hours.

“We want to make sure our Parking Services team is doing all we can to address the university parking needs, especially when the campus is busiest,” said director of Campus Parking Services Darren Mitchell.  “The changes in the enforcement hours should also enhance access to on-campus parking for evening classes and for visitors who may be attending university events after 5 p.m.”

Mitchell emphasized that the changes in parking enforcement hours do not apply to restricted parking areas such a no parking zones, handicapped and reserved parking spaces and campus lots requiring permits at all times.

“We will review feedback and data gathered during the trial period and should new regulations be approved, a permanent change of hours of campus parking enforcement will take effect July 1, 2016,” Mitchell said.

Individuals with questions about campus parking at NIU may contact the Parking Services office at 815-753-1045 or via email at parking@niu.edu.

Date posted: April 21, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on Trial period extended for campus parking changes

Categories: Digital Signage Latest News On Campus

Graduate School commencementThousands of Northern Illinois University students will soon transition to the status of NIU alumni during commencement ceremonies Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, 2016.

Commencement ceremonies will be held at the NIU Convocation Center, 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb.

The Graduate School ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 13.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Three Undergraduate ceremonies will take place Saturday, May 14.

Ceremony One – 9 a.m.  (doors open at 7:30 am)

  • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Ceremony Two – 1:30 p.m.  (doors open at 12:30 pm)

  • College of Business
  • College of Engineering & Engineering Technology
  • College of Visual & Performing Arts

Ceremony Three – 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 pm)

  • College of Education
  • College of Health & Human Sciences

Students who are candidates for May 2016 graduation but have yet to confirm their participation must RSVP online by 4 p.m. Monday, April 18.

Graduating students may pick up guest tickets for May commencement ceremonies at the Convocation Center Ticket Office located at Entrance 2 beginning Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Undergraduate candidates are entitled to up to 10 guest tickets per graduate and Graduate School candidates may request up to 15 guest tickets per graduate.

Candidates who are unable to pick up your guest tickets on the date listed above must email commencement@niu.edu by 4 p.m. April 22 to request tickets be held at the Convocation Center Ticket Office.

Reserved tickets can be picked up at the Convocation Center Ticket Office during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or on commencement ceremony day.

Participants in the Commencement ceremonies should assemble in Victor E. Court of the Convocation Center at least one hour before the ceremony begins. Participation is not guaranteed to late arrivals.

For more information, call (815) 752-6800 or email commencement@niu.edu.

Date posted: April 15, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on Spring commencement ceremonies scheduled May 13, 14

Categories: Centerpiece Digital Signage Events Faculty & Staff Latest News On Campus Students

Karen Baker

Karen Baker

Northern Illinois University is a community of diverse people, ideas, services and programs. The university is committed to providing students, faculty, staff and guests a safe, equitable and supportive environment in which to work, learn and live.

To help NIU fulfill its mission, Affirmative Action and Equity Compliance (AAEC) works to ensure that that the university is devoid of unfair, unequal and/or discriminatory treatment of individuals.

The department, previously known as Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources, is also responsible for the university’s compliance with labor and employment laws and facilitates training and education outreach for the university community to learn about and prevent discriminatory practices.

The name change reflects the comprehensive services and resources provided by the department and underscores the strong connection to the university’s new Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and other equity compliance programs, says Karen Baker, AAEC associate vice president and Title IX coordinator.

“Affirmative action touches the entire university community, but AAEC also administers policies, procedures, laws and provide training in areas such as workplace conduct, employee and labor relations, ADA accommodations and Title IX compliance,” Baker says.

Two additional team members have joined AAEC to accommodate the department’s expanded responsibilities. Rose Henton, director of Coordinated Education, Training and Outreach Programs will facilitate services and education/training efforts required by Title IX, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Clery Act compliance.

Rose Henton and Michelle Johnson

Rose Henton and Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson is the university’s new Title IX investigator and is responsible for responding to and investigating complaints of sexual misconduct.

