Admission

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Some majors, emphases, and areas of study offered by NIU limit admissions. Admission to NIU does not guarantee admission to a specific major. See “Limited Admissions and Limited Retention Requirements” in this section of the catalog and individual department sections.

Northern Illinois University recognizes that the principles of cultural diversity and global awareness are essential to learning and striving for excellence in the higher educational environment. In recognition of this commitment, NIU expressly prohibits the consideration or use of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, status as a victim or perceived victim of domestic or sexual violence or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications as a basis for any employment decision, in its admission procedures, and in access to its programs. Factors such as academic record, test scores, special talents or ability, personal character, and references may be taken into consideration in the admission process.

Applicants will be considered for admission to the university if they meet the requirements specified under any of the following headings.

Freshmen
Transfer Students
Illinois Public Community College Graduates
International Students
Postbaccalaureate Students

Applicants who desire to enroll for a limited period at the university may find information about these opportunities under the following heading.

Visiting Students

Former NIU students should refer to the section “Readmission of Former NIU Students.”

Applicants must meet additional criteria and/or submit additional documents if they wish to be considered for admission to the following units that administer limited admissions majors, emphases, and/or areas of study. See “Limited Admissions and Limited Retention  .”

Some programs have limited retention. See individual colleges and departments for specific requirements.

Application Materials

Correspondence about undergraduate admission to the university should be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Northern Illinois University, 1425 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois 60115-2857. All applicants may be requested to submit the following materials.

A formal application for admission.
An official high school transcript indicating courses completed.
An official transcript from each college attended.

Any students who attend high schools that do not provide grades, use competency grading, assess on a non-traditional scale or, those with a GED passing score may be asked to submit additional qualitative information such as a personal statement(s) and/or an admissions interview which look for characteristics that can include special talents, significant activities and accomplishments, leadership potential, personal commitment and goal orientation.

Federal regulations stipulate that in order to receive Title IV funding, a student must be qualified to study at the postsecondary level. Part of this requirement is that students must be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is physically located. In Illinois, the compulsory school attendance age is 6-17. To satisfy this requirement and demonstrate qualification to study at a postsecondary level, either a valid high school diploma or a GED is required. 

When to Apply

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Students can apply after the following dates.

Application Deadlines

The completed application and all supporting documents must be on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. However, early application is strongly recommended.

Please note that the actual size of the new class will be determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of academic programs. The schedule on which applications will be reviewed provides for competitive admissions on a space-available basis. Thus, space limitations and/or budget constraints may necessitate earlier deadlines. Students whose high school GPA falls within the published guidelines for holistic review are asked to submit and complete their applications according to the Freshmen Petition Review deadlines.

Individual colleges and departments may also have earlier application deadlines. Please refer to the section titled “Limited Admissions and Limited Retention  ” for specific dates.

If any published application deadline date falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, complete applications and all supporting documents will be accepted on the immediately following Monday.

Students applying for reinstatement, for a change to degree status, or for transfers petitioning their admission decision, completed applications and all supporting materials must be on file by the following dates.

ACT/SAT Scores Not Required

ACT and SAT scores are not required for admission to Northern Illinois University. For those applicants, regardless of GPA, who are applying to programs with limited admissions requirements (which may include an SAT or ACT), they must still meet those requirements for admissions consideration. See Limited Admissions Requirements . The ACT code for NIU is 1102 and the SAT code for NIU is 1559.

Admission to Major Programs

Applicants declare their major on the application for university admission. The declared major indicates an area of interest and does not guarantee admission to a degree program in that specific area. Procedures for declaring a major are described in the “Academic Regulations” section of this catalog.

The university’s undergraduate academic work is organized under the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. Individual colleges control admission to degree programs. The selection of any courses to be required prior to admission to a major will be determined by each college or department in accordance with its respective expectations. In general, students are strongly encouraged to complete successfully the foundational studies requirements and some general education courses early in their programs of study.

