University Services

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Most administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. University office hours are subject to change. All offices are closed on legal holidays.

The Holmes Student Center provides recreational facilities, informal gathering places, eating places, meeting and conference rooms, and an 76-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, which 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. Free open wireless is available on all main floors.

Campus Living

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

The university residence halls are a convenient and affordable option for graduate students. Residence hall rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair, dresser, and combination refrigerator/freezer/microwave; additionally, utilities are covered within the residence hall contract (including cable TV, Internet, heat, gas, water, garbage, and electricity). 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 students can access a high-speed Internet connection in their residence hall room. Other amenities available to hall residents include quiet study lounges, community safety centers, on-site laundry, vending machines, and photocopiers.

Residence hall contracts also include a meal plan. Residents can choose to eat in any of the dining units in the halls, including an à la carte food court, all-you-care-to-eat buffets, and grab-and-go units. 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.

Residence hall contracts are valid for the entire academic year (August to May). Optional winter break housing is available in select halls. Summer housing, as well as summer meal plans, is also available. Applications are available online at www.niu.edu/housing/ and from the Residential Administration office, located in 101 East Neptune Hall. Housing & Dining Residential Administration can be reached at 815-753-1525 or by e-mail at housingdining@niu.edu.

Graduate students may also choose to live in NIU’s apartment-style housing in our Northern View Community (NVC), with options ranging from one to three bedroom apartments. The NVC is home to undergraduate students who are a at least two years post high school, graduate students, law students, or any student who has a dependent and/or a partner or spouse. The NVC apartments come unfurnished, though each apartment includes a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, microwave, washer and dryer, cordless telephone, and Internet access. Amenities within the community include a 24-hour computer lab, community room, game room, study areas, large courtyard, children’s play room, children’s outdoor playground, and easy access to the Huskie Bus. Applications are available online at http://www.niu.edu/northernview/Apply/index.shtml.

Off-Campus Housing Services

The Office of Off-Campus Housing Services, East Neptune Hall lobby, acts as a clearinghouse for information on rental properties in the DeKalb area. Staff is available from 12-4 p.m. weekdays to assist in locating a roommate or a place to live. Rental listings are also available on the Internet at www.niu.edu/comnontrad/housing/index.shtml, or call 815-753-9999.

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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, 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.

Health Services is available to all full- or part-time students (1 or more semester hours) who have been assessed on-campus student fees. There are no charges for physician or provider services, X-rays, most laboratory tests, 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 and Chronic Medical Care–evaluation, consultation, and treatment for a wide variety of medical concerns such as upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, cough, and urinary tract infections (UTI), injury care, mental health, and sports medicine.

Allergy Injections–administered by a nurse using the schedule and serum provided by the student’s private allergist.

Laboratory–laboratory testing ordered by Health Services, and limited testing ordered by outside health care providers.

Men’s Health–screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and other men’s health issues with an emphasis on prevention and personal responsibility.

Pharmacy–fills prescriptions from Health Services and outside health care providers, and provides several over-the-counter medications such as Plan B One-Step (emergency contraception), allergy and cold preparations, and fever/pain relievers.

Preventive Medicine–immunizations (including HPV, Hepatitis A and B, and meningitis vaccines, as well as state-required immunizations), HIV testing, travel counseling and vaccines, tuberculosis testing and treatment, seasonal flu shots, and information and couseling on communicable diseases.

Psychiatry–psychiatric assessment, medication, and/or referral is provided on a full-time basis at Health Services by the psychiatrist from the Counseling and Student Development Center.

Radiology–digital radiography including general diagnostic X-rays, sports medicine X-rays, and electrocardiography when ordered by Health Services.

Women’s Health–care and treatment for women’s health concerns including annual exams, breast exams, Pap smears, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal infections, menstrual irregularities, and contraception and counseling with an emphasis on education and prevention.

Online Services–To schedule or cancel an appointment, check on immunization records, order prescription refills, and receive test results visit the website at www.niu.edu/healthservices.

Appointments are encouraged; however, walk-ins are accepted and will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointments are required for many services, inlcuding some services in Preventive Medicine. Fees are charges for missed appointments. To schedule appointments or for additional Health Services information, visit the website at www.niu.edu/healthservices or call 815-753-1311.

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 for these medical expenses. For more information regarding this insurance plan, visit the website at www.niu.edu/shi or call the Student Insurance Office at 815-753-0122.

