University Services

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The Holmes Student Center provides recreational facilities, informal gathering places, eating places, meeting and conference rooms, and a 80-room hotel for members of the university community and their guests. Included are the Duke Ellington Ballroom and Sandburg Auditorium for major performances and lectures; Diversions, a multipurpose facility for coffeehouse and club-style live entertainment; the Center Gallery, which displays art works of many student artists; the University ID Office; two computer laboratories are available for use by all NIU students; the Huskies Den, which offers electronic games, billiard tables, and a 16-lane bowling center; and the University Bookstore which sells textbooks, general books, school and art supplies, and personal items.

Tickets to most campus events may be acquired or purchased in the center. The facility provides copy machines, a full-service bank, and Automatic Teller Machines. Students can cash checks, study in the Gallery Lounge, or relax in the television lounge. At the Holmes Center information desk, students can purchase newspapers and get directions and information on events and activities in the center.

Campus Living

NIU offers accommodating living arrangements for undergraduate students in its university residence halls. Living on campus gives students quick access to the Huskie Bus line, hot meals seven days a week, a variety of living options, and a supportive academic environment.

The university residence halls are an affordable option for undergraduate students. The residence halls include every utility, including cable, Internet, heat, gas, water, garbage, electric, and a university-wide phone (caller ID, voice mail). Each residence hall has a computer lab open 24/7 to meet the needs of students. Lobbies and common areas are equipped with wireless Internet and each residence hall room has its own high-speed Internet connection. Other amenities available to hall residents include quiet study lounges, 24-hour security, on-site laundry, vending machines, and photocopiers.

A contract to live in the residence halls comes complete with a meal plan for the semester in three incremental weekly amounts. Residents can choose to eat in any of the dining units in the halls, including à la carte food courts, all-you-care-to-eat buffets, and grab ‘n go stores. There is a dining option available to residents from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. five days a week, with weekend hours varying. Each residence hall room also comes equipped with a refrigerator/freezer/microwave for in-room meal preparation.

A unique aspect of living in the University Residence Halls is the supportive academic environment found on each floor. From the support of the floor’s community advisor to the specialized programs found in Academic Residential Programs (ARPs). Academic Residential Programs are specialized communities designed to strengthen the connection between students and faculty within a chosen course of study. NIU offers the following ARPs: Business Careers, Health Professions, Hearing Impaired Interest, Honors, Science/Engineering/Technology, Teacher Education and Certification, Fine Arts, and International. First-year students also benefit from the First Year Residential Experience, located in Grant Towers.

Residence hall contracts cover the entire academic year with optional interim contracts available during the winter and spring break periods. Summer housing is also available. Applications are available from Housing & Dining, located in East Neptune Hall. Housing & Dining can be reached at (815) 753-1525 or online at www.housing-dining.niu.edu.

Health Services offers a wide variety of high quality, out-patient health care services to NIU students to assist with maintaining and improving their health. Health Services physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other professional and support staff have extensive experience in college health and are sensitive to the special needs of the college community. Health Services physicians are trained and experienced in primary care specialties. The high quality of care provided by Health Services is recognized through accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.

Health Services is available to all full- or part-time students who are currently enrolled on the DeKalb campus and have been assessed on-campus student (activity) fees. There are no charges for physician or provider services, x-rays, most laboratory tests, physical therapy, and most other services. There are charges for medications, immunizations, specialized medical procedures and supplies, selected laboratory tests, and missed appointments. Students may use Health Services without being enrolled in the university’s Student Health Insurance Plan or a private health insurance plan.

Health Services provides the following.

Acute Care–services for injuries and acute illnesses including selected minor surgical procedures.

Allergy Injections–using the schedule and serum provided by the student’s allergist.

General Medical–assessment and treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions and referrals when appropriate.

Laboratory–a wide range of laboratory testing is available.

Men’s Health–confidential male health exams, screening and treatment, with an emphasis on prevention and personal responsibility.

Nutrition–counseling regarding general and specialized nutrition needs including weight management and eating disorders.

