NIU will hold its sixth annual International Week this week, which helps students notice NIU’s culturally mixed community through various programs.

This is the second year NIU has held its International Week at the same time as universities across the country, said Deborah Pierce, executive director of NIU’s Division of International Programs. The week is nationally recognized as International Education Week by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, she said.

“This is something for everyone on campus,” Pierce said. “It helps NIU highlight the international population on campus.”

International Week was started at NIU six years ago by Manfred Thullen from the division of international programs, Pierce said.

The week is marked with numerous activities that educate the NIU community about international issues.

At 11:30 a.m. today there will be a faculty panel speaking about the “Aspects of Islam” in the Holmes Student Center’s Clara Sperling Sky Room.

There also will be other events throughout the week, including an International Exposition in Douglas Hall today and Tuesday and an International Recognition Reception at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Sky Room.

At 4:30 p.m. Thursday, there will be a Phi Beta Delta founding induction ceremony, where 78 faculty, staff and students will be inducted for enhancing international perspective on campus. Both receptions on Thursday are by invitation only, but students are encouraged to come out and enjoy any of the other events held throughout the week.

“I would like students to learn as much as they can about other countries and cultures with whom we share this planet and have fun doing something international,” Pierce said.

International Week activities

Today at 11:30 a.m. – “Aspects of Islam” faculty panel discussion in the HSC’s Sky Room

Today and Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. – International Exposition in the Douglas Hall lobby.

Wednesday at 5 p.m. – Henna hand painting in the Douglas C/D cafeteria until supplies run out

Thursday at 11:30 a.m. – Invitation only – International Recognition Reception in the HSC’s Sky Room

Thursday at 4:30 p.m. – Phi Beta Delta founding induction ceremony in the HSC’s Sky Room

Friday at noon – Brown bag luncheon for the Center of South East Asian Studies in the Campus Life Building, Room 110