All students enrolled in on-campus courses are required by the Illinois College Student Immunization Act (110-ILCS 20) and University policy, to be compliant with the following requirements:

• Three (3) vaccines that contain Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, one of which must be a Tdap vaccine. The last dose of vaccine must be within 10 years. Vaccines must be at appropriate intervals (#1 and #2 at least 28 days apart, #3 no less than 6 months after #2). Tetanus toxoid (TT or Tetanus) is not acceptable.
• Two (2) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) valid vaccines after the first birthday, at least 28 days apart. If students are unable to provide proof of MMR vaccines, serologic evidence (IGG antibody titers), a copy of lab report to prove positive immunity is acceptable.
• One (1) Meningococcal conjugate vaccine after the age of 16 for newly admitted students starting spring 2017 and under the age of 22. Meningitis or Meningococcal vaccinations are not acceptable.

Documentation of immunity must be complete and on file at the Immunization Compliance and Records office before the following dates:

Fall term enrollment: August 1st
Spring term enrollment: January 1st
Summer term enrollment: June 1st

Failure to provide the required documentation by the 10th day of the semester will result in a registration hold for the subsequent semester. You will be notified at your NIU zID e-mail account if any documentation information is incomplete. Immunization information may be obtained from the Immunization Compliance and Records web page or by calling 815-753-9585.

The Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that college freshman living in residence halls be immunized against meningococcal disease. The ACIP recommendation further states that other college students under 25 years of age who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord that is caused either by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis, especially meningococcal meningitis, is more serious and can result in permanent neurologic damage or death.

Meningococcal meningitis commonly begins with high fever, headache, and stiff neck that develop over a period of several hours to two days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness and discomfort looking at bright lights. Meningococcal meningitis is spread through exchange of oral and respiratory secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing, and sharing eating utensils), not through casual contact. Individuals who live in the same household or have direct contact with an infected person’s oral secretions are at an increased risk of acquiring the infection.

Two vaccines are available that protect against four of the five strains (or types) of the bacterium that cause meningococcal disease. While both vaccines provide immunity for a number of years to approximately 90% of those who are vaccinated, neither medication confers lifelong immunity to meningococcal meningitis.

Criteria for Freshman Admission

ACT/SAT Scores Not Required

Individuals will be considered for admission if they meet one of the following sets of criteria, weighted and unweighted GPA will be considered:

Applicants who have graduated or will graduate from a secondary school prior to enrollment at NIU will be assessed for admissions utilizing the following criteria:

Applicants who have a GPA of at least  3.00 on a 4.00 scale, are eligible for automatic admittance to NIU.

Applicants who have a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 on a 4.00 scale will have their application go before the Office of Undergraduate Admission for a decision based on a holistic review. Applicants who are not initially admitted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions can make an appeal for an additional holistic review by the University Review Committee. The University Review Committee is composed of key stakeholders from across the university, including one member from each college at NIU.

Applicants who have a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 on a 4.00 scale will have their application go before the University Review Committee for a decision based on a holistic review. The University Review Committee is composed of key stakeholders from across the university; including one member from each college at NIU. Students admitted through the University Review Committee are automatically selected to participate in the CHANCE program.

For those applicants, regardless of GPA, who are applying to programs that require a portfolio review, audition, or other limited admissions requirements (which may include an SAT or ACT), they must still meet those requirements for admissions consideration. See Limited Admissions Requirements .

To support NIU’s mission, the holistic admission review is flexible, highly individualized, and evaluates academic and contextual factors such as:

• Academic course rigor pursued compared to available courses.
• Academic performance and trends in core courses.
• 7th semester academic performance.

For select applicants, additional qualitative information can be requested and considered such as a personal statement and/or an admissions interview which look for characteristics that can include special talents, significant activities and accomplishments, leadership potential, personal commitment and goal orientation.

All applicants must have successfully completed the following high school courses (one unit equals one year).

English. Four units (three of which must be courses emphasizing written and oral communication and literature).

Mathematics. Three to four units of college preparatory mathematics, including one year of geometry and one year of advanced algebra and/or trigonometry. For students intending to major in mathematics, science, business, or engineering, four years of college preparatory mathematics are very strongly recommended. Further, all students, regardless of intended major, are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics course or a course with a mathematics prerequisite during the year before they enroll in a mathematics course at NIU.

Science. Two to three units (two of which must be courses in the physical or biological sciences). One unit must be a laboratory science.

Social Studies. Two to three units (one of which must be U.S. history or a combination of U.S. history and government).

Foreign Language, Art, Music, or Vocational Education. One to two units (one of which must be course work in foreign language, art, or music).

