Dear First-year Students,

Welcome to NIU! On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I am delighted you’ve chosen to pursue your degree at Northern Illinois University. To get the most out of your experience while you’re here, I encourage you to become involved in all aspects of your college life. Your satisfaction with your college experience will increase in direct relation to your involvement—both inside and outside the classroom.

The Division of Student Affairs 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 Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services office in the Holmes Student Center. This 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 200 student organizations, 44 Greek-letter organizations, leadership training and hundreds of social activities designed to help you apply your new-found 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!

Campus Child Care provides an amazing program for students with dependents. Students who utilize this facility brag about the child-centered programs, services and resources. If you have questions about legal issues or the Student Code of Conduct during your college career, you may want to consult Students’ Legal Assistance in the Campus Life Building, or Judicial Affairs in the Campus Life Building. And when you’re ready to explore internship opportunities or career options, visit NIU’s student-focused Career Services department, also in the Campus Life Building.

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 make up the Division of Student Affairs 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 Web site at www.stuaff.niu.edu/stuaff. I wish you the best of luck this semester and throughout your time at NIU!

Forward, Together Forward!