Authors: Linh Nguyen and Yvonne Johnson According to the Fall 2025 enrollment highlight, more than half of NIU’s incoming first-year students identify as first-generation college
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What you didn’t learn in class: Revealing the hidden curriculum
For faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants at NIU, understanding the hidden curriculum can make a real difference. It shapes how students connect with their
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From error to insight: The role of mistakes in learning
What if failure wasn’t the opposite of success but a necessary step toward it? In education, we often talk about growth, but we don’t always
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Strategies for long-term learning success
It’s not a new idea that students need to take an active role in their learning process to learn effectively and retain content over the
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Tips and tools for student time management success
With a new year comes a fresh start and opportunity to reset current approaches and habits. As you prepare for the new semester to begin
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Messaging your students using Navigate
NIU Navigate is a system that connects students, advisors, and services to promote academic planning and success. It has uses for both students and faculty/staff
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Supporting first generation college students
Workshop Takeaways NIU’s Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning recently hosted a workshop on Supporting First-Generation Students. The workshop featured Kimberly Shotick (Assistant Professor, Student
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Effective Presentation Skills Tutorial
As part of their academic studies and future career, students may be required to develop and deliver oral presentations. Students may also have opportunities to
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A Rebel for Student Success
We are excited to feature this post written by Renique Kersh, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost for Student Engagement and Success. In her book Rebel Talent:
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