LearnServe ResearchEngage

Early in my career as a teacher, I realized that the best lessons do not always come from textbooks.

I began looking for ways to get students involved in the process of discovery and to get them engaged with the messy complexities of the real world. Doing so transformed their learning into a much more active and meaningful process. Students began looking at problems in new ways and approaching

solutions differently. They developed information literacy and cultural competence.

This approach to teaching, known as engaged learning, shapes not just careers but also lives, by helping students develops skills that will be of value to them long after they graduate.

Engaged learning is a hallmark of a Northern Illinois University education, and one of the things that attracted me to NIU. We provide access to engaged learning opportunities and academic enrichment programs from the very start.

Among those opportunities are:

•ThemedLearningCommunities,whichallowyoutojoina cohort of students that explores a common subject from a variety of perspectives. For instance, you might learn the background of an issue in a history class while focusing a semester’s worth of writing on that topic in an English class.

•ResearchRookies,whichmatchesstudentswithfacultymentors who invite students into their laboratories to share in the process of discovery or guide them through original research.

•TheUndergraduateSpecialOpportunitiesinArtistryandResearch,andhelpsstudentsexploreyatopicindepth,sometimes even paying for travel abroad to help them gain new insights, all with the guidance of expert faculty.

•ServiceLearningopportunities,whichcanbefoundwithinmany majors, offer the chance to apply classroom learning on behalf of not-for-profit organizations that serve the community.

•TheUniversityHonorsProgram,whichenablesstudentsto take their education a step further by designing individualized programs of study, while learning from top faculty and exploring their interests in depth.

This booklet provides information on those programs and many other engaged learning opportunities that could transform your learning experience and better prepare you for what lies ahead. I hope you will take some time to peruse these pages, find your opportunity, embrace the challenge and change your life.

Doug Baker

President,NorthernIllinoisUniversity

Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning Welcome to NIU! We want to encourage you to use this book to learn about some of the exciting opportunities to get involved in our academic community. From research projects that are searching for a cure for cancer to service projects that are providing care for home bound senior citizens, NIU students have the ability to engage in hands-on meaningful activities that bring to life the world around them.

We believe our student engagement programs will challenge you to define your passions, your academic and professional goals, and ultimately your contribution to society.

Moreover, understanding the breadth of your academic opportunities here at NIU can have a profound impact on your academic journey. It is our hope you will explore these exciting programs and begin to realize your potential while you move toward your degree at Northern Illinois University.

So, as you begin your journey, seek answers…discover your passions. Satisfy your curiousity. Get excited. You have an opportunity to integrate the questions you want answered here at NIU. We provide research and service learning opportunities. We offer integrated classes that explore topics as diverse as physics and math, conflict and creativity, and teachers for social change.

TheOfficeofStudentEngagementandExperientialLearning(OSEEL)and the many programs and offices listed in the book are dedicated to supporting you as you begin your journey at Northern.

JuliaSpears,PhD.Director,OfficeofStudentEngagement and Experiential Learning

Discover your passion!

Satisfy your curiosity!

Get excited!

3

Themed Learning Communitieswww.tlc.niu.edu

815-753-8154

We value our students at NIU, so we work hard to make sure each student’s NIU experience is meaningful and unique.NIU’sThemelearningCommunities(TLCs)maketransitioning to college life easier.

StudentswhoenrollinaTLCbuildsocialandintellectualrelationships with classmates and faculty that can last a lifetime.ClasssizesinTLCsareusually20–25studentsencouraging enhanced interaction between classmates and faculty.

EachTLCisfocusedonacommontheme.TheTLCismadeof2to3classesteachingthisthemefromdifferentperspectives. NIU faculty work together to create commonassignmentsamongthelinkedTLCcourses.Thiscollaboration provides the student an enriched learning environment and a great introduction to NIU.

ResearchatNIUdemonstratesthatstudentswhoareinvolvedinThemedLearningCommunitiespersistinschoolandhavehigherGPAs.GetasolidfoundationyourfirstsemesteroncampusandenrollinaTLC!