Students who register for 9 or more on campus semester hours by the 15th 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 who register for at least 6 semester hours on or off campus may enroll in the student insurance plan. These students must return an enrollment form to the Student Insurance Office by the 15th calendar day of the semester. Enrollment forms are available at the website: www.niu.edu/shi.

Students working on their thesis or doctorate and taking at least one credit hour may enroll in the student insurance plan. This provision is available to the student for four semesters only. These students must fill out the online enrollment form by the 15th calendar day of the semester.

International students and students studying abroad are required to carry the NIU student insurance. These students are automatically charged the fee for student insurance if they register for at least 1 semester hour by the 15th calendar day of the semester.

Spouses, domestic partners, and children of insured students 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 the website: www.studentinsurance.niu.edu.

Students who have been assessed the student insurance fee and have comparable health insurance coverage may apply for a waiver by completing the on-line Waiver Process at the Student Insurance website on or before the 15th calendar day of the semester. Students who successfully complete the waiver process are not assessed or covered by student insurance for the following spring semester.

Reinstatement to the NIU plan is available during open enrollment periods or within 60 days of being removed from alternate coverage. Please contact the Student Insurance office for more information.

Students (and their dependent) 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 the student insurance for themselves and their dependents during the first 5 days of summer session. Applications are available at the website: www.studentinsurance.niu.edu.

Students who withdraw from the university due to medical reasons will not receive a refund of the student insurance fee and will continue to be insured through the student health insurance plan for the remainder of the semester term. This provision is available for one academic term only.

Information concerning the NIU student health insurance may be obtained from the Student Insurance Office, Health Services, Room 201, 815-753-0122, or e-mail to studentinsurance@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. In particular, the center offers a Peer Mentor Program for first-year students designed to assist with their transtion to college. 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 offers NIU students, faculty, and staff full- and part-time child care for their children ages 3 months - 5 years. In addition, school-age childcare for children ages 5-8 years is available during the summer session. The center is accredited by the NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation, and has a 4-star rating through the Illinois Quality Counts Quality Rating System, 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.

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. Most 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 Nite Ride Service, which provides free safe passage home for students. The service operates on a daily basis 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.

Career Services

Career Services helps graduate 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 graduate 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. Please visit our website at www.niu.edu/careerservices.

Besides offering individual career counseling about career and job-related concerns, 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 the Huskies Get Hired system utilizing Victor eRecruiting at www.gethired.niu.edu
• Walk-in and online resume and cover letter reviews
• Career testing
• University-wide job fairs, internship fairs and the Educator Job Fair
• Fairs or expos targeting specific interests including graduate or professional schools
• Assistance in the application process for graduate/professional schools
• 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 graduate 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 Black Studies

The Center for Black Studies is an academic and research center that collects and analyzes data on all aspects of minority experiences, particularly those of people of African descent. The center also coordinates an interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in black studies. In addition, the center seeks to stimulate students’ professional and career interests through the sponsorship of various distinguished speakers and cultural events.

Counseling and Student Development Center

The Counseling and Student Development Center supports the academic, emotional, social, and cultural development of students. The student-centered programs include counseling, assessment, crisis response, outreach, consultation, training, and educational services. The center’s staff help students address personal challenges and develop the skills, abilities and knowledge to empower them to take full advantage of their college experience.

An atmosphere that is welcoming for all individuals is valued and diversity of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, citizenship, and ability is embraced. The center strives to foster and promote awareness, empathy, and cultural competence within a multicultural environment.

Services include:

Individual and group counseling
Crisis intervention and referral
Substance abuse assessments
Eating disorder assessments
Anger interventions
Psychiatric services
Workshops on various topics (in residence halls, classes and other settings)
Consultation (regarding mental health issues, programming, and organizational development)
Training for graduate students

For more information, visit www.niu.edu/csdc or call 81-7531206.

Disability Resource Center

Students seeking disability related resources or wanting to learn about disability related resources should contact the Disability Resource Center located on the fourth floor of the Health Services Building. Staff of the center may be reached at 815.753.1303 (Voice), or through email at drc@niu.edu. Select examples of resources provided include academic accommodations, housing accommodations, an honor society, student organizations, and advocacy with faculty and staff. Students seeking academic accommodations should see “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” as well as visit www.niu.edu/drc.

By providing support services for students with a variety of disabilities, the university is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

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 “International Programs.”

Latino Resource Center

The Latino Resource Center (LRC) focuses on student-centered services 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 or contact Dr. Emily Prieto, Director at 815-753-1986.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center serves as a central resource for increasing campus and 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. A lending library of books, films, and magazines on LGBT topics, computer stations for student use, and a variety of free brochures and handouts are also available.