Additional Course Work. Up to three units of the required fifteen may be distributed throughout any of the five categories of course work listed above. Vocational education may satisfy up to three of the units.

Students who complete the required fifteen units in college preparatory courses including two years of a foreign language, advanced mathematics, composition, literature, and at least one unit in chemistry or physics will be more likely to (a) qualify for advanced placement or proficiency credit and (b) complete their programs of study within the amount of time anticipated for a given baccalaureate degree from NIU.

Applicants who have attempted transferable college-level credit at the time of application, and are entering the University in the academic year following their graduation from secondary school or its equivalent are evaluated using freshman admission requirements.

Applicants who are not high school graduates must have attained high school equivalency through General Educational Development (GED) tests. In addition to a GED passing score, applicants will be required to submit qualitative information such as a personal statement(s), and/or an admissions interview which look for characteristics that can include special talents, significant activities and accomplishments, leadership potential, personal commitment and goal orientation. Applicants with a GED passing score will have their application go before the University Review Committee for a decision based on holistic review.

Freshman Petition Review

Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirements for admission and who have been denied admission, may submit an appeal for a holistic review by the University Review Committee.

To request such a review, prospective freshmen must have a letter of petition on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. The letter should describe circumstances relevant to the petition, including information about academic potential that is not reflected in high school performance.

Schedule for Application Review

Individuals who meet all applicable admission criteria will be notified of an admission decision as soon as possible following the completion of their application file. Students are encouraged to apply early. Applicants will be considered for admission as long as space is available.

The actual size of the new freshman class is determined by the level of university resources available to maintain the quality of the academic programs. The schedule on which applications are reviewed provides for competitive admissions on a space-available basis.

Transfer Students

To maintain the quality of academic programs, the number of transfer students admitted each semester will be determined by the level of university resources available. The schedule on which applications will be reviewed provides for competitive admission on a space-available basis. Early application is encouraged. Also see “Transfer Credit” under “Academic Regulations.”

Transfer applicants must submit the following.

A formal application for admission.
An official high school transcript. (Applicants with 24 or more semester hours of transferable credit are not required to submit a high school transcript.)
An official transcript from each college attended (sent by each college to the Office of Admissions).

Enrollment in courses offered at NIU which fulfill NIU’s foundational studies requirement in mathematics requires an entry-skill level, determined through placement testing and/or explicit prerequisites, at least equal to that expected from the successful completion of an intermediate algebra course. Such a course is not offered by NIU. However, an intermediate algebra course offered by Kishwaukee College can be taken on the NIU campus.

Applicants who have attempted up to and including 12 semester hours of credit are evaluated as freshmen for admission purposes and must meet the current freshman admission requirements. The GPA earned for the attempted 12 hours or fewer will not affect the admission decision. (This policy has been developed to encourage students to take advantage of local post-secondary educational opportunities, either during their senior year in high school or during the summer before NIU enrollment, without jeopardizing their admission to NIU.)

Applicants who have attempted more than 12 semester hours but who have earned fewer than 24 semester hours of transferable college-level credit at the time of application must

have a GPA of at least C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) from all colleges attended (as computed by NIU standards).
be in good standing at the last college attended.
satisfy NIU’s competitive transfer GPA.
meet the current freshman admission criteria.

Applicants who have earned between 24 and 59 semester hours of transferable college-level credit at the time of application must

have a GPA of at least C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) from all colleges attended (as computed by NIU standards).
be in good standing at the last college attended.
satisfy NIU’s competitive transfer GPA.

Applicants who have earned 60 or more semester hours of transferable college-level credit at the time of application must

have a GPA of at least C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) from all colleges attended (as computed by NIU standards).
be in good standing at the last college attended.

Transfer Petition Review

Transfer applicants with 24 or more semester hours of transferable credit who petition for a review of their admission decision must have all documents that are required for transfer admission and a letter of petition on file in the Office of Admissions by the dates listed below. The letter should describe circumstances relevant to the petition, including information about educational and career goals.

Illinois Public Community College Graduates

A graduate of an Illinois public community college who has not previously attended Northern Illinois University and who has completed a baccalaureate-oriented A.A., A.S., or A.A.T. degree in early childhood, secondary math, or special education will be admitted to NIU as long as space is available. The student will enter with junior standing and all NIU general education requirements will be considered complete if the student has the following qualifications prior to enrolling at NIU.

