University Services

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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 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 for many 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 a range of on-campus living options for undergraduate students. Whether living in one of the five residence hall communities or in our apartment-style Northern View Community, on-campus housing provides NIU students with a supportive environment, which fosters personal growth, community connections, and academic achievement.

The university residence halls are a convenient and affordable option for undergraduate 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 rooms. Other amenities available to hall residents include quiet study lounges, community safety centers, on-site laundry, vending machines, and photocopiers, and easy access to the Huskie Bus line.

Residence hall contracts also include a meal plan. Residents can choose to eat in any of the four dining units in the halls. 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. Dining hours and menus can be found on the Housing and Dining website, www.niu.edu/housing/dining.

A unique aspect of living in the university residence halls is the supportive academic and social environment found on each floor. Residence hall staff, including community advisors who live on each floor, help students acclimate to life at NIU. Students can also take advantage of various support resources, including in-hall tutoring centers, computer labs, and specialized programs found in Living-Learning Communities (LLCs). LLCs are specialized communities designed to strengthen the connection between students and faculty/staff within a chosen course of study or with a special interest. NIU offers the following LLCs: Business Careers, Fine Arts, Health Professions, Honors, Science/Engineering/Technology/Math, Educator Licensure, and Transfer Community. Additional LLCs are Academics and Careers Exploratory Scholars, Foreign Language Resident Program, Green Living, Health Professionals, Interfaith House, Leadership and Service, LGBTQA Community, ROTC, and Second Year Experience Community.

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.

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 psychiatrist services.

Radiology-digital radiography of general diagnostic X-rays, sports medicine X-rays. 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 academic day of the semester are automatically assessed the fee for student health insurance on their tuition account through the Bursar’s Office. The student health insurance plan provides coverage for hospitalization and/or medical treatment for injury and sicknesses 24 hours a day anywhere in the world. It is compliant with the Affordable Care Act.

Students who register for at least 6 semester hours on or off campus may enroll in the student health insurance plan. Applications are available online at www.niu.edu/shi by the 15th academic day of the semester.

International students and students studying abroad are required to carry the NIU student health insurance. These students are automatically charged the fee for student health insurance. 

Spouses, domestic partners and children of insurance students may also be insured. The insured student may apply for dependent coverage on or before the 15th academic day of the semester. Applications for dependent coverage are available at the website: www.niu.edu/shi.

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

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

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 the student health insurance for themselves and their dependents during the first 5 days of the summer session. Please contact the student health insurance office for more information.

Students who withdraw from the university due to medical reasons will not receive a refund of the student health insurance 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 student health insurance may be obtained from the Student Health Insurance office, Health Services, Room 101, 815-753-0122 or email to 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 several residence halls and the library. 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 815-753-0203, 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. In particular, the center offers a Peer Mentor Program for first-year students designed to assist with their transition 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. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of  Young Children, and has a Gold Circle rating through the ExceleRate Illinois, 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 5:30 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.niu.edu/ccc/.

Campus Recreation

Fee-paying NIU students on the DeKalb campus are automatically members of Campus Recreation for that semester. Campus Recreation also offers affordable memberships for students who have not paid NIU DeKalb campus fees and students’ families and significant others. Current memberships with Campus Recreation include access to the Student Recreation Center, the Chick Evans Field House, Anderson and Gabel pools, and the Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex during Open Recreation hours. Within those facilities, members are able to take advantage of:

• Cardio and strength training rooms and equipment
• Exercise boxing area
• Racquetball/wallyball courts
• Multipurpose courts (basketball, volleyball, indoor tennis, badminton, floor hockey, indoor soccer, etc.)
• Indoor tracks
• Locker rooms with dry saunas
• Sports equipment check-out
• Open and lap swimming at pools
• One group cardio equipment orientation
• One group strength training session
• Nutrition consultations–healthy eating habits are critical to achieving wellness. Interns help determine calorie requirements needed to achieve an individual’s weight goal and assist with food planning.
• New Hall and Gilbert Hall Fitness Centers–only open to students living in residence halls
• Outdoor basketball courts

The Outdoor Recreation Sport Complex is home to the Sport Clubs, Intramural Sports, and Open Recreation. Fee paying students have access to this state-of-the art facility, which includes:

• Natural and artificial sports fields to accommodate: softball, baseball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, Quidditch.
• Other amenities include: indoor restrooms, equipment check-out, light concessions, two covered patio areas, and a lighted complex.