“Sexual misconduct is one of the biggest issues currently facing colleges and universities across the country,” Baker says. “Students want to know what to do and who to turn to should they encounter sexual harassment or violence on campus. Our AAEC team is working with various constituencies to inform and educate the university community not only about the available support resources but also in an effort to change behavior.”

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Affirmative Action and Equity Compliance is among the campus partners hosting a variety of educational and engaging events throughout April to help heighten the awareness of the national problem of sexual violence.

AAEC conducts non-discrimination and Title XI training sessions for all new university employees. The department is working to provide online training modules in the future, Baker says.

AAEC also offers training sessions and customized educational programs for university departments. Units interested such training can contact Affirmative Action and Equity Compliance at (815) 753-1118 or aaec_training@niu.edu.

Date posted: April 12, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on Affirmative Action and Equity Compliance expands role

Categories: Campus Highlights

Photo of calculator and register tapeNorthern Illinois University has announced the merger of Treasury Operations and Accounts Payable Services within the Controller’s Office function, effective immediately.

The merger is a strategic effort within the Division of Administration and Finance to align NIU’s fiscal infrastructure with the university’s strategic imperative to increase affordability of a high-quality NIU education while also holding down administrative overhead costs.

Recognizing its responsibility for NIU’s financial sustainability and the fundamental role that plays in the university’s existence, the division has four long-term goals for the merger:

  • More convenient accounting and financial support for campus community in planning and managing fiscal resources;
  • Streamlined accounting and financial processes to reduce administrative burden;
  • Increased administrative efficiencies to help the campus community meet program goals; and
  • Enhanced compliance with applicable regulations and standards to ensure exemplary stewardship over university resources.

The acting controller, Shyree Sanan, reports to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Budget Lawrence Pinkelton. Sanan will continue to work closely with Pinkelton to develop this new structure to provide high quality accounting and financial support throughout the fiscal year.

As part of this transition, Nyoka Polyak will be the acting director assuming responsibilities for day-to-day treasury operations. Kathy Marshall will manage the daily functions of accounts payable services. Mandy Kreitzer will manage the daily operations of financial reporting, and a manager of general ledger function will be determined shortly.

Operating under the direction of Vice President for Administration and Finance Alan Phillips, the finance leadership team will work tirelessly over the next year toward the goals of the merger while maintaining full accounting and financial service to the university.

Date posted: March 9, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on NIU Controller’s Office undergoes restructuring

Categories: Latest News

An early shot of the tornado near Franklin Grove, Ill. Photo courtesy Walker Ashley, NIU Deparment of Geography

An early shot of the April 9 tornado near Franklin Grove, Ill.
Photo courtesy Walker Ashley, NIU Department of Geography

Each year, Illinois gets hit with more than 60 tornadoes, on average, and ranks in the Top 10 for the most tornadoes of any state in the nation.

The odds of one or more tornadoes hitting a portion of DeKalb County is at least one in three every year. Our area also encounters 60 mph winds and/or one-inch diameter hail or larger approximately twice each year.

Flooding can also be a local weather hazard, as it was in August 2007, when flash flooding as result of heavy rains rendered a number of campus roads impassable and forced the university to shut down for much of a day.

Gov. Rauner has declared the week of Feb. 29 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the State of Illinois.

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, all K-12 schools will participate in the annual statewide tornado drill. All NOAA Weather Radios will alert for a test tornado warning, the outdoor warning sirens statewide will go off and cable TV and media may interrupt programming to broadcast the test tornado warning.

At that time, think about where you would go in the event of a tornado here at NIU, or where you live, so that you can protect yourself when severe weather occurs.

National Weather Service logoAt NIU, nearly every building has designated shelter locations.

You can access campus shelter locations via the NIU Mobile app by clicking on “Maps.” Then, from the drop-down menu, click on “Public Safety.” Clicking on the tornado symbols will provide information on the tornado locations in each building on campus. If you are on a laptop or desktop computer, go to the NIU 3D interactive map and click on the “Public Safety” box from the drop-down menu. By clicking on the tornado icons, you can see where exactly you need to go should a tornado warning be issued.