An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree or an Associate in Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree in early childhood, secondary math, or special education in a baccalaureate-oriented program from an Illinois public community college.
At least a C average (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) as calculated by the community college.
At least 60 semester hours of credit.
Good standing at the last college attended.

An Illinois public community college graduate with an Associate in Engineering Science, Associate in Arts in Teaching in secondary science, or an Associate in Fine Arts degree is eligible for admission to NIU but is not eligible for the benefits indicated above unless there is a formal agreement between institutions.

An Illinois public community college graduate with an Associate in Applied Science, an Associate in General Studies, or an Associate in Liberal Studies degree is not eligible for the benefits indicated above. These students will receive the same consideration for admission as other transfer students.

Former NIU students (non-degree, visiting, or regular) who have since attended a community college should refer to “Readmission of Former NIU Students.”

An applicant from an Illinois public community college who has previously been a visiting or non-degree student at NIU and who wishes to enter NIU with junior standing and general education requirements considered complete must petition for these benefits in a letter accompanying the application. It is expected that students who petition will have met the basic minimum GPA and other requirements for the A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree from the community college.

These benefits do not necessarily satisfy any additional course requirements that may be needed for a specific major program at NIU.

Questions regarding the Illinois Articulation Initiative GECC may be directed to the Transfer Center, 815-753-0446.

Out-of-State Public Community College Graduates

A graduate of a regionally-accredited, out-of-state, public community college who has not previously attended Northern Illinois University and who has completed a baccalaureate-oriented A.A. or A.S. degree and has met the following qualifications will meet NIU general education requirements and enter with junior standing.

• An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree baccalaureate-oriented program from a public community college.
• At least a C average (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) as calculated by the community college.
• At least 60 semester hours of credit.
• Good standing at the last college attended.

An out-of-state public community college graduate with an Associate in Applied Science, an Associate in General Studies, an Associate in Liberal Studies degree, or any other associate degree as noted is not eligible for the benefits indicated above unless there is a formal agreement between institutions. These students will receive the same consideration for admission as other transfer students.

Former NIU students (non-degree, visiting, or regular) who have since attended an out-of-state public community college should refer to “Readmission of Former NIU Students.”

An applicant from an out-of-state public community college who has previously been a visiting or non-degree student at NIU and who wishes to enter NIU with junior standing and general education requirements considered complete must petition for these benefits in a letter accompanying the application. It is expected that students who petition will have met the basic minimum GPA and other requirements for the A.A. or A.S. degree from the community college.

These benefits do not necessarily satisfy any additional course, GPA, or competitive admission requirements that may be needed for a specific college, major program, or graduation requirement at NIU.

Transfer Students from Illinois Community or Junior Colleges

An applicant who has attended an Illinois public community college but has not graduated with a baccalaureate-oriented A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree will receive the same consideration for admission as all other transfer students. This policy also applies to all applicants who have attended or graduated from private or out-of-state community or junior colleges. All course work will be evaluated according to the standards and regulations stated for transfer students in the “Transfer Credit” section under “Academic Regulations,” and the student may find that general education requirements have been met.

Community college transfer students interested in teacher certification should carefully read the section “Educator Licensure Requirements.”

Effective fall semester 1998 and after for new transfer students and students reentering NIU with an A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree from an Illinois public community college, Northern Illinois University is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the completed Illinois transferable General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) between participating institutions. Successful completion of the GECC at any participating college or university in Illinois assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or baccalaureate degree have been satisfied and allows students to transfer this portion of an associate or baccalaureate degree from one participating IAI institution to another without incurring a loss of credit. See “Transfer of Illinois Articulation Initiative Credit to NIU” and “Illinois Articulation Initiative Core Curriculum” for further information.

International Students

International undergraduate students are asked to submit the following materials for admission to NIU:  Official school records from all schools attended (with official English translation, if necessary), official proof of English test (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic, or other acceptable test as per the International Admissions Office), and an admissions application. Note: the ACT or SAT is not required for international freshmen applicants. Upon being admitted, F-1 and J-1 students must also submit proof of financial ability in order to receive their immigration documents.