Pharmacy–filling of prescriptions from physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, dentists, or oral surgeons.

Physical Therapy–evaluation and treatment of nonsurgical musculoskeletal injuries or impairments upon physician referral.

Preventive Medicine–immunizations (including HPV, hepatitis B, state required immunizations, and meningococcal meningitis vaccines), HIV testing, travel immunizations and information, and tuberculosis testing.

Psychiatry–individual out-patient psychiatric evaluation, medication therapy, and/or referral.

Radiology–general diagnostic x-ray examinations, fluoroscope, and sport medicine studies, as well as electrocardiography (EKGs) ordered by Health Services physicians.

Women’s Health–thoughtful, private care and management of women’s health issues with emphasis on prevention and personal responsibility.

Appointments are required for medical, nutrition, physical therapy, psychiatry, men’s and women’s health visits, and for some services in Preventive Medicine. Fees are charged for missed appointments. To schedule or cancel an appointment, call (815) 753-1311. For Preventive Medicine appointments, call (815) 753-9759.

Students are responsible for the cost of all health care services received outside Health Services, including referrals. The university offers an affordable Student Health Insurance Plan that assists students with paying these medical expenses. For more information regarding this insurance plan, call the Student Insurance Office at (815) 753-0122. For additional Health Services information, visit the website at www.healthservices.niu.edu or call 815-753-1311.

Students who register for 9 or more semester hours on-campus in DeKalb by the 30th calendar day of the semester are automatically assessed the fee for student insurance on their tuition account through the Bursar’s Office. The student insurance plan provides coverage for hospitalization and/or medical treatment for injury and sicknesses 24 hours a day anywhere in the world.

Students enrolled for 6-8 semester hours may elect to purchase student insurance. Student insurance is also available by application to students enrolled for 6 or more semester hours at regional sites. Students wanting this option must apply to the Student Insurance Office by the 15th calendar day of the semester to enroll for coverage. Applications are available at our website at www.studentinsurance.niu.edu.

All international students and students studying abroad are required to carry the student insurance. These students are automatically charged the fee for student insurance if they register for at least one semester hour by the 30th calendar day of the semester.

Eligible dependents of insured students, including spouse and unmarried children under the age of 19, may also be insured. The insured student may apply for dependent coverage on or before the 15th calendar day of the semester. Applications for dependent coverage are available at our website at www.studentinsurance.niu.edu.

Students who have been assessed the student insurance fee may apply for cancellation by completing the on-line Waiver Process on or before the 15th calendar day of the semester. Reinstatement is available during open enrollment periods or within 60 days of being removed from alternate coverage. Contact the Student Insurance Office for information. Students who successfully complete the waiver process fall semester are not assessed or covered by student insurance for the following spring semester.

Students (and their dependents) who are insured for the spring semester are automatically covered through the summer whether or not they enroll in the summer session. New students entering the university for summer session who are registered for 6 or more semester hours may elect to purchase student insurance for themselves and their dependents during the first five days of the summer session. Applications are available on our website at www.studentinsurance.niu.edu.

Students who withdraw from the university due to medical reasons must immediately contact the University Health Service and the Office of Student Affairs as well as their college advisement office if they have paid for and wish to retain their student insurance coverage. For information regarding refunds, see “Refund Policies.”

Information concerning the health insurance may be obtained from the Student Insurance Office located in Health Services, Room 201 (815-753-0122) or e-mail studentinsurance@niu.edu.

ACCESS Tutoring Programs

ACCESS provides campus-wide academic support and tutoring to undergraduates through Peer Assisted Learning (PAL), Supplemental Instruction (SI), and the A+ Program. PAL offers free, appointment-based tutoring in most 100- and 200-level general education courses. PAL also provides walk-in tutoring centers in Douglas, Lincoln, and Grant. SI is an enhanced tutoring program offered in specific sections of some courses. Student tutors called SI leaders attend class with students and hold regular study sessions to help students learn more effectively. The A+ Program provides individual and small group instruction in effective college reading and study strategies.