Campus Recreation offers numerous recreation programs and services at affordable rates:

• Group Fitness Classes–trained instructors offer over 35 classes weekly and incorporate a unique blend of strength and conditioning exercise to give participants workouts that creates results. Classes include belly dance, body combat, bosu, cycle, pilates, yoga, zumba, and more.
• Personal Training–nationally certified trainers design and implement a program to meet your needs.
• The Outdoor 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, etc.
• Adventure 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 and include: Aikido, baseball, bass fishing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, disc golf, dodgeball, equestrian, fencing, gymnastics, Hap Ki Do, ice hockey, Korean martial arts, lacrosse, powerlifting, Quidditch, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, men’s soccer, swimming, Tae Kwon Do, tennis, track and field, triathlon, ultimate Frisbee, men’s volleyball, water polo, and water ski and wakeboard.
• Aquatics– swimming lessons, stroke clinics, and lifeguard certification classes are offered.

Campus Recreation employs over 250 student employees annually who are interested in providing excellent programs and customer service while learning skills that prepares them for future careers. For more information regarding employment, programs, and services please contact Campus Recreation at 815-753-0231, e-mail at CampusRecreation@niu.edu, or visit our website at www.niu.edu/campusrec/.

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 program through internships. Career Services staff members also assist students in their searches for off-campus part-time and full-time employment. Visit the website at www.niu.edu/careerservices.

Besides offering individual career 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 the Huskie 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 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.

Counseling and Consultation Services

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 also provides direct assistance and support to students who have experienced interpersonal violence (sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking). 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 use assessments
• Eating concerns assessments
• Anger interventions
• Advocacy and referral 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 815-753-1206.

Disability Resource Center

Students seeking disability-related resources or wanting to learn about campus access and reasonable accommodations should contact the Disability Resource Center, located on the fourth floor of the Health Services Building.  Staff of the DRC may be reached at 815-753-1303 (voice), 815-217-2243 (video phone, Room 417), or through email at drc@niu.edu. Students seeking academic accommodations should visit the DRC web site at www.niu.edu/disability to learn more.

By providing support services for students with 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.

Gender and Sexuality Resource Center

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) acknowledges the historical impacts of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ+) identities and provides a home away from home for all persons, inclusive of sexual and gender identities, and all forms of masculinity and femininity. 

The GSRC serves as a central location for resources and support where acceptance of intersectional identities is encouraged and celebrated. Through student leadership development, advocacy, campus and academic engagement, and professional development opportunities, we collaborate with community, state, and national partners, alumni and other stakeholders to challenge societal constructs of gender and sexuality norms and promote social justice. The center offers a relaxing place to meet people, study, research, and get connected with supportive staff and peers. A lending library of books, films, and magazines on a range of gender and sexuality topics, computer stations for student use, and a variety of free brochures and handouts are available.

Information Technology

NIU students have access to more than 1,500 computers for research, instruction, and individual use in academic departments, classrooms, and student computing labs. The platforms include Windows, Macintosh, NetWare, Linux, and Unix. The Division of Information Technology Services (DoIT) Helpdesk provides 24/7/365 support for passwords, e-mail and access to NIU’s network and student systems.

The Technology Support Desk supports laptops, tablets, and smart phones. It is located in the Founders Library and walk-ins are welcome. Charging stations are placed strategically across campus for easy access. The Residential Technology Helpdesk (ResTech) provides support for students living in the residence halls, including connecting personal devices to the NIU network, anti-virus and other software support needs. AnywhereLabs is an online tool set available anywhere, anytime. AnywhereApps give students access to course software, AnywhereFiles is online storage for student files, and AnywherePrints allows students to submit print jobs from anywhere and retrieve them at the printer of their choice.