Living Learning Communitieswww.niu.edu/housing/LLC

815-753-1525

ALivingLearningCommunity(LLC)consistsofseveralfloorsdedicated to students from the same academic interest or lifestylearea.LivingLearningCommunitiesbringtogetherfloors or halls of motivated students who learn as they live together.LLCresidentstakepartinthesamesocialandeducational activities enjoyed on other floors, while also enjoying special programs, speakers, field trips, and activi-ties.Tosupportactivitiesinthehouses,LLCresidentswillbecharged an additional programming fee. For a complete descriptionofNIU’sLLCs,visitwww.housing.niu.edu.

LivingLearningCommunitiesareco-sponsoredbyHousing& Dining and NIU academic colleges and departments or student support offices. Dedicated faculty members serve as guides to students as they pursue their academic goals and hone their professional skills.

EligibilityIn most programs, priority is given to students who have a major, or who intend to have a major, in the academic field related to the program. In some cases, students with a strong interest in the academic discipline are accepted. AcceptanceintotheLLCisnotautomatic.SomeprogramsrequireaminimumGPAorACTscore.

BenefitsThefocusonaparticularfieldofstudyenablesanLLCto offer additional benefits: out-of-class interaction with professors in your academic field; additional opportunities for career information, internships, and networking with faculty members and professionals; programs and special facilities that will enhance your classroom learning and leadership skill development; social and cultural activities with students, faculty, and staff; improved academic perfor-mance—onaverage,studentsinLLCsearnahigherGPA.

Themed Learning Communities-Learn TogetherBusiness EthicsMajor ExplorationCreativity & ConflictExploring Health MajorsGlobal Perspectives The American Experience at Home and Abroad How GREEN is your paw print? Calculus and Physics for EngineersPromise ScholarsTeachers as Ambassadors for Social ChangeCivic Engagement

Living Learning Communities-Live TogetherBusiness Careers HouseExploring Majors HouseFine Arts HouseHealth Professions HouseHonors HouseInternational HouseScience/Engineering/Technology (SET) House

Teacher Education and Certification House (TEACH)Transfer HouseJourneys of Spirituality & Meaning FloorReserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Floor

Explore Your Focus!4

Many of the university’s themed and living learning communities connect students to individuals with similar academics goals, interests and lifestyles. Themed Learning Communities consist of 2-3 courses students take together around a common theme while Living Learning Communities consist of several residence hall floors centered around a common interest or area of study.Here are some examples in the chart below:

I highly recommend getting

involved in Themed Learning

Communities. We work together

in three shared courses and really

help each other out. It’s a great

experience. TevinRodgers,StudentTLCProgram

Students who have taken TLCs say they:“It’s a great way to feel very connected to the University. TLC classes helped me feel like I was truly a part of NIU.”

“TLC is a good foundation to prepare us for college.”

“These classes are nothing like my other classes, but these classes made it easier to do well in my other classes because the teachers in this TLC program are VERY welcoming and helpful.”

5

First-Year Connectionsorientation.niu.edu/orientation/fyc

815-753-1535

Starting college at Northern Illinois University will be a majorturningpointforyou.LifeatNorthernwillbedifferentfrom your previous experiences and will challenge you in new ways both in and out of the classroom. The First-YearConnectionsprogramisintendedtohelpyoumakeasuccessful transition to university life. Its components include thefirst-yearcourse,UNIV101/201,andtheFirst-yearSuccess Series, a speaker series that guides new students in their transition to NIU.

UNIV 101/201UNIV101isa12-week,onecredit-hourcoursedesignedexclusivelyforfreshmen.UNIV201isa12week,one-credithourcoursespecificallyfortransferstudents.Coursecontentfor101and201includesadjustingtocollegelife,gettinginvolved on campus, and joining a diverse community. The course also covers strategies for academic success, finding and using university resources, choosing a major, and preparing for a career. Sections are taught by trained instructors from departments and offices across NIU’s

campus.Sectionsarelimitedto20students,soyou’llhavetheopportunitytogettoknowyourclassmates.Researchat NIU and across the country proves that students who completeaUNIVcoursehavehigherGPAsandaremorelikely to return to the university than students who don’t.

