As of Saturday, the transition is over and the 708 area code will be permanent in the Chicago suburbs.

Contel and the Public Relations Student Society of America will sponsor 708 Day at NIU Friday.

“This event is to try and raise NIU awareness of the area code change,” said Dave Hagan, 708 Day coordinator.

Beginning Saturday, callers dialing the 312 prefix to reach Chicago suburbs will hear a prerecorded message instructing them to hang up and dial again.

“A mistake could be fatal in an emergency situation,” said Contel’s Public Affairs Specialist Rachel McKeel.

Sharon Walenda, NIU media coordinator for 708 Day, said, “708 Day will try to get students and faculty to remember that the area code has changed and that new 708 prefix will go into permanent use as of Saturday. We are trying to eliminate the confusion and frustration that can sometimes accompany new transitions.”

Activities planned for 708 Day include a donation fundraiser with a target of $708, Walenda said. If the goal is reached, Contel will match this amount and the money will be donated to a DeKalb charity, she said.

Other activities planned for the Day include a balloon launch of 708 balloons released at noon in the King Memorial Commoms and a jelly bean counting contest with prizes and souvenirs to be given away, Walenda said.