Additional programs are offered each semester. For further information, contact PAL at (815) 753-0499, and SI or A+ at (815) 753-1141. Visit the web for more information about all programs, courses covered, and schedules at www.tutoring.niu.edu.

Asian American Center

NIU’s Asian American Center provides student-centered services to a growing Asian American student population, which is comprised of many ethnicities including, but not limited to, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Pakistani, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese. In support of the academic missions of NIU and the Division of Student Affairs, the center assists in the recruitment and retention of Asian American students and provides diverse educational, cultural, and social activities designed to raise awareness about Asian American heritage and culture. The center creates an inclusive and welcoming environment that intentionally enhances students’ learning experiences, leadership development, and career preparation. It also provides students with computer access, a resource library, meeting rooms, and extended hours during final examinations.

Campus Child Care

Campus Child Care is a licensed facility which offers NIU students, faculty, and staff full- and part-time child care for their children ages 2 months - 5 years. In addition, school-age childcare is available during the summer session. The center is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, which serves as an indicator of a high-quality program. The center is staffed with qualified teachers along with student workers who serve as teacher aides in the classrooms. The center is open Monday through Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. during the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Full-time child care is also available between semesters for those who need year-round child care. For more information, contact Campus Child Care at (815) 753-0125 or visit the website at www.ccc.niu.edu/ccc/ccchome.shtml.

Career Services

Career Services helps undergraduate students secure internships and full-time employment through a centralized department serving all the colleges, departments, and majors. Career counselors are available to assist NIU undergraduate students make career decisions, discuss career transitioning, and develop plans to build “experience” into their educational programs through internships. Career Services staff members also assist students in their searches for off-campus part-time and full-time employment. 

Besides offering individual counseling about career and job-related needs, the following services are offered through Career Services.

• Help with career decision making including a website for majors, with corresponding career options, at www.niu.edu/careerservices/Weblinks/
• Online postings for internships and full-time positions through Victor eRecruiting at http://niu.erecruiting.com.
• Walk-in and online resume and cover letter reviews
• Career testing
• University-wide job fairs, internship fairs, and the Educator Job Fair
• Assistance with the application process for graduate/professional school
• Assistance with self-managed credential files for students in the field of education
• A Career Resource Center containing books and other career-related materials and one of many computer labs located on campus.

Career Services is located in the Campus Life Building, Room 220, and is open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff members are available for undergraduate students on an individual basis during these hours. More information about Career Services may be obtained online at www.niu.edu/careerservices or by calling (815) 753-1641.

Center for Access-Ability Resources

In concordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the university provides support services for students with a variety of disabilities. A wide range of services can be obtained including, but not limited to, housing, transportation, adaptation of printed materials, testing accommodations, sign language interpreters, and advocacy with faculty and staff. Students wishing to request services or who want more information should contact the Center for Access-Ability Resources, fourth floor, Health Services Building, (815) 753-1303 (voice) or (815) 753-3000 (TTY). Verification of disability and the request for services need to be received in a timely manner so that services may be arranged and provided.

Students desiring consideration of special accommodations with respect to course work or other academic activities should see “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.”

Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services

Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services at Northern Illinois University was established in order to support and enhance the educational, interpersonal, and social experiences of commuter, non-traditional, and off-campus students. The office has a lounge for students to come and relax between classes, have lunch, study, or chat with other commuter, non-traditional, or off-campus students. The lounge space includes comfortable furniture, microwaves, a full-sized refrigerator, a television, and computers and printers for students to use. The staff assists students in getting connected with necessary services or navigating particular issues. There is a computer lab adjacent to the office that meets students’ computing needs. Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services is located in the Holmes Student Center, Room 023 (basement level near the Orientation Office). For further information, visit the the Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services website at www.niu.edu/comnontrad, phone (815) 753-9999, or e-mail at CommNonTrad@niu.edu.

Counseling and Student Development Center

The mission of the Counseling and Student Development Center is to support the academic, emotional, social, and cultural development of students. Student-centered programs include counseling, assessment, outreach, consultation, training, and educational services. The center helps students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the attitudes, abilities, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their college experience and be successful.