You can register for UNIV through Northern’s online registration system, MyNIU. Most sections are open to any student, but some are reserved for students in certain majors or programs and require a permit number for registration. Several UNIV courses are connected with the Themed LearningCommunities.Toobtaininformationregardingapermitnumber,contactOrientation&First-YearExperienceat815-753-1535oratfirstconn@niu.edu.

First Year Success Series are workshops that are offered every fall for students new to NIU. Speakers and workshops over a wide range of topics such as: time management, civic engagement, and getting involved.

6

OSEEL Research Opportunitieswww.niu.edu/ugresearch

815-753-8154

Many learn by doing. At NIU, there are many opportunities to engage students in hands-on research experiences in their disciplines. Students conducting research as undergraduates are able to gain relevant skills while expanding their oppor-tunities, both academically and professionally. The programs below highlight several venues to get started in undergradu-ate research. Students can begin hands-on, faculty-mentored researchasearlyasfreshmanyearwiththeHuskieResearchRookiesprogramandcontinuethroughgraduation.Wehavea place for your to explore your field of interest!

Research Rookie ProgramTheResearchRookiesprogramworkstolinkstudentswithfaculty mentors in their major or area of interest to conduct a small-scaleresearchproject.AsaResearchRookie,studentswill learn what research looks like in their field of study. Stu-dents will also learn how to write a formal research proposal, gain experience working alongside talented faculty, attend professional and academic enrichment activities, present their workattheannualUndergraduateResearchandArtistryDay,andreceivea$500stipendattheendoftheprograminthespring. It is the perfect way for highly motivated students to connect with one another as well as with supportive faculty and graduate students.

Undergraduate Research & Artistry DayUndergraduates who have conducted an original research, scholarly, or creative project under the guidance of a faculty mentor will be invited to display an informational poster at theannualUndergraduateResearch&ArtistryDayattheendof the spring semester. Faculty, students, staff, collaborating partners, and others are invited to attend the event to learn moreabouttheworkofNIUundergraduates.Prizeswillbeawarded for top posters. In addition, one research advisor will be honored with the Faculty Mentor of the Year award.

Undergraduate Research AssistantshipsTheUndergraduateResearchAssistantship(URA)programis a new initiative of the Great Journeys Strategic plan to expand the opportunities for students to work on faculty mentoredresearch.URAsarewillsupportapproximately15-20studentsduringthefall,springorsummersemesters.Theprogram offers on-campus employment opportunities for NIU undergraduate.StudentsselectedforanUndergraduateRe-search Assistantship are able to work under the guidance of a faculty member in a position that is directly related to their careerpathand/oracademicdiscipline.Studentswillwork10hoursperweekandarepaid$10perhour.Work-studypositions are available and encouraged.

Research

Undergraduate Travel FundStudents who are interested in presenting their research and artistry at regional or national conference can apply to the UndergraduateResearch/ArtistryTravelFundforupto$300in support. To be eligible, undergraduates must be present-ingtheirresearchorartistryatnational/regional/localpeer-reviewed conferences. Student must also receive matching supportfromtheirfacultymentor,department,and/orcol-legeequaltotheamountrequestedfromtheProvost’soffice.All applications materials are online.

7

Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry and Research (USOAR)www.niu.edu/usoar

UndergraduateSpecialOpportunitiesinArtistryandResearch(USOAR)providesuniversityfundsforstudent-generated research projects, whether the study is conducted on campus, somewhere in the United States, or overseas. Studentscanapplyforupto$2,500tosupporttheirproject.Projectsshouldcomeunderthedirectsupervisionandevalu-ationofmembersoftheregularfaculty.USOARapplicationsareacceptedtwiceayearinOctoberandFebruary.

