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NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

May 4, 2026

The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.

 

It's Finals Week.

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

Finals Week Events to Help You Destress.

  • Monday, May May 4 through Friday, May 8: Stress Less at Founders
  • Monday, May 4 through Wednesday, May 6: Math Assistance Center (Extended Hours)
  • Monday, May 4: Finals Late Night Breakfast
  • Tuesday, May 5:  ZOOm into Finals
  • Tuesday, May 5: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
  • Wednesday, May 6:  Dogs Day
 

Meet Us in the MLK Commons on Wednesday for May Dogs Day

Human Resource Services and Campus Dining Services invite you to celebrate Finals Week and the upcoming summer break with free hotdogs in the MLK Commons on Wednesday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by, enjoy a hotdog and connect with staff from both departments.

 

Holmes Student Center announces summer hours

HSC Summer Hours from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, Aug. 16.
Sunday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The HSC will secure all entrances with either doors being completely locked or only accessible with a valid OneCard. Hotel South may be accessed without a OneCard from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HSC Door Security (Beginning May 11):

  • Hotel South: Remains open during open hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
  • Auto-lock doors secured: North and West bus loop with valid OneCard.
  • Locked: East, Old South, West (north Sandburg entrance).
  • ADA East ramp entrance will be available by calling 753-1924 for assistance.

Holidays:

  • Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25; Closed for Memorial Day weekend.
  • Friday, June 19; Juneteenth Celebration; Closed.
  • Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5; Closed for Independence Day weekend.
 
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.

 

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.

  • 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
 

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. 
 

Take an interdisciplinary course this summer

Check out these two options for interdisciplinary courses at NIU this summer and sign up for one or both courses today. Both courses are offered from May 11 to July 4 and Honors mini-section seats are available.

  • IDSP 300 Interdisciplinary Special Topics: Understanding Contracts: Law, Power and Everyday Life.
  • IDSP 310 Interdisciplinary Special Topics: Generative AI Across Disciplines: Strategies, Implications and Real-World Applications.
 

Transact (OneCard) System Maintenance

A Transact OneCard System maintenance upgrade is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
May 21, 2026. While the system is under maintenance, students, faculty and staff will experience a disruption to OneCard use for certain amenities on campus, including printing, dining, OneCard services, new or reprovisioning of mobile ID, and usage of Huskie Bucks. Below you will find additional information. 

  • Retail Dining (Starbucks and Huskie Grill) - Huskie Bucks sales down; able to pay with credit or debit card.
  • Drink and Snack Vending Machines - Huskie Bucks sales down; able to pay with credit or debit card.
  • Off-campus Huskie Bucks Vendor - Huskie Bucks sales down; able to pay with credit or debit card.
  • Printing - Personal printing is unavailable.
  • Mobile ID/OneCard Office - All downloading of mobile ID or printing of physical ID will be unavailable; Huskie Bucks deposits and sales unavailable.
  • Bursar’s Office - Huskie Bucks sales and deposits unavailable.
  • Transcripts Office - Huskie Bucks sales and deposits unavailable.
  • Music Department - Huskie Bucks sales and deposits unavailable.
  • Marching Band - Huskie Bucks sales and deposits unavailable.

Thank you for your patience during this system maintenance upgrade. If you have questions, please contact onecard@niu.edu.

 

Upcoming Events

Visit the NIU Calendar to view all upcoming events.

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  • Monday, May 4: Open Forum for Vice President of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development - Candidate 2
  • Monday, May 4: Finals Late Night Breakfast
  • Tuesday, May 5: ZOOm into Finals
  • Tuesday, May 5: Throwback Tuesdays at the Huskie Den
  • Wednesday, May 6: Dogs Day
  • Wednesday, May 6: Graduating Huskies Photoshoot
  • Thursday, May 7: BOT Committee and Special Board Meeting
  • Thursday, May 7: Half Price Thursdays at the Huskie Den
  • Friday, May 8: Graduate Spring 2026 commencement
  • Friday, May 8: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
  • Saturday, May 9: Undergraduate Spring 2026 commencement
  • Saturday, May 9: CEET Challenge Coin Ceremony
  • Saturday, May 9: Kishwaukee Concert Band
  • 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

Miles Macklin
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I use Google calendar and spreadsheets to organize my schedule. I also make sure to set goals each day so I can have a clear vision of what I need to accomplish. Lastly, keeping in consistent communication with my family and friends helps me be more intentional with my time and theirs.

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Miles Macklin
Music (jazz studies) and nursing double major 

Lindsey Larsen
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Stay curious and always keep looking for opportunities to learn and grow!

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Lindsey Larsen
Instructor, School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions

 
 

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