GradConnect: NIU Graduate Student Announcements

October 2024

Northern Illinois University Announcement

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Schedule change and course withdrawal forms are now electronic. You can find the new links on The Graduate School Student Forms page. Please contact your advisor or gradrecords@niu.edu with questions. 

Have you met all your degree requirements? If you are a Fall 2024 graduation candidate, the Graduate School Records & Enrollment Team 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. 

 

EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS 

Latino Heritage Month

Celebrate Latino Heritage Month at NIU with a range of fun and educational events and activities, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. See full event calendar. 

 

Formatting your Thesis or Dissertation  

October 1, 4 PM Virtual  

This presentation will go over document formatting guidelines and point you toward helpful resources. Understanding formatting requirements as you set up and create your document will save you time and help you avoid stress later. Formatting your thesis or dissertation is open to students at any stage of the thesis- or dissertation-writing process.  

 

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Forum Series 

Oct 2, 12-1:30 PM Virtual: Human Subject Research  
Oct 10, 12-1:30 PM Virtual: Conflicts of Interest  

RCR series engages graduate students in learning about academic standards and ethical challenges in planning, conducting, and reporting scholarly research. The series supports students in becoming accomplished as ethical scholars, researchers, and professionals. Earn a transcript notation by attending at least 7 webinars within 2 years.  Please register here:  http://go.niu.edu/RCRFall24 

 

NIU Career Services' All-Majors Internship and Job Fair  

October 2, 1-4:30 PM 
Convocation Center 

All-majors internship and job fair provides an opportunity for students, alumni, and community members to connect with employers for internships, and full-time, part-time and student employment positions. Our All-Majors Internship and Job Fair is open to undergraduates, graduating seniors, graduate students, alumni and non-NIU candidates. Our fair is free for all candidates to attend. Reservations are not required. Parking is also free or you may take the 2R or 2L bus line.   

 

GRIT: The Secret Ingredient for Success 

October 3, 12:30-1:30 PM Virtual  

 This workshop by Career Services explores the concept of grit, a combination of passion and perseverance. Students will learn about the importance of grit in achieving long-term success and discover practical strategies for cultivating it. The workshop will cover topics such as understanding grit, its significance, and how to overcome setbacks. By the end, participants will have a deeper understanding of grit and be equipped with tools to develop it.  

 

Generative AI: Current Capabilities and Concerns for Academic Writing 

October 3, 4-5 PM 
Writing Center 

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) expands its potential, so too must our understanding of how to use AI systems like ChatGPT ethically and efficiently, if at all, including in our writing and academic work. Join this discussion with HASC staff about these emerging systems, some of their current functions, and a few cautions. This effort is sponsored by NIU’s Huskie Academic Success Center; for more information, contact hasc@niu.edu.    

 

Thesis and Dissertation Submission Process-ProQuest 

October 3, 4-4:30 PM Virtual 

All post-defense theses and traditional dissertations must be uploaded into ProQuest for final review. Uploading to ProQuest has no mandatory costs or fees, but you will have decisions to make regarding copyright, creative commons licenses, and purchasing bound copies of your work. This presentation will explain the submission process and discuss these decisions.  

 

Dissertation of Practice Submission Process-Huskie Commons 

October 3, 5-5:30 PM Virtual 

Ed.D. candidates writing dissertations of practice must upload their post-defense papers into our institutional repository, Huskie Commons. This presentation will tell you what you need to know about creating an account in Huskie Commons, the submission process, and how to purchase a bound copy of your work if you choose.  

 

What Employers Actually Value about Your Degree 

October 9, 1-1:30 PM Virtual 

You’re investing time and money in earning your master’s degree. Now, you’d like to find a job where you’re paid for your education and training. But what is it about your degree that employers actually value? Join the Beyond Graduate School team for this workshop on how to communicate your value as a master’s graduate. When applying for internships or jobs, you need to confidently articulate your most marketable skills and how you’ve developed them during your program.  

This virtual workshop is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering: What employers value about a master’s degree?  How you can communicate the value of your degree to employers. What strategies you can use to stand out as a master’s graduate.  Head to the Beyond Graduate School website to register for this workshop.  

 

NIU Homecoming 2024

Oct. 13 - 20

NIU is excited to welcome Huskies home for our 117th Homecoming celebration happening the week of Oct. 13-20, 2024. Join the community for the Down Home in Downtown DeKalb Homecoming Block Party on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. This event features something fun for all ages—coloring contest winners, Kidzone, classic car show, March of the Huskies, pep rally, food trucks, discounts at local businesses and much more! Please visit the NIU Homecoming page for information on more events.  

 

Real Talk Conference

Oct. 25

Attend the Real Talk Conference on Friday, Oct. 25th. Come make new connections while engaging in powerful conversations that promote understanding, increase empathy, and facilitate change in our community. Experience dynamic keynote speakers and interactive sessions led by NIU's students, faculty, and community members. Register for the conference by Oct. 21st. 

 

OPPORTUNITIES

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards   

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning is now accepting nominations for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards for 2024-2025. You can find the details and submission guidelines at go.niu.edu/outstanding-ta-award. Nominations can be submitted by the department chair/school director or designee by Friday, October 25, 2024. 

 

REMINDERS

 

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 Huskie Closet at Chick Evans Field House, to shop, donate/recycle your own clothing, or volunteer! (huskie closet picture) 

 

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.  

 

 Mark your calendars! Summer 2024 graduates and Fall 2024 graduation candidates will be invited to participate in the December 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. 

 

GRADUATE HUSKIE SPOTLIGHT

Hannah Goerke
Physical therapy doctoral student 

As an undergraduate, my major was health sciences with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy. I also have a minor in nutrition. I wanted to pursue physical therapy because all of my physical therapists throughout my high school and collegiate softball career have been absolutely incredible. They not only helped me through physical challenges after my shoulder surgeries, but also helped me with my psychological challenges, especially through my second shoulder surgery. 

Learn more.

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Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Learn more about NIU’s vision, mission and values.

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