The center staff values an atmosphere that is welcoming and comfortable for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation, religion, citizenship, or disability. Staff embraces diversity and strives to foster and promote awareness, empathy, and cultural competence within a multicultural environment.

Individual, group counseling, crisis intervention, and referral
Substance abuse assessments, eating disorder assessments, and anger intervention
Coaching for Academic Success (learning and study skills assistance)
Workshops (in residence halls, classes, and other settings)
Consultation (concerning mental health issues, programming, and organizations)
Training for graduate students

Information Technology

At NIU students can access more than 1,500 computers for research, instruction, and individual use in academic departments, classrooms, and student computing labs. Many platforms are represented, including Windows, Macintosh, NetWare, OS/390, Linux, and Unix. The Information Technology Services (ITS) and ResTech helpdesks provide end-user support for many technologies. The ITS Mobility Support Team assists users with wireless devices, smart phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
 
General access computing labs feature PIV 1.8 GHz or faster computers, DVD-ROM/CR-RW drives, networked laser printers, and full-color scanners with document feeders and optical character recognition (OCR) software. All feature front/side USB, headphone, and microphone access. Most student computing laboratories feature Windows XP, office productivity software, Internet browsers, and various adaptive technologies for students with disabilities. In addition, statistical analysis packages such as SAS and SPSS are provided in select locations. Macintosh computers running OSX are available in labs that support the graphic arts programs. Mainframe computing is offered in an OS/390 environment. Volume purchasing of software extends savings to the university community.

NIU students have access to advanced research and academic networks. NIUNet is a 175-mile ultra-fast, fiber-optic communications highway that brings Internet2, as well as more than 50 worldwide networks, to NIU’s front door. Locally, the network infrastructure has been updated so traffic travels quickly. Wireless network access is available in most public buildings and residence halls.

NIU’s telephone systems include standard and advanced calling features and services such as roaming authorization codes, caller ID, voice mail, plus many more. Call tracing and caller ID blocking are offered for enhanced security.

For more information, call Information Technology Services at (815) 753-8100, or visit www.its.niu.edu.

International Student and Faculty Office

The International Student and Faculty Office provides a variety of services for international (foreign) students and faculty. For further information see the “International Programs” section of this catalog.

Latino Resource Center

The Latino Resource Center (LRC) focuses on student-centered service offering a home-away-from-home to all Latino students attending NIU. The LRC is responsible for the planning of Latino Heritage Month and supports students through resources that enhance their academic, social, and cultural experiences at NIU. The LRC also reflects the diversity of Latino cultures where all Latinos and non-Latinos can participate and learn from one another. The LRC offers students a lounge, smart classroom, computer laboratory, library, art gallery, and wireless Internet connections. For more information, visit www.niu.edu/lrc.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center serves as a central resource for increasing community awareness and understanding about sexual orientation and gender identity. The Resource Center provides educational materials and programs on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life and culture. In collaboration with other groups on campus, the resource center offers speakers, films, panel discussions, theatrical performances, and much more for the entire campus. Resource center staff offer confidential information, support, and referral for students, faculty, and staff whose lives are impacted by issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity, including LGBT and questioning individuals themselves, as well as their family members, friends, and allies. The center’s resource room offers a relaxing place to meet people, study, research, and get connected. The resource room houses a library of over 700 books on LGBT topics, a library of LGBT films, LGBT magazines, computer stations, and a variety of free brochures and handouts.

Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman offers confidential assistance to any member of the university community who is attempting to resolve a university-related concern. Any type of issue, such as academic, housing, student conduct, employment, or personal, can be brought to the attention of the office staff.

The office provides an objective environment in which to discuss the situation, identify and explain pertinent policies and procedures, develop options and strategies that may be helpful in resolving the matter, and offer accurate referral to university officials who are authorized to address or resolve the concern. As designated neutrals, staff members in the office are prohibited from advocating on behalf of any individual but may be able to suggest others who can serve as potential advocates if necessary. Due to the strictly confidential nature of communications with the Office of the Ombudsman, disclosures to the office do no constitute notice to the university.