The university has redundant methods to alert its staff and students when a weather emergency happens or in case there is a failure due to power or technical issues. More than 300 weather radios are placed in offices and in almost every building on campus. The weather radios broadcast severe weather warnings that are transmitted by the National Weather Service. NIU’s campus cable Channel 35 will “crawl” the warning at the bottom of the screen, and an audio version of the warning will also be delivered on the campus cable channel.

The university community is advised take the time to review the best path to reach a severe weather shelter from various locations on campus. Additionally, individuals can subscribe to weather alerts by going to the NIU Weather website and clicking on “campus weather safety” and then “subscribe to weather notifications.” The severe weather alerts are also displayed on NIU Weather website. Smartphones have the ability to generate alerts for tornado warnings through the phone service provider.

The university’s Emergency Notification System is available in most campus buildings to alert students, faculty and staff of dangerous weather and other hazards. Also, DeKalb will activate its outdoor sirens citywide when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service and is deemed is an imminent threat to safety of citizens within the community.

Gilbert Sebenste

Gilbert Sebenste

These university-wide systems provide NIU faculty, staff, students and guests a variety of resources from which they can be alerted to severe weather situations.

The entire university community is encouraged to subscribe to the NIU Weather notifications and to utilize the available university emergency preparedness resources in an effort to be well informed on how to stay safe during severe weather situations. Individuals can also “like” NIU Weather on Facebook and Twitter.

The city of DeKalb is an active partner in the university’s severe weather preparedness efforts. DeKalb recently joined NIU as a certified “StormReady” community and was also designated as Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors by the National Weather Service for its level of weather-threat preparation and mitigation.

In 2002, NIU was the first university in the country to be certified StormReady. The university is also a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.

Gilbert Sebenste is the staff meteorologist at Northern Illinois University.

Date posted: February 24, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on Sebenste: NIU readies for Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Categories: Centerpiece Communiversity Digital Signage Events Latest News On Campus Safety Voices

Photo of a plug in a wall outletFriday’s windy weather conditions have resulted in intermittent power surges at NIU’s main campus in DeKalb and other communities in the region.

The NIU campus is operating normally.

The power surges have also caused several severe weather sirens in DeKalb to be activated. Local police say the activation of the severe weather sirens was a result of the power surges and not due to any emergency situation.

ComEd crews are in the area and are working to address the intermittent power surge issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date posted: February 19, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on High winds causing local power surges

Categories: Community Communiversity Digital Signage Latest News

NIU President Doug Baker

NIU President Doug Baker

NIU President Doug Baker will host a town hall meeting Tuesday, February 16 in the Regency Room at the Holmes Student Center.

The meeting is scheduled for 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. and is an opportunity for university faculty, staff and students to engage in a conversation with university leadership about important initiatives and issues.

President Baker will be joined by Vice President for Administration and Finance Al Phillips in a discussion on the continuing state budget impasse and its impact on the university. Executive Vice President and Provost Lisa Freeman will also be on hand to provide an update on NIU’s Program Prioritization initiative.

The university community is also invited to submit suggestions for additional topics for discussion during the February town hall. Topic suggestions can be submitted via an online form.

Faculty and staff representatives may be added as discussion participants to the town hall based on submitted topics to the online form. President Baker will lead the discussion during the meeting and address as many questions as possible from faculty and staff about issues that are of interest to the university community.

In keeping with the importance of this event, the university has authorized release time for employee attendance at this event, including hourly Operating Staff, subject to operational requirements. Supervisors have been asked to facilitate participation for those planning to attend.

For faculty and staff unable to attend the event in person, the town hall meetings will be streamed online through Adobe Connect, NIU Today and on digital Channel 20.1 on the campus cable television system.

 

Date posted: February 5, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on President Baker invites campus to February 16 town hall meeting

Categories: Digital Signage Latest News On Campus

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Ally Lehman

UPDATED! The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is hosting a series of faculty-staff appreciate nights for home NIU men’s and women’s basketball games at the Convocation Center throughout the months of January and February.

“We very much appreciate all that our faculty and staff do for Northern Illinois University and for their continued effort to put students first,” said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean Frazier.

