Dear Students,

Welcome to NIU! On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, I am delighted that you have chosen to pursue your degree at Northern Illinois University. Whether you are returning to NIU or starting your journey, I encourage you to become involved in all aspects of your college life. Your satisfaction with your college experience will increase in direct proportion to your involvement-both inside and outside the classroom.

The Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management is your gateway to involvement. Of course, you need to take the first step by getting connected, but I can say with certainty that we have something just right for you. Many of you have just moved into an NIU residence hall, your new home away from home. Your residence halls’ Community Advisors (CAs) are planning some exciting events for you and your new neighbors. If you are commuting to campus every day, you will want to visit our Off-Campus and Non-Traditional Student Services office in the Holmes Student Center. The staff can assist you in many ways and provide helpful resources and strategies to make campus a more comfortable place for you. Student Involvement & Leadership Development hosts nearly 326 student organizations, 46 Greek-letter organizations, leadership training, and hundreds of social activities designed to help you apply your newfound college skills to your out-of-classroom experiences.

Be sure to take advantage of Recreation Services’ outstanding fitness facilities, indoor track, swimming pools, and more. And, for tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while in college, I encourage you to contact Health Enhancement. If you are not feeling well, physically or mentally, be sure to visit the professionals in Health Services or the Counseling and Student Development Center. All of these departments are eager to assist you!

Beyond providing opportunities for engagement outside the classroom, staff members in the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management are here to help you understand the best methods to finance your education. Never assume you will not qualify for alternative methods of financial support: The Financial Aid Office and the Scholarship Office can help you learn more about loans, grants, work-study, and scholarship opportunities. And, when you’re ready to explore internship opportunities or career options, visit NIU’s student-focused Career Services department.

It’s important that you take the initiative to discover all that NIU has to offer you! I challenge you to explore new interests and activities, and to learn from the rich cultural community at Northern Illinois University. Your involvement with the Asian American Center, Latino Resource Center, Center for Black Studies, Access-Ability Resources, Women’s Resource Center, or the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center will enrich your college experience.

The staff members who comprise the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management are here to serve your needs. If I, or any of my staff, can assist you during your time at NIU, please feel free to contact us or visit our website. I wish you the best of luck this semester and throughout your time at NIU!

Forward, Together Forward!