Fall semester deadlines are May 1 for students living outside the United States and June 15 for students living in the United States. Spring semester deadlines are October 1 for students living outside the United States and November 15 for students living in the United States.

Postbaccalaureate Students

Postbaccalaureate students are those who hold baccalaureate degrees from an accredited U.S. college or university, or from a recognized foreign institution, and wish to take additional undergraduate courses or to earn a second baccalaureate degree. To qualify for admission, a postbaccalaureate applicant must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions other than NIU. All credit will be evaluated from the perspective of the new major. Postbaccalaureate applicants are subject to the review procedures applicable to limited admission and retention programs. See “Limited Admissions Requirements” and individual college programs.

The NIU cumulative GPA for all postbaccalaureate students, including those whose initial baccalaureate degree was earned at NIU, will include only postbaccalaureate course work attempted at NIU.

Postbaccalaureate status allows a student to take 100- through 400- level courses for undergraduate credit only; a postbaccalaureate may not take courses for graduate credit.

An individual with a baccalaureate degree who wishes to take 500-, 600-, or 700-level graduate courses should apply to the Graduate School for admission as a graduate student or for student-at-large status. (See the Graduate Catalog.)

Whether postbaccalaureate or a graduate-level (graduate student or student-at-large) classification is the more appropriate depends on the student’s academic objectives, and students are encouraged to consult with appropriate departmental or other academic advisers in making their choice. The student’s classification may also affect eligibility for certain types of financial assistance, and students should contact a financial aid counselor in the Student Financial Aid Office for information. Students may request to change their classification from postbaccalaureate to graduate or vice versa. The change in classification must be requested by completing the appropriate application not later than the first regularly scheduled class day of the academic term for which it is to be effective.

Visiting Students

A student who has not previously enrolled in NIU as an undergraduate degree seeking student may apply for temporary admission and take courses as a visiting student. Visiting students are limited to 15 credit hours; those who wish to enroll in additional hours must reapply through the office of Admissions. Students enrolled in International Studies programs are not subject to the one term limitation.

Visiting students are ineligible for scholarships and federal and state financial aid.

Students who wish to attend NIU as visiting students must submit an undergraduate application. Although transcripts are not required for admission as a visiting student, enrollment in specific courses may require the submission of official transcripts to the college advising office to determine if prerequisite requirements for the course have been met. Secondary students may apply as a visiting student and register for one or more courses at the university by submitting a written recommendation from the secondary school supporting such enrollment, submitting the written consent of a parent or guardian, and paying the standard tuition and fees.

Visiting students are subject to all university policies and regulations in effect during each term enrolled, including those pertaining to academic probation and dismissal. College-level services such as course and university withdrawals will be provided by the academic college or Academic Advising Center identified on the application for admission.

The benefits that apply to the A.A. or A.S. degree or approved A.A.T. degree as described under the section titled “Illinois Public Community College Graduates” are not assured to students who have previously attended NIU as a visiting student. These students must petition for these benefits in a letter accompanying the application for admission to a degree program.

Students who have been denied admission as a degree seeking student are not eligible for admission as a visiting student for the identical academic semester or summer session.

Students who have previously attended NIU as a degree seeking student must apply according to the guidelines listed in the “Readmission of Former NIU Students” section of this catalog. Students who have been academically dismissed from NIU are not eligible to apply as visiting students.

Changing to Degree Status

Visiting students who seek to change to degree status and who meet the current criteria for freshman or transfer admission must have a GPA of at least 2.00 in course work completed at NIU; submit a new application for admission; and submit all documents necessary for freshman or transfer admission as listed in the “Admission Criteria” section of the undergraduate catalog.

The new application and all required documents must be received in the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline date designated below for changing to degree status.

Visiting students who seek to change to degree status but who do not meet the current criteria for freshman or transfer admission must have a GPA of at least 2.00 in course work completed at NIU; submit a new application for admission; submit all documents necessary for freshman or transfer admission as listed in the “Admission Criteria” section; and submit a letter of petition describing circumstances relevant to the petition including educational and career goals.

The new application, all documents, and the letter of petition must be received in the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline date designated below for changing to degree status.