Military Student Services

In August 2010, the Veteran’s Assistance Office affiliated with Financial Aid transformed into Military Student Services (MSS), a comprehensive and single point of contact for veteran, military students, and dependents of veterans who attend Northern Illinois University. Services and resources provided by this office include, but are not limited to, the processing of federal and state veteran educational benefits, outreach to the NIU veteran and military student population, mental health case management, educational and social programmatic support, and individual and collective advocacy. These services are designed to foster a veteran-friendly campus that is welcoming and supportive of all U.S. veteran and military students. For information about MSS visit www.niu.edu/militaryservices, call 815-753-0691, or stop by at 408 Adams Hall.

Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services

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

Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman provides members of the university community neutral and confidential assistance and advice regarding university-related concerns. Any type of concern may be discussed: academic, financial, housing, consumer, work related, or personal. Members of the office staff will listen to concerns, discuss options, and offer suggestions and advice from a neutral and objective point of view that may assist in the resolution of the concern. Distinctive services of the office include clarification of university policies and procedures, advice regarding appropriate strategic approaches, and specific direction and referral to appropriate individuals and offices on campus.

As designated neutrals, staff members in the office are prohibited from advocating on behalf of any individual but can 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 not constitute notice to the university.

Mediation services, direction and referral to appropriate individuals and offices, and clarification of university policies and procedures are distinctive services of the office. All communications with the Office of the Ombudsman are held in strict confidence.

The Office of the Ombudsman is located in the Holmes Student Center, Room 601. Appointments may be made by calling 815-753-1414.

Office of Testing Services

The Office of Testing Services, located in Adams Hall, provides a variety of services to students and faculty. This office administers many of the tests associated with course placement, departmental qualification requirements, university graduation 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.

Other Campus Human Service Agencies

The School of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences Child Development Laboratory (CDL) (Gabel Hall, Rooms 169-170, 815-753-1150) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is recognized by the Illinois Quality Rating System as 4-star, the highest level of qulaity. The CDL 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 all year while NIU is open. 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 students in the child development emphasis offered by the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences. For more information, contact the Child Development Laboratory.

The Community Counseling Training Center (Graham Hall 416; 815-753-9312) is a counseling and training clinic, providing free counseling services to individuals and families of NIU and the surrounding communities. Counselors are advanced graduate counseling students under supervision of the NIU Counseling Faculty, who are Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors and Certified School Counselors. Counseling involves supporting clients in personal growth and the resolution of emotional challenges, as well as with academic and career concerns. Services provided include individual counseling, play therapy, couple and family counseling, group counseling, and psychoeducational and career testing.

The Family Therapy Clinic (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 for individuals, couples, and families. 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 (Family Health, Wellness and Literacy Center, 3100 Sycamore Road, 815-753-1481, TTY 815-752-2000) offers a comprehensive program of evaluation, rehabilitation, and counseling services for any student with a hearing loss and/or speech-language disorder. Hearing aids, accessories, and repairs are available. The clinic is a program of the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders.

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.

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, 8 racquetball courts, including one that is used for eexercise boxing, 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 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 workout 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.

The Outing Adventure Center 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, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, equestrian, fencing, ice hockey, lacrosse, Quidditch, rugby, swimming, track and field, triathlon, ultimate frisbee, men’s volleyball, and water polo.

Campus Recreation employs over 200 student employees annually. Campus Recreation 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 Campus Recreation 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, tort, public benefits, employment, and domestic relations. It is preferred that appointments be made. The offices are located in 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 direct legal services, the lawyers have developed an extensive “preventative-law” program designed to prevent problems through community education. Handout materials include a Dispute Resolution Handbook, Tenant/Landlord Handbook, Roommate Survival Guide, Preventing Sexual Assault Handbook, Used Car Buyer’s Guide, Traffic Ticket Handbook, and legal forms including subleases, room condition reports, and roommate agreements. There is extensive information regarding many legal issues on the office website at www.niu.edu/legal.

Women’s Resource Center

The Women’s Resource Center is an advocate for a safe, supportive campus environment that embraces and creates equity among all voices. The Women’s Resource Center educates, helps women find their voices, enriches student-learning, and provides support and resource services. Through social justice programming and advocacy work, the Women’s Resource Center empowers students to create a campus culture that values women and their diverse identities. Experiential opportunities such as internships and volunteerism are offered to assist students in their engagement on campus. Facility resources such as a computer lab, Wellness & Relaxation Room, a TV lounge, and kitchen are available to students. 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.