“Much of the classroom success of Huskie student-athletes is the direct result of the support they receive from our faculty, administrators and staff. We wish to thank all faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication to the university and for their continued support of Huskie Athletics.”

In recognition of the commitment to the university by NIU’s faculty and staff, Huskie Athletics is offering two (2) complimentary general admission tickets to the following men’s and women’s basketball games:

Marin Maric

Marin Maric

Friday, Jan. 22, also will feature a $5 Friday, a concessions deal featuring draft beer or a fountain drink and a hot dog for only $5. This deal will coincide with the NIU gymnastics team’s meet with Central Michigan in Victor E. Court and carry over to the Jan. 23 women’s basketball game.

The NIU men’s basketball team has won 11 straight in the Convocation Center and is 13-2 overall. Head coach Mark Montgomery’s squad is comprised of a good nucleus of returners from last season and some exciting newcomers. The combination of experience and depth have contributed to the team’s early-season success.

The NIU women’s basketball team is also off to a good start under first-year head coach Lisa Carlsen. The Huskies are 8-6 overall.

To secure tickets for NIU men’s and women’s basketball, faculty and staff must print the email invitation that was distributed Tuesday, Jan. 5, and bring their One Card ID to the NIU Convocation Center Ticket Office, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Faculty and staff may purchase additional tickets for $4 to each men’s game and $3 to each women’s game by calling 815-753-PACK and asking for “Faculty Day” tickets. This offer will be available until two hours prior to tip-off. After that time, additional tickets will be available for regular, single-game pricing at the Convocation Center Box Office.

For more information on NIU basketball and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.

Date posted: January 5, 2016 | Author: | Comments Off on NIU basketball announces faculty-staff appreciation games

Categories: Digital Signage Events On Campus What's Going On

Thumbnail for 142621For the sixth-straight season, the NIU football team will compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship game which will be held this Friday, December 4 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

The NIU Student Association (SA) and Student Involvement & Leadership Development (SILD) have partnered to sponsor a fan bus package for students who wish to travel to Detroit to cheer on the Huskies as they take on Bowling Green for the MAC title.

A limited number of student fan bus packages will be available for purchase beginning Monday, November 30, at 1:00 p.m. Student fan bus package sales close on Wednesday, December 2, at 1:00 p.m., if packages do not sell out in advance of the deadline.

The cost of the student fan bus package is $20.00 and will be available at niutickets.com.

The fan bus package includes:

  • Coach bus travel to Ford Field and a return trip to DeKalb
  • Dinner Friday evening
  • One NIU student MAC football championship game ticket

Check-in for the student fan bus package will occur in the Convocation Center in Entrance 5 at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 4. If needed, parking is available in lot C3 (North of the Convocation Center).  The travel itinerary includes one stop for lunch (at the student’s expense) during the trip, and dinner will be provided shortly after arrive in Detroit at Rub BBQ Pub.

Students will not be permitted to bring any liquids onto the bus, and bags will be searched.

Buses will leave Ford Field immediately following the game.

Student fan bus packages are non-transferable and non-refundable. No exceptions. Only NIU students in good judicial standing will be allowed to participate in the student fan bus package. The name on the purchased ticket must match the OneCard presented at check-in.

For additional questions please contact Student Involvement & Leadership Development (SILD) at 815-753-1421.

Date posted: November 29, 2015 | Author: | Comments Off on Student fan travel package available for MAC Championship game

Categories: Announcements Community Latest News On Campus

Photo of cars driving on a snowy roadThe City of DeKalb is expecting to receive significant snowfall Friday tonight and continuing morning.

The National Weather Service forecast is for snow to fall from 6:00 p.m. Friday night through noon Saturday.

The DeKalb Police Department is advising residents to limit travel if possible within the city and to allow extra time if travel is necessary.

The City of DeKalb is reminding residents and students who live on a designated snow route marked with the red, white and blue signs are to remove their vehicles from the street Friday night.

Vehicles that remain parked on a designated snow route after two inches of snow will be ticketed and towed.

