Tuesday is the last day Illinois colleges can tell NIU if they want space in the Hoffman Estates satellite facility.

A letter went out in February to 33 colleges and universities that offer courses in the north and northwest suburbs, asking for a response by Tuesday. The letter offered space on a permanent or as-needed basis.

No school responded as of last week.

The letter was mandated by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in December. The IBHE gave NIU permission to build in Hoffman Estates, provided it offer space to other schools.

NIU’s $5 million building will have 40,000 square feet of classrooms, a computer laboratory and offices.

The facility will be part of the new Sears, Roebuck and Co. headquarters south of Higgins Road and east of Beverly Road.

The project will not be affected by the state’s financial woes because NIU plans to use internal funds and is not asking for state money.