PROMISE Scholars Programwww.niu.edu/promise/

815-753-9222

NorthernIllinoisUniversityoffersThePROMISE(ProvidingResourcesandOpportunitytoMaximizeInterestinSTEMEducation)ScholarsProgramdesignedtoattractandsupportstudents interested in the critical fields of science, technolo-gy,engineeringormath(STEM).TheNIUPROMISEScholarsProgramisacampus-wideinitiativefornewfreshmenandsophomore students enrolled in a STEM major or undecided abouttheirmajorchoice.PROMISEScholarswillpartici-pateinasummerpre-collegeprogram,STEMLearningCommunities,researchandpeeropportunitieswithfacultyand students, and career readiness activities with national corporations.

Operation ETank: Moving toward a Sustainable World www.niu.edu/reu

TheresearchfocusoftheNIUResearchExperiencesforUndergraduates(REU)program,OperationETank,isinareas of energy and the environment, with aspects of ethicsandeconomy(the4Es)incorporatedintobroaderproblems and related to the broader issue of sustainability. Students involved in the program will be mentored by faculty members having wide-ranging backgrounds in relevant research areas. Students will participate in individually mentoredresearchendeavors(i.e.,environmentorenergy),but their overall learning experience will include a number of opportunities to relate sustainability issues to their researchprojects.TheNIUCollegeofLiberalArtsandSciencesandtheCollegeofEngineeringandEngineeringTechnology have a long history of working together on collaborative STEM projects and funded research. This is an NationalScienceFoundationfundedinitiativeandmostREUparticipants are non-NIU students.

College – Specific Apprenticeship ProgramsThese programs allow faculty to engage undergraduates in their research and artistry agendas. It allows students to closely work with faculty on expanding their domain of knowledge and skills and are designed to support mentor-ships that involve faculty members with qualified, highly motivated students.

Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)CollegeofLiberalArtsandScienceswww.niu.edu/clas/research/uraps

Engineering Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (EURA)CollegeofEngineeringandEngineeringTechnologywww.niu.edu/ceet/research/EURA.shtml

Undergraduate Artistry & Research Apprenticeship Program (UARAP)CollegeofVisualandPerformingArtsContact:TheOfficeoftheDean,815-753-1636

College of Business Experiential Learning Center (ELC)CollegeofBusinesswww.cob.niu.edu/elc/

PhotocourtesyofDeKalbDailyChronicle.

8

Discovery9

University Honors Programwww.niu.edu/honors

815-753-0694

TheUniversityHonorsProgramatNorthernIllinoisUniver-sity offers enriched academic experiences and co-curricular opportunities for highly motivated and academically-talented students. The program, which facilitates a small college at-mosphere at the heart of a major research university, enjoys a rich tradition, promotes academic excellence, and fosters a strong sense of community.

Program BenefitsUniversityHonorsstudentsenjoyearlycourseregistration,accesstosmallclasses,personalizedinteractionswithHonorsfacultyandstaff,specialadvising,andHonors-sponsoredacademic, social, and service programming beyond the class-room.HonorsstudentscanusetheresourcesoftheUniversityHonorsCenter,applyforspecialfundingopportunitiestosup-port their educational pursuits, and choose to live with other HonorsstudentsinNIU’snewestresidentialfacility.Further-more,graduatesoftheprogramreceiveanHonorsnotationontheirNIUtranscriptandspecialrecognitionatan“HonorsDay” ceremony and university commencement.

Honors RetreatFordecades,UniversityHonorsfreshmenhavebeguntheirNIUcollegeexperienceattheHonorsRetreat.TheretreattakesplaceatNIU’sscenicLoradoTaftcampustheweekbeforefallsemester classes begin. The two-day program introduces new studentstotheirpeers,upper-divisionHonorsstudentleaders,faculty, staff, as well as community and campus resources.

