NIU has not canceled classes for tonight’s game against Toledo, but does have 1,500 tickets left for students who can attend.

The idea of canceling classes scheduled during the game never came up, said Ivan Legg, executive vice president and provost.

“It would be unfair to shut down courses because there are people who don’t go to athletic events,” Legg said. “Higher education should be the priority.”

Legg encouraged students to still try to attend the game before or after their classes.

President John Peters also encouraged all students to go to the game. He took out a full page ad that appeared in Monday’s Northern Star and also sent a mass e-mail to the NIU community asking for their support at the game.

Peters wrote in the e-mail that it’s important for all students to be at Huskie Stadium and to show their support.

One NIU professor who teaches a class tonight is not planning on letting his students skip class without some consequences.

Ngoyi Bukonda, an allied health professions professor, will have a quiz in his class Tuesday night.

“Classes are not going to be canceled and I am not going to let students skip class,” Bukonda said. One student requested the day off because she works for NIU athletics.

A football game is no excuse for a student to miss class, Bukonda said.

Students interested in attending the game may have to get their tickets soon.

Tickets are estimated to be sold out by kickoff, said Scott Lowenberg, assistant director of corporate relations for the athletics department.

The game starts at 6:35 p.m. and at that time, ESPN2 will be scanning the crowd, Lowenberg said.

The outcome of this game will determine the MAC West division championship, Peters said.

NIU staying in the nation’s top 25 will also be at stake and the winner of this game will very likely receive a bowl bid as well, Peters said.

Tickets and television for NIU’s 6:35 p.m. game against the Toledo Rockets

Where students can purchase tickets:

Convocation Center: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holmes Student Center, second floor:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Huskie Stadium – southeast booth after 3:30 p.m.

Student tickets are free with an NIU OneCard.

Television:

ESPN2 at 6:30 p.m.

Residence halls: Channel 33

On Comcast cable: Channel 52