Northern Illinois University Cancels Commencement, Spring Break

DEKALB, IL — Northern Illinois University has canceled its December commencement ceremony and will instead honor May, August and December graduates with virtual ceremonies later this fall, according to a statement posted to the university's website Thursday.

"While it’s likely that you expected this news, I recognize that it’s still heartbreaking for our graduates and their families," provost Beth Ingram said Thursday. "Even though the pandemic has stolen many important milestones from us, nothing can change the fact that through hard work, talent and perseverance, our graduates will have earned degrees from NIU and be able to begin their new paths forward. We are incredibly proud of these students, especially given the unprecedented hardships and changes they’ve had to endure, and we look forward to a virtual celebration."

In addition to the cancellation of commencement, university officials have revised the 2021 academic calendar. The spring semester will now start Jan. 11 and end April 30, a week earlier than originally scheduled. Spring break is canceled, and the university will be closed on Fridays starting March 12, giving students and faculty a three-day weekend.

"These changes help reduce travel-related exposures but also allow for breaks in the semester to recharge," Ingram said.

Spring course registration will begin the first week of November. Final exams are scheduled for April 24, 26-30, and — for now — spring commencement is planned to go forward.

The upcoming semester will closely resemble the fall semester, officials said, with a hybrid of online and face-to-face classes. Students living on campus will be required to provide negative test results prior to returning to campus, and the university will continue to offer only single rooms for the spring semester.

"The university is working now to develop an efficient testing process for students to complete these requirements and will provide more information to residential students in mid-November," the provost said.

Students can access the spring schedule and information about the manner in which classes will be held online starting Oct. 15.

Ingram praised university workers for maintaining on-campus services with reduced staff.

"Our staff is doing a terrific job with maintaining on-campus services even as we have had to reduce density on campus," she said. "Units should also plan for the spring to look similar to the fall for our employees, and supervisors should continue to be flexible, when able, to allow employees to work from home or use flex hours.

"I greatly appreciate all of your hard work, flexibility and patience during this time. I am truly proud of the Huskie community and how you have supported one another during this time."

Find more information at www.niu.edu/protecting-the-pack or email the office of the provost at provost@niu.edu.