University Honors CenterLocatedonthefirstflooroftheCampusLifeBuilding,theHonorsCenteroffersstudentsaplacetogather,study,meet,and relax. The space includes a computer lab, a technology enhanced classroom, meeting space, a quiet study area, and staffoffices.PopulartraditionsintheUniversityHonorsCenterincludeweeklysoupandchililunches—dubbed“SOUPer”Wednesdays—and workshops with faculty and alumni.

Honors HouseTheHonorsHouseisaco-ed,living-learningcommunityof200students.Itisanon-campusresidentialoptionforallstu-dentsadmittedtotheUniversityHonorsProgram.LocatedintheEastHallofNIU’sNewResidentialComplex,theHonorsHousefeaturesnew,state-of-the-artsingle-roomliving,semi-private bathrooms, and outstanding amenities from central air conditioning and wireless internet to an exclusive recre-ational center to all-you-can eat dining hall with a variety offoodoptions.TheHonorsHouseisstaffedbycommunityadvisorsandHonorsHouseleaderswhosharedutiesinbuildingastrongcommunity.Regularspecialeventsinclude

excursionstoChicagoland,leadershipandcareerdevelop-ment workshops, unique cultural experiences, community service opportunities, floor competitions, and community-building activities. “Quiet lifestyle” and “transfer” clusters are available.

Special Funding OpportunitiesUniversityHonorsstudentsmayapplyforEnhanceYourEdu-cation(EYE)Grants,whichprovideupto$1,000infundingfor research projects or other educational enhancements. Honorsstudentsalsohaveopportunitiestocompetefortuition waivers, scholarships, and funding to support study abroad experiences.

What is the difference between University Honors and Department or College Honors programs?

TheUniversityHonorsProgramspansallmajorsatNIU,while department and college honors programs each come with their own set of requirements, set forth by the respective academic department or college. Students are encouraged to complete department and university upper division honors in tandem, and special allowances are made for students selecting this option. Department and college honors are generally only available to juniors and seniors. In some cases, the requirements for a student to achieve department or college honors are designed to complement the require-mentsoftheUniversityHonorsProgram,thusmakingthesuccessful completion of department or college honors and university honors seamless.

“Being part of the Honors Program community is a true

advantage when coming to a large campus, as you never feel lost in

the crowd.”

~ Nora Lindvall

Tradition, Excellence, Community10

www.niu.edu/engage

ENGAGE! is a list of NIU’s engagement and outreach activities that helps students get real, get connected, and get noticed. Sign up for artistry, research projects, internships, or service activities that help you apply the skills you learn the classroom to solve real-world problems.

Why ENGAGE!?Students who include engaged learning activities in their university experience are more likely to be successful in college and beyond.

•Buildingrelationshipswithfellowstudents,faculty,and staff helps you feel like a vital member of the greater NIU community

•Workingwithprofessors,peers,andotherinfluential people in your field helps you expand your professional network

•Participatinginengagedlearningisagreatwayforyou to stand out from the crowd of future job applicants

Special Opportunities through ENGAGE!•Beapartoffacultyresearchprojects

•Makeanimpactbothonandoffcampus

•SearchNIUcalendarstostayinvolvedincampusactivities

•Seewhatyourcollegeisdoingtoengageinoutreachandcommunity-building

•Studyabroad

Go to ENGAGE! and get searching today!

11

Study Abroadwww.studyabroad.niu.edu

815-753-0700

A Value-Added Component of an NIU Education!Participationinastudyabroadprogramaddsvaluetoanydegree, undergraduate or graduate. The value of study abroad can be found in the development, experience, and future employability of students who have studied abroad, amongotherbenefits.Studyabroadprogramsand/orin-ternships are available in every major offered at NIU.

Some study abroad programs can cost more than studying attheNIUcampusinDeKalb,buttheskills,qualities,andexperiences you’ll gain make study abroad a very sound in-vestment. Also, scholarships and financial aid are available to make study abroad more affordable for every student.