Students who have previously enrolled in the university but whose attendance has been interrupted by more than one year must file an application for readmission with the Office of Admissions. Reentering students who left NIU on academic probation must make an appointment with the appropriate college advising office prior to being cleared to register for classes. Reentering students who left NIU on academic probation who have no college affiliation must make their appointment with the Academic Advising Center prior to being cleared to register for classes.

Academic Recovery

Students who apply for readmission after an absence of two years (four fall/spring semesters excluding summer terms) or longer are eligible for the academic recovery policy. Students reinstated or readmitted on academic probation under the provisions of this policy, establish a new GPA which only includes course work attempted after the reentry date. Students who left NIU in good standing after an absence of two years (four fall/spring semesters excluding summer terms) or longer may submit a written request through their academic advisor to apply the academic recovery policy upon re-enrollment. All other current university regulations apply, and additional stipulations made by the major department including limited admission and limited retention may apply. Recalculation of GPA under the academic recovery policy does not alter financial aid eligibility (satisfactory academic progress) resulting from the original GPA. All previously earned hours of NIU course work will be counted toward graduation requirements. Students who reenter under this policy having previously been dismissed or on academic probation will be candidates for academic dismissal if they do not establish a 2.00 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the semester the academic recover policy is applied. Students who reenter through academic recovery cannot graduate without earning credit for at least one course in their major department to establish a major GPA at or above 2.00. Recalculation of GPA under the academic recovery policy may be applied only one-time in a student’s undergraduate academic career. All reentering students applying the academic recovery policy must meet with an academic advisor in their major college or the Academic Advising Center where they will develop a success plan. 

Direct Reentrance

Students who were in good academic standing or on academic probation when they left the university and who have not attended another college or university since leaving must complete and return an application for readmission to the Office of Admissions. Students on academic probation when they left NIU will return on academic probation.

Reentrance with Additional Credit

Students who were in good academic standing or on academic probation when they left the university and who have since taken course work at another educational institution must complete and return an application for readmission to the Office of Admissions. They must also supply the Office of Admissions with an official transcript from each college or university attended since last attending NIU. To be eligible for reentrance, such students must have at least an overall C average (as computed by NIU standards) in all work taken at all other institutions, and must be in good academic standing at the last school attended. Students on academic probation when they left NIU will return on academic probation.

Reentrance of Public Community College Graduates

A former student who left NIU in good standing, has been away from NIU for at least a fall or spring semester, and reenters with the baccalaureate-oriented associate degree or approved A.A.T. degree from a public community college earned after leaving NIU will be granted the same academic benefits as public community college graduates new to NIU.

In addition to receiving the benefits listed under the section headed “Public Community College Graduates,” such a student reentering NIU will be eligible for the academic recovery policy. Students reinstated or readmitted on academic probation under the provisions of this policy, establish a new GPA only including course work attempted after the reentry date. Students who left NIU in good standing may submit a written request through their academic advisor to apply the academic recovery policy upon re-enrollment.

Recalculation of GPA under the academic recovery policy may be applied only one-time in a student’s undergraduate academic career. Recalculation of GPA under the academic recovery policy does not alter financial aid eligibility (satisfactory academic progress) resulting from the original GPA. Students who reenter under this policy having previously been dismissed or on academic probation will be candidates for academic dismissal if they do not establish a 2.00 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the semester the academic recover policy is applied. All reentering students applying the academic recovery policy must meet with an academic advisor in their major college or the Academic Advising Center where they will develop a success plan. 

Reinstatement

Students who have been academically dismissed from the university must provide a written petition for reinstatement which describes the expenditure of their time since leaving the university and outlines reasons for believing that their previous record will be improved if they are reinstated. Such students are not eligible for reinstatement until after they have been away for at least one fall or spring semester. Students reinstated after being dismissed for poor scholarship are reinstated on final academic probation and must establish a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 for all hours taken at this university by the end of the semester or summer session of reinstatement.

Each reinstatement case will be considered by a committee in the student’s major college; in no case may it be assumed that after an absence of one semester any student is automatically entitled to reinstatement.

Applications for reinstatement (including an application for readmission, the written petition described above, and transcripts of all course work completed since leaving NIU) must be received in the Office of Admissions by the following dates. In addition, any encumbrances the student has on their record (placed by such offices as the bursar, admissions, and health services) must be cleared by the reinstatement deadline.