When I came to NIU as a freshman in fall of 2010, I really wasn’t sure of what to expect from a college experience. Hell, I don’t think anyone ever has an idea. Looking back on the antics I got into paired appropriately with the hard work I’ve done,...
To e-book or not to e-book? That is the question. These days, many classes taught at NIU offer students the opportunity to access either a free or purchased textbook online versus buying from the VCB or the Holmes Student Center bookstore. Some students...
Before we all left to celebrate our spring break last week, I was in class when I got a text from a good friend of mine. She was responding to a joke I made, which was an array of “haha’s” in all caps and an “LOL” at the end. Despite the obvious...
It seems that every day some students seem to forget a very basic thing that should never be forgotten: classroom etiquette. At the beginning of a semester, a class’s instructor will go over a list of guidelines and expectations for each of the students...
The city of DeKalb can reach out to NIU in new ways as the mayor, city manager, and the university’s president and several administrators step aside. This is the final installment of the Editorial Board’s three-part editorial series, Clean Slate....
Yet again, I find myself damning social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, but this time it is for ruining face-to-face conversations. We have all found out breaking news on social networking sites or, like me, became the last to know. I understand...
As local leaders bow out, NIU Athletics has the opportunity to make changes. Follow the Northern Star’s three-part editorial series over the next few days as the Editorial Board examines the university, city and athletics department. The Editorial Board...
College can be a struggle. The transition to higher education can involve a change in structure, responsibilities and location. Developing a new social group while maintaining a decent GPA can seem impossible. College, however, can be even more difficult...
Now, more than ever before, NIU and DeKalb are in a position to change. NIU President John Peters, Athletics Director Jeff Compher, NIU Police Chief Don Grady, Mayor Kris Povlsen and City Manager Mark Biernacki are on their way out—or, in the case of...
It was just last week that I was walking back from class and at noon when I heard the church bells, keen to alert the campus of the hour. After 12 strikes, the bells started a song and it one I could not place. I knew I had heard it before, but what song...
If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen at least one Disney movie. Also like me, you’re absolutely in love with them. However, have you ever taken a moment to think about the misconceptions that Disney movies are promoting to the children (and adults)...
They hide the dark circles under your eyes and they come in many shapes, designs and sizes--who doesn’t love sunglasses? However, before you buy cheap but fashionable sunglasses, think about your eyes. Cheap sunglasses may seem like the reasonable choice...
