NIU Today

Commencement is among my favorite times of the year: This past weekend, NIU graduated nearly 2,800 students to the rank of alumni. When students come to NIU, they have the opportunity to build their future while they’re here, creating the foundation for achieving career success when they graduate. Commencement represents the culmination of years of...

Dear NIU faculty, staff and annuitants, As many of you know, last Friday the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the sweeping pension legislation approved by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law in December 2013 is unconstitutional. Specifically, Public Act 98-599 violates the pension protection clause of the Illinois Constitution by reducing annual...

As the academic year comes to a close and Northern Illinois University students depart campus, donating gently used furnishings and clothing on their way out, I want to wish everyone well and encourage them to make the most of their summer. Summer is a tremendous opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience, earn money...

May 1 is “Decision Day” for high school seniors across the country to choose where they will spend the next four years at college. Each individual student is unique, and factors in picking the right college depend on each student’s desired college experience, life goals and personality. When making their selection, I hope students consider...

Since the conclusion of our Bold Futures workshops a year ago, an analysis team submitted recommendations organized around three themes – process and administration, the campus environment and transportation. We then embarked on strategic planning exercises across campus to put the suggestions of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members into action. A number of...

The past two weeks have been filled with important activity at Northern Illinois University. We’ve hosted visitors from Springfield and Washington including Sen. Dick Durbin, Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Munger and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. We also sent student leaders to attend a House Appropriations-Higher Education Committee hearing. The officials were impressed by not only...

President Doug Baker wants to know what you think about the Baker Report, his weekly message to campus and beyond. How often do you read it? How do you access it? What topics interest you? What do you like about it? What don’t you like? How has it influenced or motivated you? An online survey...

The northern Illinois region was hit Thursday evening by several tornadoes, causing extensive damage, injuries and loss of life. The towns of Fairdale, Kirkland, Rochelle and Flagg Center were hardest hit. Tornadoes also were confirmed near Dunlap and Cherry Valley. Yesterday’s weather event underscores the importance of having emergency plans in place to be prepared...

Members of the NIU leadership team and three exemplary students joined me in Springfield last week to testify in front of the House Appropriations Committee. We were able to tell stories of the amazing accomplishments of our faculty, students and staff at the hearing and in the legislators’ offices. As the legislative and executive branches struggle...

Three NIU students joined me Thursday to appear before the House Appropriations Committee in Springfield to talk about state funding for higher education. I was impressed by their articulate advocacy, which illustrated the power of an NIU education and showcased our high-impact learning opportunities such as internships and undergraduate research. These hearings are part of...

NIU students returned to DeKalb this week from more-tropical climates after a week-long spring break. Many students broke the routine of college by taking advantage of service opportunities during what’s commonly called “Alternative Spring Break.” NIU is fortunate to have several such programs available to students through the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development,...

Northern Illinois University signed an agreement Tuesday with Elgin Community College that allows credits from NIU to be used toward associate degrees from ECC for those who have transferred from ECC to NIU. This reverse transfer agreement allows students to get started on their four-year bachelor’s degrees earlier and take coursework in areas that might...