Gen. eds are the latest in a string of changes at NIU, and it is the program that needs the most help.If gen. eds are around to help students “attain a sound liberal education and to acquire sufficient general knowledge and intellectual versatility...

The Northern Star Editorial Board believes having a formal student grievance system is an essential step in NIU becoming a student-centered university.The grievance policy, which is based on the system that mediates issues between faculty members, is...

The DeKalb-Sycamore community has stepped up in the wake of Illinois’ recent storms and tornadoes.On Nov. 17, one of several tornadoes in the Midwest destroyed much of Washington, which is about two hours from DeKalb. The tornado ravaged buildings and...

When it comes to selling alcohol at the Convocation Center, the Editorial Board wants to make sure it doesn’t take away from safety, which should always be a priority.The addition of alcohol, if approved, will be used in an effort to raise attendance...

Doug Baker’s inaugural speech’s frankness was refreshing: Yes, NIU does face declining funding and enrollment, and its graduates are seeing fewer job prospects.NIU is at a turning point, and this is a critical time for higher education in the United...

Funding for the Recreation Center continues to worry the Editorial Board.At the beginning of the fiscal year, the Rec requested $628,908 in funds and received only $324,425 from the Student Association, according to a report from the SA. In the last three...

It looks like the cold has set in for good, as have sniffles and sore throats in classrooms.Students, take these symptoms as a warning sign: When you get sick, stay home from class.​ Not only is it important to get your rest as soon and often as possible,...

President Doug Baker has done exactly what this university needed him to: He has taken quick, transparent action to fix the university’s problems.Friday, Baker announced significant changes, including the splitting of Finance and Facilities, the creation...

A call for change is one thing NIU’s new police chief needs to hear. He says he’s already on it.The point that NIU needs change has been made since before the scandal-plagued departure of former chief Don Grady. It was made before FBI agents invaded...

Commuter parking has been an issue this semester.Parking Services sold a large number of passes to commuters this semester, which is the department’s job — but it has caused higher demand for available spaces.According to a Monday article in the Northern...

The Northern Star Editorial Board doesn’t think Eddie Williams, executive vice president and chief of operations for Finance and Facilities, is doing his job. Since the summer, the Finance and Facilities division at NIU has been through controversies...

If we can be bold enough to quote President Barack Obama, “Government should be transparent.” The Editorial Board of the Northern Star believes this statement applies to NIU, not just because it is a state university, but because, ethically, it should...