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 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.

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 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 10th 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 working on their thesis or doctorate and taking at least one credit hour may enroll in the student insurance plan. These students must fill out the online enrollment form at www.niu.edu/shi by the 10th academic day of the semester.

Students studying abroad are required to carry the NIU student health insurance. These students are automatically charged the applicable fee for student health insurance for the time they will be studying abroad. 

Spouses, domestic partners and children of insurance students may also be insured. The insured student may apply for dependent coverage on or before the 10th 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 10th academic day of the semester. Students who successfully complete the waiver process are not assessed the student health insurance fee 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.

Information concerning the student health insurance may be obtained from the Student Health Insurance office, Health Services, Room 101, 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. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and has a Gold Circle of Quality rating through 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.ccc.niu.edu/ccc.

Campus Transportation

NIU maintains the largest student-run university bus system in Illinois. The 17-bus system, governed by the director of Mass Transit and the 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 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 NIU Department of Police and Public Safety, the director of Mass Transit runs Huskie Safe Line, which provides free safe passage home for students. The service operates on a daily basis from 11 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. and can be reached at 815-753-2222.

Through the director of Mass Transit 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 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 81-7531206.

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center has been designated by the university to determine appropriate disability accommodations for NIU students in consultation with several entities. Decisions for accommodations are based on the student’s clarification about specific needs and limitations as well as past history, documentation as needed from a qualified care provider, and assessment of the student’s functional limitations.

Students who are seeking resources to learn about campus access or to request reasonable accommodations related to academic or residential concerns, should contact the Disability Resource Center on the fourth floor of the Health Services Building. Staff at the DRC may be reached at: 815-753-1303; email: drc@niu.edu; or visit the website at www.niu.edu/disability.

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

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.

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 Affairs.”

Latino Resource Center

The Latino Resource Center (LRC) focuses on student-centered services and retention 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, in addition to mentoring prorams, school site visits, and the Latino honor society. 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 the center at 815-753-1986.

Military and Post-Traditional Student Services

In October 2015, the offices of Military Students Services (MSS) and Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services (OCNTSS) merged to create Military and Post-Traditional Student Services (MPTSS). Military and Post-Traditional Student Services is designed to support and enhance the educational, interpersonal, and social experiences of veteran, off-campus, commuter, transfer, and non-traditional students. The office aims to help support students on the path to graduation by providing educational and social programmatic support, individual and collective advocacy, and, in the case of veterans, processing federal and state benefits for those who served and their dependents. The office also has a lounge in the basement of the Holmes Student Center 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. For more information about MPTSS visit http://www.niu.edu/mptss, call 815.753.9999/0691, or stop by Holmes Student Center 023K or Campus Life Building 240.

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 printer 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: 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/ombuds for additional information.

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 Couple and Family Clinic at NIU (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 Sciences.

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-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, in the Duramad Building, 121 Normal Road, located on the corner of Normal Road and Lincoln Terrace at 815-753-1045.

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

Recreation Services

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, the Outdoor Recreation Sports Complex, and New Hall and Gilbert Hall Fitness Rooms 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
• Outdoor basketball courts
• Natural and artificial sports fields to accommodate: softball, baseball, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and Quidditch.

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.
• 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.
• 31 sports clubs which practices and competes against other universities. 
• Aquatics–swimming lessons, stroke clinics, and lifeguard certification classes are offered.

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/.

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.

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 adult and higher education, curriculum and instruction, and educational administration
• College of Engineering and Engineering Technology: M.S. in electrical engineering, industrial management, and mechanical engineering
• 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 Now; Alumni Scholarship Programs for current and incoming students; Homecoming; the Alumni Awards Program; alumni travel programs; the alumni online community (www.myniu.com); the student career success mentoring program; alumni chapter and outreach programs; pre-game alumni receptions; 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 to benefit NIU. Through the Foundation, donors direct their gifts to students, faculty, and programs.

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 815-753-1386, or visit www.NIUFoundation.org.