DevelopmentMost students who’ve studied abroad genuinely feel that the experience changed their life. While this statement may seemdramatic,thereisresearchtosupportit.Researchonthe learning outcomes of study abroad is an expanding field, and there are several recent and ongoing studies that suggest that study abroad helps students to develop in many ways, allowing them to become more independent, flex-ible, and aware of their place in the world. Many of these developments are part of any college education, but through study abroad they are enhanced and deepened.

ExperiencesIn NIU’s twice-weekly StudyAbroad101information sessions, we tell students to “do it now, while you still can!” Financial aid is available to help you travel the world and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Also, many students make friendships and contacts throughout the world that last much longer than their experience.

Future EmployabilityArecentstudybytheCouncilonInternationalEducationalExchange(CIEE)foundthatemployersseekskillsandchar-acteristics students who have studied abroad possess. Quali-ties such as risk taking, flexibility, and creativity are valuable to employers, and study abroad enhances these qualities. For this reason, study abroad experience may even help you obtainabetterjobaftergraduation,because–astheworldgets“smaller”–thevalueofstudyabroadtoemployersincreases.

Study Abroad Options at NIUNIU students can choose from several options, including win-ter break, semester, summer, or year-long programs. Staff in theStudyAbroadOfficeareavailabletoadviseandguidestudents throughout the process, so please feel free to call, e-mail: niuabroad@niu.edu or visit us.StudyAbroadOffice,WillistonHall417

“I owe this place so much. Who I am now is a direct result of the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, and the love I’ve found for Salamanca. It’s a rare joy to have the opportunity to study abroad. It was a decision that, to this day, I’m shocked I had the guts to make. But here I am...and here a part of me will always be. Ten fe en ti”

-Kristen Roenfanz, Salamanca, Spain

12

Service and Civic Engagement Programswww.service.niu.edu

NIU offers several programs for students to get involved in thecommunitythroughserviceandcivicengagement.Checkout the options below to find out how you can get involved with NIU and the surrounding community:

The Office of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning provides students with several opportunities to get involved in the community.

Huskie Service Scholars The Huskie Service Scholars program pairs upper-classmen with first-generation or low-income students entering NIU for the first time. These students willworktocomplete300hoursofcommunityserviceandwillreceive$1,132intuition.

Project on Civic Reflection The Project on Civic Reflection (PCR)helps NIU students, faculty, and staff come together to discuss and relate literature and media to their civic engagement experiences.

Service-Learning Students can learn and provide service for their communities in a variety of service-learning courses. This type of progressive education gives students a sense of empowerment and a better understanding of issues in diversity and civic responsibility. A listing of service-learning course are available at www.oseel.niu.edu.

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development (SILD) niu.edu/studentinvolvement/volunteer, provides students with several opportunities to become more actively engaged both on and off campus.

I Serve niu.edu/iserve/

NIUisproudtoparticipateintheInterfaithandCommunityServiceCampusChallengelaunchedbyPresidentObama.We are partnering with Feed ‘Em Soup and the Voluntary ActionwCentertohelprelievehungerinourcommunity.

NIU also provides opportunities for undergraduate students to pick majors with a focus on service and civic engagement through departments like the:

Center for NGO and Leadership Development(NGOLD)www.niu.edu/ngold

Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy www.niu.edu/ese

At NIU, the opportunities to get involved in

service and civic engagement are

endless!

13

Office of Student Academic Successwww.niu.edu/osas

815-753-5721

TheOfficeofStudentAcademicSuccess(OSAS)collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to provide innovative service that help students reach their academic and personal goals. Through individualized academic coaching and group workshops and programs, students are challenged to explore their academic options, define personal and academic goals, expand their support network, enhance their critical thinking skills, and graduate in a timely manner.

Why MAP-Works? Because IT WORKS!Starting a college career on the right track is important for establishingsuccess,andNIU’sMAP-Worksprogramishereto help from day one.

