Need an excuse to have a pre-Thanksgiving meal? Check out all of the fun events happening around campus that will put a smile on your face and another notch on your belt.

Today

The College of Law welcomes all students to join the Black Law Student Association for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner noon to 2 p.m. at Swen Parson Hall, Thurgood Marshall Gallery. You can enjoy home cooked foods and eat until you’re tired. A portion of the proceeds will go to Hope Haven homeless shelter in DeKalb. Tickets for one plate are available for $10 from any Black Law Student Association member. A limited number of tickets can be purchased at the event.

Stop by Founders Memorial Library, Room 202 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Edible Education: Test Preparation. Free lunch will be provided to students as well as a chance to hear tips and tricks to prepare and perform better on tests and exams.

Friday

Make sure to cheer on the men’s basketball team all weekend in the NIU Showcase. Wright State vs. South Dakota takes place at 4:30 p.m. in the Convocation Center followed by NIU vs the Cal State Northridge Matadors at 7 p.m. Tickets are free with a valid OneCard.

Join NIU STEM Read for a late night full of exploration and fun 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W State St. in Sycamore. Guests can explore as they please or join activities which include crafts, animal demonstrations, science experiments, story time and more. Snacks and other treats will be provide.

Saturday

The Police and Public Safety invite women to stop by the Convocation Center 8 a.m. to noon for Rape Aggression Defense Training. The training consists of four three-hour sessions. Go to bit.ly/1SdNplS for more information on the sessions.

The University Honors Program will invite all students to be a part of the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Sleep Out 3 p.m. to 7 a.m at the Martin Luther King Jr. Commons. The purpose of the event is to raise homelessness awareness. Students are invited to hear from guest speakers, build bix shelters, create blankets and have snacks and drinks. Students are encouraged to bring their own sleeping materials.