Residents who do not live on a designated snow route are advised to remove vehicles from all city streets tonight and tomorrow morning to allow for effective snow removal.

Additional details on the city’s snow route emergency is available at the DeKalb Police Department’s Facebook page.

Date posted: November 20, 2015 | Author: | Comments Off on City of DeKalb issues travel advisory, snow route parking ban

Categories: Community Digital Signage Latest News

IHSA_rushTwo days, eight games, 16 teams, thousands of fans and you!

Such is the slogan of IHSA Destination DeKalb, the group of Northern Illinois University staff, community leaders and volunteers who plan, coordinate and host the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Football State Championships in DeKalb County.

2015 marks the second time that NIU’s Huskie Stadium will host the state football championships, which will be played over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27 and 28.

The numbers in the event slogan are of special significance to the IHSA Destination DeKalb host committee. The inaugural effort between NIU and DeKalb County in hosting the state football championships in 2013 resulted in 30,000 fans visiting Huskie Stadium over the course of two consecutive days of title game matchups. The attendance figures for 2013 represented a significant increase from the previous year’s championship weekend when a reported 26,800 fans attended the 2012 state football championships at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in Urbana-Champaign.

“We promised the IHSA that we could attract 30,000 fans to DeKalb, and we delivered on our promise,” said Debbie Armstrong, executive director of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We received such positive response and praise from the participants, the fans and from the IHSA the first time around, and we’re looking forward to doing it all again next weekend.”

IHSA Destination DeKalb organizers say the football state championships offer a great opportunity to showcase DeKalb County as a tourist destination.

excited_fan

Huskie Stadium welcomed 30,000 fans to the 2013 IHSA Football State Championships games.

Armstrong noted that the 2013 state football championships brought in more than $800,000 in revenue for the local economy in the form of direct and indirect spending by visitors on hotels, food, gas and other services and amenities. Some local restaurants reported a 50 percent increase in sales during championship weekend in 2013 from the previous year, and 475 hotel rooms were booked during a period that is traditionally slow for many area merchants.

Along with the revenue, Armstrong said the state championships also generated approximately $200,000 worth of positive publicity for NIU and the local community as result of hosting the event. “The high school state championships are one of the premier sporting events in the state,” Armstrong said. “Hosting events like this only adds to the university’s and community’s cache.”

According to one local hotel operator, this year’s hotel bookings over Thanksgiving weekend are well on their way to exceeding 2013 figures.

“Fans are booking faster this year than they did in 2013, and that’s a good sign,” said Vicky Torres, hotel manager of Red Roof Inn and Suites in DeKalb.

“We’ve had people booking rooms for the IHSA championships since the summer, and we have more available rooms in the community now than we did in 2013,” added Torres, who is also a board member of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “I have no doubt the state championships will significantly impact what has already been a very good year for hotels in the area.”

Hosting the state championships also provides the NIU the chance to showcase the campus and the surrounding community to a very important audience: prospective students and their families.

Volunteers handed out coffee, hot chocolate and other concessions to fans in the Spirit Zone tent during the inaugural year of IHSA Destination DeKalb in 2013.

Volunteers handed out coffee, hot chocolate and other concessions to fans in the Spirit Zone tent during the inaugural year of IHSA Destination DeKalb in 2013.

“Having the chance to be a part of a state championship is an experience of a lifetime for almost everyone involved with these schools,” said IHSA Destination DeKalb host committee chair Wendy West-Krauch.

“Our volunteers, our team ambassadors and our sponsors are deeply committed to making sure that every visitor to Huskie Stadium has the best possible experience regardless of the final outcome the games,” added West-Krauch, who describes herself as a “proud NIU alum” and was a team ambassador in 2013.

“Like two years ago, we want people to come away from IHSA Destination DeKalb with nothing but fond memories and good things to say about NIU and DeKalb County. We are building a relationship, and if these young people end up coming to school at NIU, that’s a relationship with the community that will last a lifetime.”

Date posted: November 20, 2015 | Author: | Comments Off on IHSA Championships bring big impact to NIU and community

Categories: Centerpiece Community Digital Signage Events On Campus