Contact the Office of the Ombudsman regarding questions about the university, its regulations and procedures, or other services available on campus. Services are free of charge. The Office of the Ombudsman is located in the Holmes Student Center, Room 601, (815) 753-1414.

Office of Testing Services

The Office of Testing Services provides a variety of services to students and faculty. This office administers many of the tests associated with undergraduate admissions, course placement , credit by examination, departmental qualification requirements, and admission to graduate and professional schools.

Testing Services maintains files of test scores and serves as the campus location to which scores on tests taken at other institutions or test centers may be directed. Included in this group are scores on the Advanced Placement Program examinations and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations.

Recreation Services

The Student Recreation Center and Chick Evans Field House offer a variety of programs and services. The main office is located in the Student Recreation Center, (815) 753-0231, www.rs.niu.edu.

The Student Recreation Center is a 125,000 square foot facility that offers a 6,000 square foot cardiovascular and weight selector exercise room, 11 racquetball courts, and 8 multipurpose courts used for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. Two weight rooms offer a complete line of free weight training stations. A three lane jogging track and table tennis is available in the main multipurpose area.

The Chick Evans Field House is a 95,000 square foot facility and is shared with academics and athletics and offers 2 multipurpose courts for basketball and volleyball, 2 indoor soccer/hockey courts, a cardiovascular exercise room including treadmills, elliptical trainers, recumbent bikes, stretch trainers, and a 12 station multitrainer for strength training. Two activity rooms are used for martial arts activities and group fitness classes. A three lane jogging track surrounds the main multipurpose area.

Each semester students can sign up to compete in a variety of individual, dual, and team sports such as flag football, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, tennis, badminton, and more. Students may choose different levels of league and tournament play from competitive to highly competitive. Students may choose the fun or more competitive level of league and tournament play.

The Fitness/Wellness Program provides a variety of services. Certified personal trainers are available to assist students in designing a work out program that will meet their needs. Developing healthy eating habits is critical to achieving wellness. Nutrition interns help determine calorie requirements needed to achieve an individual’s weight goal and assist with menu and food planning. Trained fitness instructors coordinate a variety of group fitness classes such as step, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, and spin. A unique balance of strength and conditioning exercises are incorporated into group fitness classes to give participants a workout that creates results. Certified Massage Therapists are available to help relieve muscle tension and stress. Acupressure therapists offer an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain.

The Outing Centre has a complete line of outdoor gear rentals such as canoes, kayaks, life jackets, cross country skis, ice skates, tents, sleeping bags, roller blades, outdoor sport equipment, and more. Trip leaders coordinate a variety of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, canoeing, backpacking, rock climbing, and caving.

Sport Clubs are registered student organizations who compete in league play with other universities in sports and martial arts which include: Aikido, baseball, equestrian, fencing, Hapkido, ice hockey, Kyuki-Dolacrosse, rugby, men’s soccer, Shotokan Karate, swimming, table tennis. ultimate frisbee, men’s volleyball, water polo, water ski and wakeboard.

Recreation Services employs over 200 student employees annually. Recreation Services staff is interested in employing students who are interested in helping to provide excellent services and programs while learning teamwork and skills that will prepare them for their future careers. Positions include building staff, group fitness instructors, personal trainers, outdoor trip leaders, Outing Centre staff, intramural supervisors, and officials. For more information contact the Recreation Services main phone number at (815) 753-0231.

Students’ Legal Assistance Office

Two Illinois attorneys and their staff provide legal information and assistance to eligible fee-paying NIU students. The office handles a large variety of cases including landlord-tenant, criminal misdemeanor, traffic, consumer, discrimination, personal injury, employer-employee, public benefits, and domestic relations. It is preferred that appointments be made. The offices are located on the sixth floor of the Holmes Student Center and can be reached by calling (815) 753-1701.

The office is funded by the NIU Student Association. The attorneys are prevented by their contracts and the Code of Professional Ethics from handling matters relating to NIU and matters between NIU students. Persons able to procure private counsel are not eligible for litigational representation.