General access computing labs feature Windows based computers. All feature front side USB, headphone, and microphone access. Most student computing laboratories feature Windows 7, office productivity software, Internet browsers, and various adaptive technologies for students with disabilities. In addition, statistical analysis packages such as SAS and SPSS and some curriculum specific software are available in all locations through the academic cloud (Citrix, AnywhereLabs, AnywhereApps, etc.). Printing and scanning are available through the Academic Cloud (Anywhere printers). Apple computers running OSX are available in labs that support the graphic arts and computer science programs. Volume purchasing of software extends savings to the university community.

Currently enrolled students have a subscription to Microsoft Office 2013 and they can install it on their desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. NIUNet is Northern Illinois University’s state-of-the-art network that provides students and faculty with access to advanced research and academic networks. Students can use NIUNet through both wired and wireless network connections on any of NIU’s campuses. Maintained by the DoIT, NIUNet is a fiber optic network providing high speed broadband connectivity that links over 500 community anchor institutions (schools, health care, and local government, etc.)  throughout northern Illinois. NIUNet connects to the Metropolitan Research and Education Network (MREN) at the Starlight hub located on the campus of Northwestern University and to Internet2, the world’s foremost advanced networking consortium. NIUNet is designed to provide flexibility in meeting the communications and data processing demands of research projects requiring ultra-high speed connectivity. Through NIUNet, students and faculty at NIU can develop peer relationships with researchers at other universities, as well as prominent research facilities such as Argonne National Labs and Fermilab. NIUNet is continually expanding into the northern Illinois region creating opportunities for collaboration in education, health services, the sciences, the arts, business, and other disciplines.​

For more information, call the Division of Information Technology at 815-753-8100 or visit DoIT.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 Affairs” section of this catalog.

Latino Resource Center

The Latino Resource Center (LRC) offers a variety of services to assist, encourage, and inspire NIU Latino students to engage and succeed in their pursuit of learning; and to grow as campus and community leaders. Some of the services available include retention programs such as De Mujer a Mujer: Latina Assistance Program (LAP), Supporting Opportunities for Latinos (SOL), and Mentoring for Academic Success/Freshmen Receiving Experience and Study Habits (MAS/FRESH). The LRC also provides cultural and social programming and makes referrals to appropriate offices for information and assistance with academic, social and career opportunities. The Center houses a top-of-the-line computer laboratory, wireless Internet connections, library, and meeting rooms for student use. For more information, visit www.niu.edu/lrc or contact the center at 815-753-1986.

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 more information about MSS visit http://www.niu.edu/militaryservices, call 815-753-0691, or stop by Adams Hall 408.

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 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. Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services is located in the Holmes Student Center, Rooms 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 ocntss@niu.edu.

Office of the Ombudsperson

All members of the university community may consult the Office of the Ombudsperson for neutral and confidential assistance and advice regarding university-related concerns. The office provides assistance for any type of university matter, including academic, financial, housing, consumer, work-related, or interpersonal issues.

Members of the office staff will listen to concerns, discuss options, and offer suggestions and advice from an 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 Ombudsperson, disclosures to the office do not constitute notice to the university.

The Office of the Ombudsperson is located in the Holmes Student Center, Room 601. Services are free of charge and appointments may be made by calling 815-753-1414. Visit the office website www.niu.edu/ombud for additional information.

Office of Student Academic Success

The Office of Student Academic Success (OSAS) was created in July of 2009 as a direct result of NIU’s 2008 Great Journeys Strategic Plan to bolster student persistence and success. The OSAS supports the university’s mission by empowering students to achieve academic and personal goals through a comprehensive college-wide support network.

OSAS strives to:

• partner with the colleges, faculty, and fellow support service units to identify and intervene with students who exhibit at risk behaviors
• provide educational opportunities and resources for students to hone academic and soft skills
• develop mechanisms to retain students who may leave as well as to aid in the return to NIU for students who have stopped out
• help new students acclimate to Northern Illinois University
• assist students in connecting to the appropriate campus resources in a timely and personal manner
• collaborate with colleges, advisors, and academic support units to develop and maintain common tools to assist students with academic planning and pacing
• stay current with best practices and programs within the field of student success and retention

The OSAS staff (which includes Student Success Specialists who are assigned to each academic college) maintains collaborative relationships across campus, supports faculty objectives, and encourages student use of educational resources through the following programs and services: the Early Alert Program, MAP-Works, Midsemester Check, Destination Graduation, Soup and Success Workshops, Financial Cents, the Huskie Victors Program (formerly Leaders and Scholars), Huskie Enterprise in Leadership and Philanthropy (H.E.L.P.), faculty referrals, and individual meetings with students. For more information please contact the Office of Student Academic Success at (815) 753-5721 or visit the website at www.niu.edu/osas.

Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning

The Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning’s (OSEEL) main purpose is to provide undergraduate students at NIU with opportunities to engage in active and collaborative learning. Engaged learning helps students develop vital skills such as communication strategies, critical thinking, and creativity. The OSEEL focuses on three main areas: Research, Curricular Initiatives, and Service Learning. Research opportunities are available through the programs: Research Rookies (RR), Student Engagement Fund (SEF), Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry and Research (USOAR), Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), and Undergraduate Research and Artistry Day (URAD). Curricular Initiatives are: Themed Learning Communities (TLC), Graduate School Preparation Seminar (GSPS), GRE Basics Workshop, and Northern Lights Ambassadors (NLA). Service Learning opportunities are: Huskie Service Scholars (HSS), Community Engagement Showcase (CES), Civic Reflection (CR), and NIU’s Serves. For more information, or to apply for one of these programs, visit our website at: www.oseel.niu.edu.

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.

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 in Campus Life Building Room 120 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 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. There is extensive information regarding many legal issues on the website at www.niu.edu/legal.

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 recoginized by the Illinois Quality Rating System as 4 Star, the highest level of quality. 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 throughout the 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 child development majors sponsored 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 Couple and Family Therapy Clinic (Wirtz Hall, Room 146, 815-753-1684) provides specialized mental health services for couples, families, children, and individuals to those affiliated with NIU and residents who live in the surrounding communities of Northern Illinois.  The therapists are graduate student therapists 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 Commission 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 Humans Services.

The Psychological Services Center (Psychology Building, Room 86, 815-753-0591) offers psychotherapy and psychological evaluation services for individuals, couples, children and families from the general community as well as NIU.  For full-time NIU students, therapy is free of charge; evaluations are at a reduced flat fee. For military-connected students, extensive assessment (e.g., disability claims, attention/learning issues) is available at very low or no cost.  Clients from the local community pay according to a sliding fee scale for therapy and evaluations.  The center is staffed by faculty and doctoral students in clinical and school 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 and language disorder. Hearing aids, accessories, and repairs are available. The clinic is a program of the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders.

Campus Transportation

NIU maintains the largest student-run university bus system in Illinois. The 15-route system, governed by the Student Association Mass Transit Board and the Director of Mass Transit, provides free transportation to all fee-paying students to campus, and inexpensive transportation for the DeKalb community. The Huskie buses are in operations seven days a week while school is in session during the fall and spring semesters, and for limited hours during winter and spring breaks, as well as during the summer session. 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 815-753-0483.

On Fridays and Sundays, the Student Association also runs a shuttle running to and from the Elburn Train Station. This enables many students to take public transportation back to their homes and visit their families, and allows them to return easily as well. For more information about the Elburn Shuttle Routes call the ticket office at 815-753-3146.

In conjunction with the University Police, the Mass Transit Board oversees the Late Night Ride Service, which provides safe passage for students to their DeKalb-area homes. 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 Disability Resource Center, the NIU Student Association operates the FREEDOMMOBILE, which provides transportation around the campus and vicinity for students with disabilities. During the winter months class-to-class transportation is available for students with a qualifying disability. For more information, call the Disability Resource Center 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 programs introduce students and family members to university programs, services, and facilities and describe some of the varied aspects of college life. Academic advising, 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 collaboration with regional community colleges, offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in high-impact disciplines such as applied management in public safety and computer science, business administration, education, health and human sciences, industrial technology, and nursing. Degree-completion opportunities are designed to articulate with A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. degrees. Affordable off-campus classes are offered evenings and weekends at NIU Outreach Centers in Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Rockford; on the campuses of partner community colleges; and online; providing flexible options for working adults, regardless of where they earned previous college credit. Northern Illinois University has formal partnership agreements with the College of DuPage, the College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, Harper College, Rock Valley 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 DuPage, Harper, Elgin, Joliet, Oakton, Rock Valley, and Waubonsee.

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.