Pass: Free tuition given for school spirit

NIU now offers students the chance to win a semester of free tuition by attending all six home football games.

At first, I felt like it sounded a little desperate for the university to bribe students to support the Huskies; however, after the turnout at the first home game I began to change my opinion.

In order to be eligible for the drawing, students must download the Red Black Rewards app and use it to check in and prove they stayed for the entire game.

In the past I have seen huge crowds of students who attend the tailgating event before the football game but never actually go into the stadium once the tailgate is over.

I admit, I don’t always go to the game after the tailgate. This fact is disappointing because the whole point of tailgating is to get everyone pumped up and ready to cheer on the team.

This also gives students a chance to earn a free semester of education, which can help immensely.

This contest and the Red Black Rewards app is a great and modern way to promote Huskie pride. Bottom line is that this is just a fun contest that helps promote school spirit and shows how NIU also wants to help its students.

Fail: Crime creates fear for students

Incidents like the shooting that occurred on Regent Drive are so unfortunate and unfair to the students who live off campus.

One male shot and injured two other males before fleeing the scene, according to an NIU safety bulletin.

There is always some risk of danger no matter where you go, but when students go away to college, they do not expect to have to worry about a shooting so close to campus. Students want to go out and have fun on the weekends, and that includes staying out late.

It is disappointing that the area is perceived as less safe because of one person’s actions.

Knowing that there has been shots fired makes me feel unsafe when walking in that area, whether it’s during the day or at night. Anyone who finds themselves in a situation they feel uncomfortable with or find suspicious should immediately leave and report it.

Students can report crime to the NIU Police Department’s non-emergency number, 815-753-1212.

We as students can help keep each other safe if we speak up when we see something unusual or suspicious.

NIU has multiple safety options for weekend fun like the Huskie Safe Line, which runs from 11 p.m to 5:30 a.m.