In addition to its direct legal services, the lawyers have instituted a mediation service to handle problems between students and have developed an extensive “preventative-law” program designed to prevent problems through community education. Handout materials include a Dispute Resolution Handbook, Landlord/Tenant Handbook, Used Car Buyer’s Guide, Traffic Ticket Handbook, Preventing Sexual Assault Handbook and various forms including an apartment condition report, subleases, and roommate agreements.

Women’s Resource Center

The Women’s Resource Center staff is dedicated to gender equity and enhancement of the campus climate for women through advocacy, personal development, and social justice programming. The Women’s Resource Center provides a central space on campus where faculty, staff, students, and community can come together around issues of inclusiveness and activism. For more information on programs or services or to find out how to get involved, visit the office, located at 105 Normal Road, or call (815) 753-0320.

Other Campus Human Service Agencies

The School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences Child Development Laboratory (Gabel Hall, Rooms 169-170, 815-753-1150) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and provides high quality child care programs for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years. Enrollment in all programs is open to the university and DeKalb communities, with half-day and full-day enrollments during academic terms. Children are enrolled based on available space, time of request, and their age. Assessment of each child’s readiness for a group experience is made in early contacts. The facility is licensed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for 47 children, and is a research and training facility for child development majors sponsored by the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences. For more information, contact the Child Development Laboratory.

The Counseling Laboratory (Graham Hall, Room 416, 815-753-9312) offers counseling services to persons who want assistance improving their personality development, modifying self-defeating behavioral characteristics, or resolving personal, career, or educational dilemmas. Counselors are advanced graduate students in counseling. Services are free, except that a nominal fee may be charged for some psychological or career interest testing.

The Family Center (Wirtz Hall, Room 146, 815-753-1684) provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy services to students of NIU, and to all residents of DeKalb and the greater northern Illinois area. Therapists are advanced graduate students under the direct supervision of licensed marriage and family therapist faculty, who are also Approved Supervisors through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The graduate program in marriage and family therapy is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. The facility and program are part of the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

The Psychological Services Center (Psychology Building, Room 86, 815-753-0591) offers a wide variety of psychological evaluation and psychotherapy. Clients range in age from young children to older adults. Therapy is free of charge to full-time NIU students. NIU students pay a reduced flat rate for psychological evaluations. A sliding fee scale for therapy and evaluations is available for clients from the local community. The center is staffed by faculty and doctoral students in clinical psychology in the Department of Psychology.

The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic (Lucinda Avenue, 815-753-1481) offers a comprehensive program of evaluation, rehabilitation, and counseling services for any student with a hearing loss and/or speech and language disorder. Hearing aids, accessories, and repairs are available. The clinic is a program of the Department of Communicative Disorders.

Campus Transportation

NIU maintains the largest student-run university bus system in Illinois. The 13-bus system, governed by the Student Association Mass Transit Board, provides free transportation for all fee-paying students to campus and the DeKalb community. The Huskie buses are in operation seven days a week while school is in session during the fall and spring semesters, during winter and spring break, and for limited hours during summer school. All Huskie buses are equipped with chair lifts to provide all students easy access to and from campus, shopping, and entertainment areas. For more information, call the Student Association at (815) 753-9922.

In conjunction with the University Police, the Mass Transit Board runs Late Night Ride Service, which provides free safe passage home for students. The service operates seven nights a week from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and can be reached at (815) 753-2222.

Through the Mass Transit Board and the Center for Access-Ability Resources, the NIU Student Association operates the FREEDOMMOBILE, which provides transportation around the campus and vicinity for students with disabilities. During winter months class-to-class transportation is available for students with a qualifying disability. For more information, call the Center for Access-Ability Resources at (815) 753-1303.

Orientation and Registration

An orientation program is required of all new undergraduate students (freshman, transfer, and postbaccalaureate) enrolling in on-campus courses. These one-day programs introduce students and family members to university programs, services, and facilities and describe some of the varied aspects of college life. Academic advising, placement and proficiency testing, and registration information are included as part of the program.

