NIU President John Peters will deliver the annual State of the University Address at 3 p.m. today at the Holmes Student Center’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the event.

Typically, the president uses his address to make some first-time announcements, and this year will be no exception, said Melanie Magara, assistant vice president of Public Affairs.

These announcements often include new grants, private gifts or decisions about certain issues.

“I am certainly looking forward to what he has to say, especially at a time when enrollment has increased and when the state has experienced economic difficulties,” said Gary Gresholdt, vice provost of Student Affairs.

Magara said one of the issues the president will address is the state’s economic crisis.

“Clearly the issue that overshadows all others right now is what appears to be a warning financial crisis in our state,” Magara said.

During last year’s State of the University Address, the president requested a feasibility study for the possible establishment of an Asian-American cultural center.

“What I hope to hear is that he read the report and has some comments,” interim vice provost Robert Wheeler said.

Other topics Peters will address include finances and enrollment increases.