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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Anthropology professor Mitch Irwin (left) and biology professor Karen Samonds perform a health check on a lemur during a July research project in Madagascar. They lead summer a NIU study abroad program on the island. “Hands-on experience in the field is critical as a complement to traditional instruction for ensuring student career success,” Irwin said.NIU President Doug Baker and Provost Lisa Freeman will explain program prioritization and how it will affect university programs like those pictured and employees at town hall meetings today.

Program prioritization: All programs to face NIU’s reviews

By Kelly Bauer | January 29, 2015

Provost Lisa Freeman said there will be “no sacred cows” as NIU evaluates whether programs will be cut, merged, further funded or left unchanged in coming months.Every program, from football to forensics, will face evaluation based on university priorities,...

All need input in program priorities

By Northern Star Editorial Board | January 28, 2015

Students must make their voices heard at today’s town hall meetings if they want to play a larger role in NIU’s program prioritization process.During the prioritization process, NIU will use the list of criteria and the judgments of two task forces...

NIU’s enrollment, retention falls: ‘Our enrollments are not where they need to be,’ Baker says

By Northern Star staff | January 28, 2015

NIU's enrollment and fall to spring retention has fallen when compared to last spring's numbers.Enrollment stands at 19,000 students, down 507 students from last spring. Retention between the fall and spring fell 1.2 percent to 87 percent.NIU President...

NIU’s town hall meetings for reprioritization, enrollment efforts to be held Jan. 29

By Northern Star staff | January 20, 2015

NIU will hold two town hall-style meetings so attendees may learn about NIU's reprioritization and "key strategic initiatives" to improve recruitment and retention, according to a Tuesday announcement.NIU President Doug Baker and Provost Lisa Freeman...

Douglas Hall torn down to make way for Lucinda Avenue extension

By Satta Kendor | January 12, 2015

The ramped-up deconstruction of Douglas Hall during winter break was the first step in extending Lucinda Avenue.The deconstruction is part of NIU President Doug Baker’s Master Plan Thesis, an outline of ideas to improve campus. The extension of Lucinda...

General education coordinator Michael Kole presents an NIU PLUS task force update at the University Council meeting Wednesday in the Holmes Student Center, Sky Room. NIU PLUS decreases the number of credit hours needed to fulfill general education requirements for undergraduate students.

NIU PLUS report sent, to begin fall semester

By Jackie Nevarez | December 3, 2014

General education coordinator Michael Kole presents an NIU PLUS task force update at the University Council meeting Wednesday in the Holmes Student Center, Sky Room. NIU PLUS decreases the number of credit hours needed to fulfill general education requirements for undergraduate students.

Baker leads group to school summit

By Northern Star Staff | December 2, 2014

NIU President Doug Baker will lead a northern Illinois delegation to discuss community and educational institution collaboration in the White House Thursday.Baker, joined by David Sam, Elgin Community College president; Ehren Jarrett, Rockford Public...

Research Rookies gives students early start on research projects

Research Rookies gives students early start on research projects

By Ryan Ocasio | December 1, 2014

Pre-medicine student Jessica Cox (left) and other Research Rookies are recognized during the Research Rookies Reception Monday in Altgeld Hall auditorium. Cox works with biological sciences professor Karen Samonds researching bat fossils from Madagascar that are between 5 and 10 million years old.

Program connects students with alumni, enhances skills

Program connects students with alumni, enhances skills

By Salta Kendor | November 30, 2014

Students are able to apply for an alumni mentorship program expected to start in spring, with orientations for applicants over the next two months.The NIU Student-Alumni Mentoring Program is designed to connect local alumni to students and allow students...

Doug Baker reflects on 1 year at NIU, sets out goals

Doug Baker reflects on 1 year at NIU, sets out goals

By Kelly Bauer | November 13, 2014

Doug Baker is 6 or 7 years old, if his memory serves right.He is on a trip with his grandma from Hood River, Ore., to Monache, Wash., to visit family. Stopped at a cafeteria, Baker piles food atop his plate and sits by his grandma.“I think your eyes...

Baker starts practical planning

By Northern Star Editorial Board | November 13, 2014

If NIU wants to tackle some of its biggest problems, especially with student retention, then NIU President Doug Baker needs to continue making goals that can be measured on a semester-by-semester basis.In the past, administrators tried to tackle problems...

Baker unsure of election’s effects on NIU

By Northern Star Staff | November 6, 2014

NIU President Doug Baker said he is not sure what a “blue legislature” and “red governor” mean for NIU and the state at Wednesday’s University Council meeting.Ibrahim Abdel-Motaleb, professor and chair of the Electrical Engineering Department,...