Graduate credit courses are offered at regional sites by the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. For a list of regional course locations, students should consult the “campuses and courses” quick link off the NIU home page (www.niu.edu). In addition, the Illinois Board of Higher Education has authorized several NIU graduate degree programs to be offered in their totality in Chicago and in the Hoffman Estates, DuPage, and Rockford areas.

• Graduate School: M.A.T. (Teaching), and M.S.T. (Teaching)
• College of Business: M.A.S., M.B.A., M.S.T., and M.S. in management information systems
• College of Education: M.S.Ed. in adult and higher education, counseling, curriculum and instruction, early childhood education, educational administration, elementary education, instructional technology, literacy education, school business management, and special education; Ed.S. in educational administration; and Ed.D. in instructional technology
• College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: M.S. in electrical engineering, industrial management, and mechanical engineering
• College of Health and Human Sciences: M.P.H. and M.S. in nursing
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: M.P.A. and M.S. in computer science

Students admitted to the NIU Graduate School or accepted as students-at-large may enroll in courses offered at regional sites for graduate credit. Adult students who are exploring various disciplines before formal commitment to a degree program may enroll under the student-at-large status in these courses. Students should consult with graduate advisers in their chosen field, and should become familiar with the regulations in this catalog, to determine the amount of credit earned as a student-at-large that may be applied to their graduate degree programs.

The university also provides experiences for personal and professional development in a variety of appropriate formats, such as one-day workshops, seminars, conferences, training programs, short courses, distance-learning courses, guided individual study courses, and consultations. Enlisting the instructional and research expertise of a diverse faculty, the university matches these resources with the articulated needs of practicing professionals. 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 employers.

NIU Hoffman Estates, NIU Naperville, and NIU Rockford

The NIU Outreach Centers at Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Rockford function both as after-hours locations for NIU programs for adult learners and as facilities for corporate clients. 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 with a few at the upper-division, undergraduate level. All three facilities provide daytime space to businesses, organizations, and associations in a professional environment ideal for training sessions, meetings, and special events.

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

The Division of University Advancement is responsible for increasing interest in and awareness and support of NIU. Programs within the division are responsible for building strong relationships with NIU alumni and friends, managing philanthropy to benefit the university, and marketing the university through print and electronic communications.

The Office of the Vice President for University Advancement provides administrative direction for the Offices of Alumni Relations, and Development, as well as being the ex officio liaison from the university to its two major volunteer boards: the NIU Alumni Association and the NIU Foundation.

Each year, alumni and friends of NIU make gifts that benefit scholarships, academic programs, facilities, libraries, athletics, and Northern Public Radio, as well as other endeavors. This support is in the form of direct gifts, bequests, insurance plans, trust funds, or property. Gifts to the university from private sources are channeled through the Office of Development and the Northern Illinois University Foundation.

Alumni Association

The mission of the NIU Alumni Association is to build lifelong relationships with NIU alumni and friends by communicating the message of excellence and creating opportunities for alumni and friends of the university to connect and interact with the university community. Alumni Association programs and activities include publication of Northern Lights and Northern Now; Alumni Scholarship Programs for current and incoming students which are funded by Alumni Association gifts and endowments; Homecoming; the NIU Student Alumni Association; the Senior Challenge fundraising program; the Alumni Awards Program; alumni travel programs; the alumni web pages and Internet portal page (www.myniu.com); Alumni Weekend and class reunions, the Huskie-2-Huskie mentoring program; alumni chapter and outreach programs; pre-game alumni receptions; new student Move-In Day activities; and Commencement Kick Off activities for graduating seniors.

For further information, contact the Alumni Association at 815-753-1452, www.myniu.com.

Northern Illinois University Foundation

The Northern Illinois University Foundation seeks, receives, and administers gifts of cash, property, works of art, and other items of educational or historical value. Through the Foundation, donors direct their gifts to students, faculty, and programs. Select NIU faculty and programs also receive support for innovative research and projects through the Foundation’s Venture Grant program.

As an independent, nonprofit organization chartered in 1949, the Foundation is governed by a board of directors comprised of talented and dedicated NIU alumni and friends, who are also donors themselves. The mission of the Foundation is to build the financial resources necessary to advance excellence at NIU and enhance the university’s capacity to transform lives.

For further information, contact the NIU Foundation at 815-753-1048, or visit www.NIUFoundation.org.