You have been assigned the earliest possible orientation date based on your date of admission to Northern and on your classification as a freshman, transfer, or reentering student. A letter with your tentative orientation date will be sent to your mailing address. Mail back your form and fee or make your payment on-line as soon as you receive this information. A postcard with your confirmed orientation date will be sent to you. To find information on directions, parking, check-in, and the day's activities please explore this site. Do not finalize plans to attend the program until you receive a confirmation postcard from NIU Orientation & First-Year Experience.
If you are a freshman, be sure to complete all necessary placement/proficiency testing before your orientation session. Bring your test results to the orientation program. If you will be taking tests the day before your orientation session and will need overnight accommodations, consult the orientation brochure (mailed with your reservation form) for on-campus and off-campus accommodations. For information related to upcoming new student testing, contact Testing Services at (815) 753-1203 or www.niu.edu/testing.
If you are a transfer student, go to https://webcluster.niu.edu to access your Degree Audit Report (DARS) (credit evaluation). Print off and bring a copy of the DARS to your orientation session. If your DARS is not available, bring a copy of your grade reports or a listing of classes taken so that you receive appropriate advising. If you are transferring credits from a school outside the state of Illinois, also bring a catalog from your former school(s).
To obtain a University OneCard (photo ID), you will need a current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state issued ID, military ID or passport). Obtaining your NIU OneCard on your orientation day may save waiting in long lines when school starts.
We suggest that you and your guest(s) dress casually, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring an umbrella or rain gear in case of inclement weather. Most meeting rooms are air-conditioned so we suggest that you bring a sweater or sweatshirt. All orientation facilities are smoke-free. If you bring a cell phone or other electronic device, you will be asked to turn it off or set it to silent mode during orientation presentations as a courtesy to the presenters and to other orientation participants.
If you or a parent/guest will need special assistance due to a disability, please call or e-mail this office at least two weeks in advance of your orientation date.
To be considered each year for financial aid you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it via the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by completing the paper application and mailing it. Apply as soon as possible as some funds may run out quickly. Contact the Student Financial Aid Office at 1-800-892-3050, visit their website at www.fa.niu.edu, or email them at finaid@niu.edu for more information on the application process.
The Illinois College Student Immunization Act (110-ILCS 20) and university policy require that all students born on or after January 1, 1957, enrolling in a class at the NIU DeKalb campus provide written evidence of current immune status with respect to certain communicable diseases, or evidence of exemption from this requirement, by the tenth day of the first term enrolled. Please fill out the immunization form. All immunization information can be mailed to:
Northern Illinois University
Health Services; attn Immunization Office
DeKalb, IL 60115-2879
Records can also be faxed to: (815) 753-9599
Please have your name and Social Security Number on any information submitted. A health care provider must sign all information. We recommend that you keep a copy for your own records. All required and recommended immunizations can be obtained at Health Services for an additional charge. To avoid a late fee all immunizations must be on file and in compliance with the state law by the tenth day of the first term enrolled. A registration encumbrance will also be placed on the records of students who are not in compliance.
For assistance you may contact the immunization office at (815) 753-9585.
If you have other health insurance coverage and you do not want the additional protection offered by NIU make sure you complete the waiver form. (Deadline to apply: 15th calendar day of the semester.) Important: You MUST provide proof of other health insurance coverage with the waiver form. Otherwise your request to be removed from the plan will be denied. The waiver must be completed annually.
After you are officially admitted to the university, new students will automatically be sent a Residence Hall Application/Contract form. If you do not receive a copy, check your enrollment status with Northern Illinois University Office of Registration & Records. If you need another copy, you may call Housing and Dining office at (815) 753-1525. Once finished, return it with a check or money order for $150 (payable to Northern Illinois University ) to Housing and Dining, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. $125 of this payment is applicable to your room and board charges. The remaining $25 is an administrative processing charge which is nonrefundable except in an instance where the University is unable to offer an assignment.
Review the Academic Advising Preparation website before you come to orientation. This site will help you prepare for your advising session, learn about other academic majors, minors, and help prepare for registration.
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