DeKALB – The University Council discussed the reinstating of NIU international student visas by the Trump administration and updates regarding the proposed redesign of Normal Road.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISAS REINSTATED
In a statement to the Northern Star, NIU confirmed that the revoked visas of five international students had been reinstated.
“It was very positive news for us,” NIU Vice President and Provost Laurie Elish-Piper said. “We’re not disclosing any specific information about those students because we want to respect their confidentiality.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reinstated the visas of these five students following a reversal by the U.S. government regarding the crackdown on international student visas across the country.
“That’s happening across the country. It’s not an NIU specific thing,” Elish-Piper said.
LUCINDA AVE/NORMAL RD ROUNDABOUT
John Heckmann, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management and Campus Services, gave a presentation about the ongoing construction and planned redesign for Normal Road.
Heckmann explained that the intersection of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road will not be passable for some time as construction of the single-lane roundabout begins in mid-May and will carry through the summer.
“They are targeting to have the intersection completed so we can start our Fall semester with that intersection fully open again,” Heckmann said.
The intended goal is to improve traffic flow through this area, the work including relocating pedestrian crossings and making audible/flashing signaling at important street crossings.
“This is going to be a nice way of calming traffic through the Lucinda area as traffic has to slow down for that roundabout,” Heckman said.
The change is set to begin on May 12.
NORMAL ROAD TRANSITION
Belinda Roller, NIU Director of Architectural and Engineering Services, explained another proposed change to Normal Road. The change is intended to break up the road into zones by planting areas of grass which will slow down traffic and maximize the amount of green space.
“What we’re trying to do with this concept is incorporate what we’re calling green pockets, or green planted areas, to soften the linear space and develop them into zones,” Roller said. “One of the things that students want is the ability to rent sections of the areas.”
The stated goals are informed by NIU’s budget limitations and student requests. These goals consist of creating outdoor gathering opportunities, creating a nicer environment for pedestrians and adding power and lighting for events.
Additionally, access for regular and emergency vehicles are meant to be maintained to some extent. Gates would be included at the north and south ends to limit vehicle access.
“Nothing is etched out in stone, nothing is definitive at this point,” Heckmann said. “These are just the initial ideas.”
The proposed changes are targeted to begin summer of 2026.
