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NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

April 27, 2026

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

Huskies Finish Strong

The end of the semester is a busy time as you prepare for final exams and wrap up projects, papers and presentations. Being prepared, making time for self-care and having some fun can help you stay motivated throughout the remaining days of the semester.

Learn how to to end the semester strong.
How to Prepare for the Career Fair
 

Tutoring is Available

Finish the semester strong, Huskies! Tutoring options and study tables are available at Founders Learning Commons, located on the main floor of Founders Memorial Library, to help you with coursework, writing and more.

Drop-in or visit the Schedule an Appointment website to learn more and make an appointment using Navigate. Contact hasc@niu.edu with questions.

How to Prepare for the Career Fair
 
Thank a professor.

Here’s an easy way to say “thank you” to a professor who has made a big impact on your success at NIU: Just complete this short form to let them know their efforts are appreciated.

 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH MONTH

Join us for upcoming Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE).

NIU's Annual Well-being Fair

Help wrap up Undergraduate Research Month by attending the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) on Tuesday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Duke Ellington Ballroom at the Holmes Student Center. Students from all colleges will showcase their research, artistry, creative inquiry and engagement projects. These can be part of a capstone project or senior project, faculty-mentored research, including community-engaged research, community engagement project or course, class research projects, independent studies, or funded research and artistry projects. 

 

Open Forums for Vice President for Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development Candidates

Candidates for the position of Vice President for Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development will be on campus to meet with faculty, staff and students. Please join us, either in person or via Microsoft Teams, for the open forums to hear from the candidates and to ask questions. Candidates' names, CVs and cover letters will be made available at the links below 24 hours prior to their campus visits.

  • Wednesday, April 29: Open Forum for Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development - Candidate 1
  • Monday, May 4: Open Forum for Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development - Candidate 2
  • Monday, May 11: Open Forum for Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development - Candidate 3
 

Invitation to Participate in a Research Study  

You are invited to participate in a research study about how college students respond to everyday social situations, including interactions with individuals with disabilities. This study aims to better understand students’ perceptions, experiences and responses in these contexts. Participation involves completing a confidential online survey that takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Your responses are anonymous, and participation is completely voluntary. You may skip any questions or stop at any time.

If you are 18 years or older and currently enrolled as a student, you are eligible to participate. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Reach out to Professor Nahal Salimi with questions at nsalimi@niu.edu

 

Gradpalooza is this Thursday!

Huskies! If you’re graduating in May, make sure to join us for Gradpalooza, a celebratory event where you can participate in fun activities, learn more about our commencement ceremony and connect with other graduating Huskies. Your family and friends are welcome to attend.

Gradpalooza will be held from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 30 in the lower level of Holmes Student Center, across from Starbucks.Don’t miss this chance to celebrate your achievement with us. See you at Gradpalooza!

Learn more about Gradpalooza

Class of 2026, It’s Time to Leave Your Legacy 

Seniors, graduation is coming fast. Have you made your Senior Class Gift yet? 

Every contribution supports scholarships, student programs, and the NIU experience that shaped your journey. Your gift also earns you the official Class of 2026 graduation cord. 

Make your mark before the big day. 

Make your gift today
 

EARTH MONTH

Huskie Harvest Survey — chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Want a chance to win an Amazon gift card? Complete this five-minute survey regarding our Huskie Harvest food recovery program on NIU’s campus. Take the survey today.

Questions about this survey? Contact Nancy Prange at nprange@niu.edu, Maggie Greive at z2041922@students.niu.edu or Angelica Sabol at z2038693@students.niu.edu.

Huskie Harvest
 

Class registration is underway.

Summer and Fall Class Registration

Prepare now to get the classes you need. 

Now is the time to start registering for summer and fall 2026 classes. Read the tips below and learn when to register and how to register for classes. 

1. If you have not met with your advisor, do so. They are here to help you.

  • It’s important to stay on track to graduation and your advisor is here to help ensure you are heading in the right direction. 
  • Remote advising is available. Options for remote advising could include virtual video conferences, phone calls, NIU emails or IM chats. Schedule an advising appointment through Navigate Student by clicking Appointments and selecting the "Advising" service, or contact your academic advising office to learn more about your options. 
  • Come prepared to your meeting with any concerns that you have. Your advisor can help answer your questions and point you to available resources. 

2. Log in to MyNIU and Navigate Student.

  • In MyNIU, you can check your enrollment date—the date and time you are able to register for classes. 
  • In Navigate Student, you can see a list of important, time-sensitive To-Do items related to class registration. You can also schedule an appointment with your academic advisor through Navigate Student by clicking on Appointments and selecting the "Advising" service. 
  • In both MyNIU and Navigate Student, you can see any holds on your account that may prevent you from registering for classes. Learn more about holds on student accounts. 
 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Through April 30: Earth Month
  • Through April 30: Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
  • Monday, April 27: City Nature Challenge 2026 Bioblitz
  • Tuesday, April 28: Conference of Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE)
  • Tuesday, April 28: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
  • Tuesday, April 28: Managing in the Union Environment
  • Tuesday, April 28: End of the Semester Barbeque
  • Wednesday, April 29: Crafting Knowledge: A Showcase of BookLab Learning
  • Wednesday, April 29: Food Truck Wednesdays
  • Wednesday, April 29: Open Forum for Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development - Candidate 1
  • Wednesday, April 29: The Biomechanics of the Golf Swing
  • Thursday, April 30: Half Price Thursdays at the Huskie Den
  • Thursday, April 30: Presidential Commissions' Awards Ceremony
  • Thursday, April 30: Class of 2026 Gradpalooza
  • Friday, May 1: Reading Day (Spring 2026)
  • Friday, May 1: Senior Design Project Showcase
  • Friday, May 1: End of Year Celebration
  • Friday, May 1: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, May 1: CAB Carnival
  • Saturday, May 2: Paws for Finals
  • Saturday, May 2: Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra: Springtime in Vienna
  • Sunday, May 3: Spring into Taft
  • Saturday, June 6: Maximizing Summer Momentum: Productivity Strategies for Graduate Success (Register by June 1)
Huskie Athletics' events
Concerts, exhibits and performances
Inclusive Excellence events
Career Services events
 

Tips from Fellow Huskies

Zoe Hougas
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Taking breaks between study sessions is very important, but do not procrastinate! Juggling jobs and school can be a lot, so make sure you know your own limits. Setting realistic goals and breaks makes studying much more manageable. My rule is, study for one hour and then take a 10-minute break, whether to get a snack or go for a walk. It is easy to get caught up in college life, so do not forget about your family and friends. At least once a day, I call my parents and/or text my friends from back home to stay in touch.

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Zoe Hougas is a nursing major from Seneca, IL

Jorie O'Brien
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The advice I would give is to get involved and use the resources NIU has to offer. From student organizations to intramural teamsto fraternity and sorority life, join an organization where you can make friendships that could last a lifetime. Use the writing center and the library, Career Services and counseling services. So many resources at a student’s disposal!

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Jorie O’Brien
Associate Director, Military and Veteran Services

 

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Monday, April 27: May 2026 Commencement RSVP Deadline
 

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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.