NIU Today

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...

Given the dynamic nature of the 21st century workforce, the changing landscape of higher education and the serious financial challenges faced by the State of Illinois, it is up to public universities in the state to think of innovative ways to efficiently deliver a high-quality, affordable education. We must find synergies that will create new...

Northern Illinois University celebrated a successful Black Heritage Month with many excellent programs enriching campus, recognizing our outstanding students, faculty and staff members, and building community. We are working to build on those successes. Earlier this week, NIU announced an agreement with the Association for Black Culture Centers to relocate its national headquarters to our...

On Wednesday, Gov. Bruce Rauner presented state legislators his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2016 during his first budget address. While it was not specifically mentioned in the address, the proposed budget includes a significant 31.5 percent reduction in the state’s appropriation for public universities. For Northern Illinois University, the governor’s proposed budget would mean...