Incoming students have shown the ability to earn a higher GPA,successfullycompleteadditionalcourses,andreducethe risk of academic probation while benefiting from additional NIU support and assistance.

AllnewHuskiesareautomaticallyenrolledintheMAP-Worksprogram.MAP-Worksparticipantscompleteaseriesof brief personal surveys regarding academic skills and behaviors, social interactions, campus involvement and overall expectations. Three surveys will be administered duringthe2012-2013academicyear.

The answers to these questions are combined with the student’s academic credentials and provide a summary report that highlights personal strengths and possible challenges as well as related campus resources. Students can view their reports online or print a PDFcopy.

Likewise,dedicatedNIUfaculty and staff who work with the students on a regular basis also have access to the information. Some of these professionals include instructors, academic advisors, student success specialists, and residence hall directors. Together, they provide an individualized network of support for each student by helping them achieve academic success and personal victories.

MakesureyousucceedbyparticipatingintheMAP-Worksprogram. Students who participate will receive a thank you gift for each survey and could be eligible for scholarships.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsatall,pleasecontacttheOfficeofStudent Academic Success.

Student Success SpecialistsStudent Success Specialists are located in each of the academic colleges as well as in the Academic Advising CenterandtheDivisionofOutreach.

Specialists collaborate with students, their families, advisors, faculty members, and other administrators to develop appropriate action plans regarding personal and academic support issues. They connect students to relevant campus resources through direct referrals and personal connections.

To find out who your student success specialist is, visit www.niu.edu/osas/aboutus/staff.shtml

Financial CentsEarn It. Keep It. Save It. FinancialCentsisacampus-wide,comprehensivefinancialliteracy program aimed at increasing student financial awareness and knowledge.

FinancialCentscoversawidevarietyoffinancialissuesandeducation through programming, workshops, informational booths, campus referrals, community involvement, and an educational and interactive website.

Make sure to take advantage of this program and all of its resources, visit www.financialcents.niu.edu

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

14

Scholarship Officewww.scholarships.niu.edu

815753-4829

TheScholarshipOfficeworksincoordinationwiththeOfficeof Student Financial Aid to connect NIU students with various scholarship resources. Visit the NIU ScholarshipFinder System www.scholarships.niu.edu to begin your search for academic scholarship opportunities at the university. Many of these scholarships are for upperclassmen who make academicprogressintheirmajor.Besuretosearchearly!We recommend that students begin their search during the fall semester prior to the next academic year.

OneofNIU’smostprestigiousscholarshipsistheForward,Together Forward Scholarship. Students who have earned creditatNIUcanapplyforthis$4000memorialscholarshipthat is based on strength of character such as a strong work ethic, motivation, inspiration, a high regard for others, integrity, and intellectual curiosity.

NIUalsooffersassistancebasedonfinancialneed.BesuretofileyourFAFSA(FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid)by March 1 of the preceding academic year in order to

be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid. In addition, we sometimes have scholarship funding to assist withthecostofeducation.Checkourwebsitefrequentlyforupdated scholarship opportunities, www.scholarships.niu.edu.

You may also want to consider looking for scholarships outsideofNIU.Checkwithyourhighschoolguidancecounselor,localorganizationsoraffiliations(Kiwanis,4-H,LionsClub),employers(bothyoursandyourparents),yourchurch,theChamberofCommerce,orplacesofpersonalvolunteerism(localhospitals,clubs,etc).

NorthernIllinoisUniversityisanequalopportunity/affirmativeactioninstitutionanddoesnotdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, statusbasedontheVictims’EconomicSecurityandSafetyAct(VESSA)orstatusasadisabledorVietnam-eraveteran.Further,theConstitutionandBylawsofNorthernIllinoisUniversityprovidesforequal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation.

PrintedbyauthorityoftheStateofIllinois.www.niu.edu

DesignedandproducedbytheNIUOfficeofPublicationsandprintedbyNIUDocumentServices.

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