The first week of the Northern Illinois University summer session has begun as students returned to campus Monday, making campus look and feel like its normal self.
The Office of Admissions has already noticed a difference in students’ activity. “The pace has picked up in the past week,” said Associate Director of Admissions Chuck Walz, “with students acquiring information about enrollment as well as applying for financial aid.”
Founders Memorial Library also is looking forward to the increasing attendance with individuals using their facility. In previous weeks, before summer session, Founders has been described as “dead,” from employees. Now, with a larger audience, Founders will be occupied with more students.
Graduate student Mahmoud Shehadeh is spending his summer in DeKalb finishing his research to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics. Shehadeh says, “I’ve enjoyed the summer so far with fewer students on campus because it has helped me concentrate more on my research. Now that summer school has started, I’m aware that things will be different on campus.”
Most students enrolled in summer classes are here for the same reason -- to work towards graduating. For eight weeks, students will strive to learn at a faster pace to complete classes in comparison to a regular semester of 12 weeks.
Junior Brianne Leach, a Family Consumer Nutrition Sciences (FCNS) major, is taking her first summer session at NIU. “I look forward to taking some classes during the summer so I can get a good head start for next semester,” she said. Leach completed her first year at NIU last spring and plans to move to the area in the near future to be closer to campus.
During the summer session, the Office of Admissions remains busy as staffers prepare orientation tours for high school and transfer students. Students can meet with an advisor, register for classes, learn more about NIU, and get an opportunity to meet other students.
Admission Office staffers also are preparing for an upcoming open house for prospective students on July 29. Reservations can be made at the NIU website.