Cordiah Hayes, a senior communication major from Chicago, has made the most of her four years at NIU. In addition to her classes in media studies, she has spent the past two years tutoring first-year students in the CHANCE program in the Writers’ Workshop. “When I applied for a tutoring position two years ago, I...

S-Plan and the NIU Center for Black Studies will host “Linked-Up,” an informational event to introduce first-year African-American students to representatives from some of the key departments on campus. “Linked-Up” will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the Stevenson Multipurpose Room. Students will learn about the resources the various departments offer to...

“…We know that students thrive when they have mentors to guide them.” (from President Doug Baker’s inaugural address, Nov. 13, 2013). Taking to heart President Baker’s words, First- and Second-Year Experience is looking for NIU faculty and supportive professional staff who are interested in volunteering their time to mentor new students during their transition to...

When 80 faculty members gathered in the Sky Room early this semester for a summit on First Year Composition Program retention, the challenge was clear. What innovative ways could the group conceive to assure that First Year Composition students receive the coursework and connections with faculty and peers that will bring them success as freshman...

Interested in helping first-year students learn how to succeed at NIU? Apply to become a UNIV 101/201 instructor for fall 2014. UNIV 101 is a one-credit, 12-week course focused on helping first-year students develop the essential academic and social skills needed to make an enjoyable and successful transition to NIU. UNIV 201 is a similar...

Through the Latino Resource Center, Northern Illinois University is offering a specialized, one-credit-hour UNIV 101 course that focuses on getting freshman students familiar with college life. The Latino Experience is geared specifically toward Latino students and issues related to their college experience, and it is designed to help identify and prevent common pitfalls, giving students...

First-Year Experience invites all NIU staff, faculty and graduate students to attend the morning of the UNIV 101/201 Instructor Development Conference, scheduled Friday, May 17, in Barsema Hall 300. The day will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with a presentation by Vice Provost Anne Birberick on “Factors Influencing Academic Achievement for NIU Students.” Kevin Clarke,...

Interested in helping first-year students learn how to succeed at NIU? Apply to become a UNIV 101/201 instructor for fall 2013. UNIV 101 is a one-credit, 12-week course focused on helping first-year students develop the essential academic and social skills needed to make an enjoyable and successful transition to NIU. UNIV 201 is a similar...

Vasti Torres will provide the keynote address for “Strengthening the Student Experience,” the annual Midwest Drive-In conference for faculty, academic administrators, student affairs professionals and graduate students who work with first-year students. The conference is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 28, at NIU’s Holmes Student Center. Co-sponsors are the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience...

Interested in helping first-year students learn how to succeed at NIU? Apply to become a UNIV 101/201 instructor for fall 2012. UNIV 101 is a one-credit, 12-week course focused on helping first-year students develop the essential academic and social skills needed to make an enjoyable and successful transition to NIU. UNIV 201 is a similar...

NIU faculty, administrators, staff and returning students are encouraged to “Get the Book, Read the Book and Donate the Book” as part of the First-Year Common Reading Experience (CRE) this fall. This year’s selection, “This I Believe II,” is a collection of 500-word essays written by a variety of Americans who have expressed one of...

A record number of new NIU students has requested during summer orientation sessions to be paired with faculty or staff mentors. As a result, First-Year Connections (FYC) is seeking NIU faculty and Supportive Professional Staff who are interested in volunteering to mentor new students during their transition to NIU. The Student-Faculty Links mentoring program is a component...