Off-Campus Students. New undergraduate students (transfers and post-baccalaureate) who will enroll only in off-campus courses are not required to attend an orientation session, but academic advising is required prior to course registration.

Parking

Parking permits are required on campus unless pay parking is utilized. Parking facilities are limited and controlled. Parking lots are color-coded; all vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, must display an appropriate permit. Special parking privileges are extended to handicapped persons and to individuals who are temporarily disabled. For further information, contact Campus Parking Services, located on the corner of Normal Road and Lincoln Terrace, at (815) 753-1045.

Fifteen-minute loading and unloading spaces are scattered throughout campus and require no special identification other than the use of the vehicle’s emergency flashers.

The university’s courses at regional sites are taught by university faculty and are available to students meeting the standards and prerequisites of courses taught in DeKalb. Baccalaureate degree completion programs are scheduled at regional sites at times and places convenient for adult students who generally are able to pursue degree work on only a part-time basis.

Northern Illinois University, in partnership with regional community colleges, offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in high-demand areas. Affordable classes are offered evening and weekends, providing flexible options for hard-working adults, regardless of where they earned previous college credit. NIU currently has formal partnership agreements with Rock Valley College, Elgin Community College, and Waubonsee Community College.

Students admitted to NIU as degree-seeking students as well as visiting students and non-degree students may enroll in courses offered at regional sites. Adult students who are exploring various disciplines and testing their resolve before formal commitment to a degree program are also welcome in these courses, as are adults who wish to pursue nondegree courses for personal and professional development. Courses are taught in several community college districts, including the College of DuPage, Harper, Elgin, Joliet, and Rock Valley.

Rapidly developing technologies, new discoveries emerging from research, and expanding knowledge in every field make continuing education and development a necessity for professionals who wish to maintain competency on a level equal to that of their most recently graduated colleagues. The extending of university resources to public groups sometimes takes the form of providing updating and refresher courses to practicing professionals who want to stay current with the latest developments in their fields. Sometimes professionals in one field need the practical knowledge and informed theory of another field. To meet such diverse needs, the external programming staff in the university’s academic colleges identifies and consults with faculty to develop and present instruction in the format most appropriate to particular groups of professionals.

The university provides professional development experiences in a variety of appropriate formats such as one-day workshops, seminars, conferences, training programs, short courses, guided individual study courses, and consultations. Enlisting the instructional and research expertise of the diverse university faculty, the external programming staff matches these resources with the articulated needs of practicing professionals in Illinois. Many of these short courses are tailored to meet the professional needs of a particular agency or business. Others are offered more broadly, attracting participants from across professions, communities, and companies.

NIU Hoffman Estates, NIU Naperville, and NIU Rockford

The NIU Outreach Centers at Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Rockford function both as facilities for corporate clients and as after-hours locations for NIU programs for adult learners. All these facilities provide daytime space to businesses, organizations, and associations in a professional environment ideal for training sessions, meetings, and special events. As regional sites, the Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Rockford centers provide evening and Saturday classroom and computer laboratory space for NIU’s academic programs. The credit courses typically available at the centers are offered at the graduate level and the upper-division, undergraduate level.

Offices on NIU’s DeKalb campus handle all admissions, registration, advising, class scheduling, class materials, and specific information regarding classes offered at all regional site locations.

The Lorado Taft Field Campus

The 140-acre Lorado Taft Field Campus is located approximately 35 miles west of DeKalb near the city of Oregon, Illinois. This Field Campus, adjacent to the Lowden Memorial State Park, is nestled in a hilly and heavily wooded area on the east side of the Rock River, which was formerly the site of the Eagle’s Nest Art Association. The buildings in this scenic area are equipped for year-round use. The area is ideal for practical natural laboratory work and study of various aspects of environmental education not available in the traditional classroom. The facilities of the Lorado Taft Field Campus may also be used for meetings, conferences, workshops, and retreats by other university-related groups on a space-available basis at a modest cost.