Women's History Month

Women's Empowerment Conference: Art of Healing through Courage, Confidence, and Connection 

March 22, 10 AM to 3 PM
Altgeld Hall Auditorium 

The Latino Resource Center, in collaboration with other campus partners and student organizations, will host its 13th annual Women's Empowerment Conference on Mar. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This year's theme is: Healing through Courage, Confidence, and Connection. 

This conference focuses on providing social support, academic guidance and leadership opportunities that foster self-confidence, self-awareness, self-esteem and increase the retention and graduation rates while centering the needs and experiences of women of color at the high school and college level. A free light breakfast and free lunch will be provided to all attendees. Although this conference is designed to promote services centering to the needs of women of color, all college and high school students are welcome to attend the conference. 

RSVP Required. Register by March 12 at go.niu,edu/LRC-WomensEmpowerment 

For questions, please contact Elbia Del Llano at edelllano1@niu.edu. 

Using LinkedIn in your job search 

March 5, 1 PM to 1:30 PM 

Studies show that up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals. But what happens if you don’t have a network, or the only people you know are from graduate school? Join the Beyond Graduate School team for this webinar on how to build a network of professionals in your chosen career field using LinkedIn. You’ll learn where to find people to connect with, and how to reach out to new contacts. This virtual workshop is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering: How can I best use LinkedIn in my job search? Why am I struggling to connect with people on LinkedIn? How do I maintain and grow my network? Register to attend: https://institutions.beyondgradschool.com/webinar-using-linkedin/ 

Government, Nonprofit and Social Services Fair 

March 5, 4 PM to 6 PM 
Holmes Student Center, Duke Ellington Ballroom 

Our Government, Nonprofit and Social Services Fair provides an opportunity for students and alumni interested in these career paths to connect with employers from these fields. There is no fee for candidates to attend and reservations are not required. Bring your NIU OneCard for check in and plenty of copies of your résumé (a printer may not be available).  

Shop Talk-Hosted by Center for Black Studies 

March 17, 7 PM to 9 PM 
Holmes Student Center, Room 505 

An engaging discussion on the dynamics and communication strategies involved in building and maintaining meaningful relationships. See event information here.

How to ace your interview as a master's student 

March 19, 1 PM to 1:30 PM 

Join the Beyond Grad School team for this upcoming webinar on how to ace your internship or job interview. Whether you’ve already booked your first screening interview, or you’re wondering what to expect, this webinar will help you prepare for what to expect. We'll look at steps in the job interview process and review common interview questions. This virtual workshop is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering: 

Register to attend: https://institutions.beyondgradschool.com/webinar-ace-interview/ 

Huskie Fresh Cooking Class: "Chopped" Challenge 

March 24, 5 PM to 7 PM 
Wirtz Hall Rm 306 

NIU Students! Grab your friends or come and meet new fellow Huskies at our first ever student "Chopped" Challenge! Just like on the hit TV show, you’ll compete to create mouthwatering dishes using a mystery basket of ingredients. Work against the clock to craft an entree and a dessert, guided and “judged” by our instructor and helpers. This interactive class is a fun way to sharpen your skills, think on your feet, and enjoy some friendly competition! Sign up as a team of 2 or more or pair up with new friends! Limited space is available for this class. Registration deadline: Monday, March 17. Registration cost: $25 for NIU students. Register here under the purchase tab!   

Kitchen Gear Giveaway: Attend a nutrition event and get a raffle entry for brand-new kitchen gear! Subscribe to our monthly nutrition newsletter to receive program updates and helpful nutrition tips.#NIUNutritionToolbox, #CHHS 

Free Test Preparation through Kaplan All Access  

Through a new statewide partnership, NIU students now have free access to Kaplan’s industry-leading test prep resources for graduate admissions exams, licensure and credentialing exams, and skills development courses. Login at Kaplan All Access. 

Student Fulbright Workshop 

April 9th 3:00 P.M.  
DuSable Hall, Room 204 

The Student Fulbright Program, sponsored by the US Department of State and coordinated in the United States by the Institute of International Education, is a competitive fellowship program funding study or research abroad at the post-baccalaureate or graduate level.  Appointments are also available to teach English abroad. Registration is required. Questions?  Please contact Sarah Lindell at slindell@niu.edu or 753-9526. Sponsored by the Division of International Affairs 

Graduate Student Judges Needed for the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement! 

The Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning is selecting up to 30 graduate student judges for the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) on April 29th, 2025. This is a professional development opportunity through which graduate students will gain valuable training and experience geared towards assessing undergraduate research accurately and constructively.  Selected applicants will participate in a 2-hour training, April 15, 9-11am, to prepare them to serve as a judge, including learning valuable skills in providing feedback and culturally informed and respectful engagement. Benefits for students include relevant experience for professional portfolio, LinkedIn Badge (Undergraduate Research Judge), and a line on their curriculum vita: “Selected as judge for the 2025 NIU Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement.” Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis between January and March 25. Additional questions can be directed to ugresearch@niu.edu.   

Barsema’s Closet 
Barsema’s closet offers gently used clothing so you can be ready for career fairs and interviews! Barsema’s closet, started in 2019, is a nonprofit organization located in Barsema Hall room 309. Clothing is donated by alumni, friends of the university and faculty. Barsema’s Closet is open to all NIU students 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays during the spring 2025 semester. If you would like to donate please contact  barsemascloset@gmail.com.  For more information, visit the Barsema’s Closet website. 

Huskie Food Pantry 

January 15 – May 8, 2025 
Wednesdays: 4–6 p.m. 
Thursdays: 4–6 p.m. 

Closed March 10th – 14th during Spring break. 

The Huskie Food Pantry is open to students every Wednesday and Thursday (excluding Thanksgiving week) until finals week at the Chick Evans Field House. If these times don't work for you, please feel free to schedule a visit! Looking to build your resume? We are always looking for volunteers as well! It's a great chance to get involved in the NIU community and build experience. If you can't get to the pantry during regular hours, you may call or email the Center for Student Assistance (CSA) to make alternative arrangements. 

Huskie Closet in the Chick Evans Field House 

March 4, 11 AM to 1:30 PM 

March 18, 11 AM to 1:30 PM 

March 25, 11 AM to 1:30 PM 

The Huskie Closet is a student-initiated, student-led project of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies that offers free environmentally-conscious career and casual clothing to NIU students. Come to the Closet to shop, donate/recycle your own clothing, or volunteer! 

Do you have questions about formatting your thesis or dissertation?  

Visit the Thesis and Dissertation Office website or Contact Christine Holloway, Thesis and Dissertation Coordinator, at cholloway@niu.edu to discuss your document. 

Have You Met All of Your Degree Requirements? 

If you are a spring 2025 graduation candidate, the Graduate School will be sending you an initial audit letter via email. This letter will indicate items or deficiencies that must be remedied before your degree can be conferred. Check your inbox for your audit letter, and if you have questions, contact your advisor as soon as possible. 

Graduate School Commencement Ceremony on May 9 

Mark your calendars! Spring 2025 graduation candidates will be invited to participate in the May commencement ceremony via email from the Provost in the coming weeks. This invitation will include information on how to RSVP, get tickets, and order regalia. Students can also check the commencement website for additional information.  

Lamisa Tanzim Ruhin
Nutrition and dietetics graduate student

To connect with other students for class, meet new people and form new friendships, I've engaged in several activities. I participated in study groups and class discussions, which allowed me to collaborate with peers and build connections. Joining student organizations and attending campus events also provided opportunities to meet others with similar interests. Additionally, networking at university-hosted events and social gatherings helped me expand my circle and develop new friendships.