Skip to Main Content

Northern Star

 

Advertisement

 

 
Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A human hand and an AI robot hand extend from computer screens to shake. AI offers unique learning opportunities for students and professors willing to incorporate AI in the classroom. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Implement AI in classrooms

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | January 15, 2024

Artificial intelligence is a new powerful technology disrupting education, but it has the ability to enhance learning and be inclusive to all users. Educators should embrace the use of AI systems such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing Chat and Google Bard...

A student sits irritably in class as an instructor points at a chalkboard with a cold face. It’s important to maintain a friendly environment in the classroom as faculty and students return for the spring semester. (Daniela Barajas | Northern Star)

Professional doesn’t mean cold

By Lucy Atkinson, Opinion Editor | January 15, 2024

Syllabus week is here: the first impression professors and students will get of each other before work begins. This semester, professors, please keep classrooms friendly. Students, let’s make that possible for them. Reviewing the many rules of the...

A monk meditates in a school hallway with blue lockers. Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf believes mental health education should be expanded in high schools. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Expand high school mental health education

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | December 10, 2023

Conversations surrounding mental health are becoming destigmatized, which is an important step in educating individuals about mental health. However, the grade-school education system has failed to address mental health concerns on a multitude of occasions,...

A person in a purple sweater sits on their bed knitting green yarn while a thought bubble near their head reads “I can’t wait to see their reaction.” Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes homemade gifts are more meaningful than store-bought ones. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

Give more homemade gifts

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | December 6, 2023

‘Tis the Christmas season when gifts rest under a festively decorated pine tree. The traditional opening of presents may feature those homemade, others store-bought, and the rest somewhere in between. However, one type should stand above the rest during...

Two people place food items in a box labeled “Donation.” Opinion Columnist Alberto Briones encourages people to donate to homeless shelters this winter. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Donate to local homeless shelters

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | December 6, 2023

Homelessness is caused by complex reasons, creating a difficult cycle of dependency. People should help make a difference by volunteering at local homeless shelters, helping serve meals and organizing activities. Volunteers can arrange clothing drives...

A mini felt graduation cap and diploma scroll rest on one side of a golden balance scale. Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf believes college rankings should consider the non-academic elements of universities. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Improve college ranking system

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | December 6, 2023

College rankings have a bad reputation for not being representative of a university’s physical and social attributes. Students should use college rankings as a factor to make college decisions; however, they should not be everything.  By mainly...

A woman in a yellow sweater spreads her arms beneath a bright source of light. How do you de-stress during finals week? (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Poll: How do you de-stress during finals week?

By Alberto Briones, Opinion Columnist | December 5, 2023

The semester is coming to a close with finals, the final hurdle before winter break. Exams, projects or both might make the last week of the semester hectic for students. There is a lot of pressure because finals affect our marks, and many students have...

Nine black and red signs depict age restrictions. Senior Opinion Columnist Emily Beebe believes adulthood should officially start at age 21 instead of 18. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Adulthood should begin at 21

By Emily Beebe, News Editor | December 5, 2023

Checking into a hotel, buying alcohol and renting a car: Even though people are considered adults when they turn 18, they don’t have the ability to do those things until they are 21. Not having these abilities at 18 defeats the purpose of being called...

Members of the Faculty Senate sit in banquet style seating at the Jan. 25 meeting at Altgeld Hall in the second floor auditorium. NIU's Faculty Senate discussed which scholarships will be affected by the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action. (Northern Star File Photo)

Removing affirmative action threatens scholarships

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | December 4, 2023

After the Supreme Court’s decision against affirmative action in June 2023, many NIU students are questioning if their scholarships are in jeopardy. The NIU Faculty Senate is discussing which of the race-based scholarships they have to get rid of. The...

A hummingbird, two bees and a bees’ nest hanging from a tree branch emerge from a television screen. Opinion Columnist Kahlil Kambui believes sex in movies and TV shows is overrated. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Dial down sex on TV

By Kahlil Kambui, Assistant News Editor | December 4, 2023

Sex scenes and nudity in movies and TV shows are largely unnecessary, sometimes adding nothing to the plot and causing awkward moments if you are watching with your parents. There should be more consideration among producers when adding sex to media,...

A severe weather forecast centers in the midwest. Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf believes radar holes in weather forecasting are dangerous and need to be patched. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Radar holes must be patched

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | December 4, 2023

Severe weather can occur anywhere, and all areas deserve equal protection and accurate forecasts. Radar holes, spots where precipitation cannot be forecasted completely accurately, are dangerous and need to be patched.  Meteorologists use radars to...

A man leaps over hurdles toward a blue graduation cap. Opinion Columnist Olivia Zapf believes students should advocate for the courses they require to graduate to help improve the NIU course registration process. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Improve course registration

By Olivia Zapf, Editor in Chief | December 3, 2023

Every semester, students complain about one of the biggest obstacles known to college students: course registration. Most complaints come from courses not being offered. In the time spent complaining about these difficulties, students could join department...