Welcome to Northern Illinois University! You made an excellent choice in choosing to become a member of the NIU family, and be mindful that this is your time to take hold of the many experiences that will help shape the rest of your life.

We at the Student Association are excited that you are joining us here at Northern. The SA is your student government, and presents a tremendously unique opportunity to make something of your time here. Virtually every aspect of student life falls within our purview, and Northern’s commitment to shared governance and student-centered service ensures your voice matters and will be heard.

The SA is responsible for funding over 200 student organizations here, with a budget of over $1.3 million to do so — making us the best-funded student government in the state, and one of the best-funded nationwide. We are also responsible for operating the $3.5 million Huskie Bus System, the second-largest mass transit system in the state, and one of the largest student-run mass transit systems in the nation. We also recently added a GPS feature on our buses, called Huskie Tracks, which allows you to determine where your bus is, near real-time. These things are entirely controlled by and for NIU students.

Yet we do a great deal more than this. From working with the Greek community on a variety of issues, to sponsoring and supporting a diverse range of programming, to working with myriad academic departments and personnel to further student needs, and even lobbying the city and county governments on issues concerning students, the SA is here for you.

Whatever your aspirations for your career at Northern, whether you want to go Greek, join a political, social or religious organization, or even run for local office, the SA will always be your voice, and the voice of your fellow students. This is your time to be heard. Be sure to make the most of it.