The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know.
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Finish the Semester Strong
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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.
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Meet Us in the MLK Commons on Wednesday for December Dogs Day
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Human Resource Services and Campus Dining Services invite you to celebrate Finals Week and the upcoming winter break with free hotdogs in the MLK Commons on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 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.
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Change Your Future While Keeping More in Your Pocket.
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Applying for scholarships is a great way to help pay for your NIU education. Scholarships do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement and financial need.
You can now search and apply for most NIU scholarships online in MyScholarships. The deadline for many scholarships is January 31, 2026.
Monday, Dec. 1: MyScholarships Informational Table and Financial Aid Check-In
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As the semester wraps up, here is a great opportunity to say thank you to a professor or instructor who has meant a lot to you.
Please consider taking a few moments and filling out our Thank a Professor form to leave a thank-you note. Submissions are posted anonymously on our Thank a Professor website and your comments are shared with professors.
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Seniors, Let’s Leave a Legacy
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Class of 2025, you’ve made memories, built friendships and crushed goals. Now it’s time to leave a legacy. Make your Senior Class Gift and donate $20.25, and you’ll get philanthropy cords to wear with pride + an exclusive gift. Let’s show the future Huskies what we stand for.
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Holmes Student Center adjusts hours for winter break.
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The Holmes Student Center will be open during the following times through the end of the semester and beyond.
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- Finals Week: Monday, Dec. 8 to Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, 7 a.m. to midnight.
- Finals/Graduation: Thursday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Interim: Monday, Dec. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Holiday Closure: Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, closed.
- Interim: Monday, Jan. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Campus Dining Services is Hiring for the Spring Semester
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Huskies, are you looking for a job for the spring semester? We can help! Campus Dining is hiring student team members. Whether it’s placing you in the dining unit in your residence hall or at a retail location where you’ve had previous experience, we work with you to ensure your placement is optimal and conducive to your class schedule. Interested? Visit our website for details and to apply online. Please note, you’ll be required to submit your spring semester availability upon application.
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Founders Memorial Library to be Closed on Friday, Dec. 19
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Founders Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, December 19 due to campus-wide water conservation work being completed as part of the University’s sustainability initiative. This work requires a full building water shutoff, so access to the building will not be possible that day.
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- Keep your hands at your side and out of your pockets to maintain your balance.
- Put your phone away; keep your head up.
- Bend your knees slightly.
- Walk flat-footed with your feet pointed out slightly.
- Take short steps; step down, not out, from curbs.
- For more info visit go.niu.edu/ehs.
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Policy Library Update — Revised Policies
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Two revised policies is open to review and comment for a 30-day period. This provides our NIU community the opportunity to consider and respond to the policies before they take effect. The revised policies are:
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- Research Misconduct by Jan. 9.
- Reasonable Accommodations for Students, formerly known as the Disability Resource Center Policy, by Jan. 16.
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To submit a comment, go to our Policy Library website. Click on “Comment on New/Revised Policies.” You’ll be able to review the policy and provide your comments. If you have any questions, please contact the university policy librarian at policy-library@niu.edu.
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Save the Date for the Real Talk Conference and Submit Your Proposal
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Share your voice and vision on February 6, 2025, at NIU’s Real Talk Conference 2026: Stories of the Past, Visions for the Future! We invite faculty, staff, students, and community members to submit proposals that spark dialogue, inspire change, and highlight diverse perspectives. Whether through research, creative projects, performances, or interactive workshops, this conference celebrates authentic storytelling and courageous conversations that move us toward a more inclusive future. We have extended the deadline to submit proposals to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to contribute your insight and experience—submit your proposal today and help shape this year’s Real Talk Conference!
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Spring Class Registration is Underway.
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Now is the time to register for spring 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.
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- 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.
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2. Log in to MyNIU and Navigate Student.
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- 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 click 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.
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Class spotlight: Check out these Spring 2026 offerings from the Department of Philosophy
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PHIL 357: Philosophy of Language & Society
Professor Lenny Clapp
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2-3:15 p.m.
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- How can freedom of speech be morally justified?
- What is hate speech, and how does it function?
- Is pornography problematic? Should it be prohibited?
- What is propaganda? How can we combat its effects?
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PHIL 334: Animal Ethics
Professor Mylan Engel
Wednesdays, 6-8:40 p.m.
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- Is vegetarianism morally required?
- Is animal experimentation morally OK?
- Do we have a duty to protect endangered species?
- Are some ecosystems more worth preserving than others?
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- Monday, Dec. 8: Finals Late-night Breakfast
- Tuesday, Dec. 9: Paws for Finals
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: December Dogs Day
- Thursday, Dec. 11: Board of Trustees Meeting
- Friday, Dec. 12: FAFSA Fridays!
- Friday, Dec. 12: Friday Glow Bowl at the Huskie Den
- Friday, Dec. 12: Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
- Saturday, Dec. 13: Graduate Commencement
- Sunday, Dec. 14: Undergraduate Fall 2025 commencement
- Sunday, Dec. 14: CEET Challenge Coin Ceremony
- Thursday, Jan. 22: Crafting with CLLAS
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"Managing time can be stressful. Strategies I used to manage my time were to take frequent breaks, create an agenda and remain focused on my overall goal. Taking breaks is crucial, because if you don't, you'll become burnt out. Creating an agenda of what is due each week is crucial because it creates a visual representation of what needs to be done. Remembering what my future goals are pushed me to stay on top of everything. Also, understanding when to say no. It was important that I spent time with friends and family, but knowing when I should or shouldn't was crucial to my success."
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"Don't be afraid to ask for help; there are so many caring and talented people here who want you to have the best experience while you're at NIU and beyond. It's OK to not have everything figured out; just take things one step at a time and give yourself a lot of grace along the way. Enjoy the moments as they come and try some new things while you're at it. You're doing great — keep going!"
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Brian Williamsen
Director of Communications for Academic Affairs, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost
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Finish the Semester Strong with Togetherall
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With final exams and the end of semester upon us, academic and social pressure can feel overwhelming, especially for first-year Huskies. You don’t have to face it alone.
Togetherall is a peer-to-peer 24/7 support service offered by NIU Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS), that allows you to speak to trained college students, via an online chat, about things with which you are struggling. Togetherall offers an online space to connect with peers who understand what you’re going through. Share your thoughts, explore others’ stories, and engage anonymously in a supportive environment.
Use Togetherall by visiting the CCS website or accessing the Togetherall website where you use your NIU email account to register and access the online chat function. The service is anonymous, supportive and safe, with mental health professionals monitoring the site 24/7.
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This message has been approved for distribution by the appropriate NIU party and is distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications. NIU Mass Email Policy.
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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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