Get Involved with NIU
Thank you for your interest in becoming an NIU alumni volunteer. NIU is always looking for engaged alumni willing to volunteer their time and talents to help give back to their alma mater. Please take a few moments to review the volunteer categories below before your submitting NIU Nexus volunteer interest form, which will allow us to contact you about specific volunteer opportunities that match your interests. To learn about all upcoming volunteer opportunities, subscribe to the monthly NIU Nexus volunteer newsletter, or review the list below. Thank you, and #GoHuskies!
Check out some of our volunteer spotlights to learn more about volunteering with NIU!
NIU Nexus FAQ:
What is NIU Nexus?
NIU Nexus serves as the connecting point (e.g. nexus) between alumni interested in volunteering with their alma mater and current volunteer opportunities that exist at NIU. Alumni volunteers provide real value to NIU through a variety of volunteer roles and opportunities, ranging from prospective student recruitment to providing real-world job experience. Please review the volunteer categories below to find the best fit for your volunteering interests.
How do I volunteer?
Alumni simply create an NIU Nexus profile with the NIU Alumni Association to help us understand your volunteer interests and professional expertise. Upon completion, NIU Alumni Association staff will review your profile and then connect you with opportunities suited to your interests. You may also click here to find the latest volunteer opportunities with NIU. If you currently volunteer with NIU through another opportunity please e-mail alums@niu.edu and let us know.
Can I volunteer if I don't live near campus?
Don't worry, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities that are appropriate for alumni at all stages and places in their lives! You can volunteer on campus, off campus, and online.
How can I show appreciation for and recognize an alumni volunteer?
* Request an "NIU Nexus Alumni Volunteer Appreciation Pack".
* Nominate alumni volunteers for the "NIU Northern Lights Award", an award in honor of Liz McSpadden '10, M.B.A. '16.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to get involved with NIU! Take a look at the volunteer opportunities featured below. Simply click on each category to learn more.
Online/Remote Volunteer Opportunities
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Professional Interviews with Alumni (PIWA) (Sept. 29-Oct. 24)Support students through this course-integrated opportunity and help them connect with real world professionals to practice high-level communication skills. Tell your story in a student-led virtual interview and help create the next wave of well-rounded professionals! Learn more and register by Sept. 19. Form will close once spots are filled. Limited spots remaining.
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Braven: Virtual Mock Interviews (Oct. 14-15)Support NIU students with a crucial part of their job/internship application process - the interviews! Spend 2.5 hours supporting students in a 1:1 or small group setting. Learn more and register by Oct. 5.
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Preview the Braven Leadership Coach Experience (Nov. 4)Interested in being a Braven Leadership Coach? Want to help a cohort of NIU students build their networking, problem-solving and career-readiness skills through a 10-week course? Virtually join us from 5:30-7 p.m. CT on Nov. 4 and get an up-close look at how coaches support the professional and personal development of NIU students as they start their end-of-course capstone project. Learn more and register here by Oct. 29.
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University Honors Job Shadow (Feb. 1-April 20)Host an NIU University Honors student for a virtual or in-person job shadow experience! Showcase your career field and organization while helping students gain real-world experience and a peek into life after graduation. Learn more about the program and apply to become a host by Oct. 23.
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Share your NIU Huskie story! (Ongoing)
Alumni stories are inspirational. They inspire current and prospective students who can see living proof that an NIU education will help them to be successful. Alumni stories also highlight the many things of which we can be proud and bolster the community. Help NIU tell its story by sharing yours. Take 5-10 minutes to record how NIU impacted your life by completing the Huskie Spotlight Profile Survey. Then, use your social media to share a favorite memory of time spent at NIU events, such as Homecoming or Welcome Days. To make sure we see your stories and experiences on social, simply tag NIU and the NIU Alumni Association, or use the hashtag #HuskiePride.
Become a volunteer advocate for NIU! (Ongoing)
Add your voice to the conversation and share NIU's legislative priorities with legislators in your district. Click here to register for our advocacy platform and to become an advocate!
NIUniverse: A Social Media Ambassador Program (Ongoing)
Join the NIUniverse to share your Huskie pride through your social networks! NIU social media ambassadors have first-look access to exciting content, can share and recommend stories on behalf of the NIU Alumni Association and can win Huskie swag by participating in contests and challenges. All you have to do is join, take a few moments each week to share our stories with your networks and participate in our contests! The more you participate, the better your chances at winning awesome NIU swag. Sign up here.
Refer a Huskie (Ongoing)
Remember, you can always use the NIU Alumni Association's online form to refer a student that would make a great Huskie. When you refer a student, you receive a free NIU swag pack for your efforts!
In-Person Volunteer Opportunities >
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University Honors Job Shadow
(Feb. 1-April 20)Host an NIU University Honors student for a virtual or in-person job shadow experience! Showcase your career field and organization while helping students gain real-world experience and a peek into life after graduation. Learn more about the program and apply to become a host by Oct. 23.
Communiversity Gardens (Ongoing)
The NIU Communiversity Gardens are part of a community-wide approach to end food insecurity in DeKalb County by providing access to fresh organic vegetables that are locally grown for anyone in need. Volunteers have the opportunity to plant, weed and harvest for this cause while improving their gardening skills. Volunteers are typically needed for shifts a few days per week. Click here and sign up to volunteer for hours that fit your schedule.
Still have questions? Contact email volunteer@niu.edu or call (815) 753-2586.
Volunteer Categories
