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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Admitted First Gen Student Check-in Drive (May 1 - June 30)Help future students learn more about what it means to be a Huskie! Call first-generation students and speak to them about their post-secondary plans, your NIU experience, and encourage them to visit campus. Have a (healthy!) competition between other alumni and see who can reach 20, 50, and/or 100 calls! Learn more and register by May 9.
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NIU Paws for a Cause Week of Service (June 22 - 28, 2025)‘Paws for a Cause’ is a week of projects where NIU alumni and friends come together to make an impact within their communities supporting a shared goal of positive impact. This nationwide opportunity allows NIU alumni and friends to make a difference as a group or on their own. Browse scheduled opportunities or to register an individual project here.
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Professional Email Conversations with Alumni (PECwA, July 20-24, 2025)Help students practice their professional emailing skills while enabling them to network with professionals who can give them useful advice as they complete their degrees and move into their chosen careers. Volunteers commit to corresponding with students via email during the week of July 20 and will spend 15-30 minutes each night participating. Learn more and register by Monday, July 14.
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Professional Mentor through the Braven Program (Summer 2025)Provide weekly mentoring to a college student who is just moments away from landing the job or internship that launches their career! Spend about 1.5 hours every week over the course of this 12-week mentorship program and empower them by sharing your skills and experiences. Mentors are matched based on industry and may not be assigned to an NIU student. Learn more and apply before the April 20 priority deadline, or before May 4.
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Leadership Course for the NIU/Braven Program (Fall 2025)Empower the next generation and support a cohort of promising NIU students as they build their networking, problem-solving, and career-readiness skills while completing UNIV 301, the NIU/Braven Leadership & Career Accelerator. Leadership Coaches will lead five to eight students through a 10-week course and dedicate three to four hours per week. Apply by the priority deadline June 1 for the fall semester.
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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Celebrate our New Graduates at Spring Commencement (May 10 - 11)Connect with NIU’s newest class of graduates during Spring commencement, one of the most exciting times of year for students. Volunteers will welcome guests and help them find their way, or assist in organizing students prior to the ceremony. Learn more and register here by Apr. 30
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NIU Paws for a Cause Week of Service (June 22 - 28)
‘Paws for a Cause’ is a week of projects where NIU alumni and friends come together to make an impact within their communities supporting a shared goal of positive impact. This nationwide opportunity allows NIU alumni and friends to make a difference as a group or on their own. Browse scheduled opportunities or to register an individual project here.
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Care Package Delivery (April 22-28)Support students during finals by distributing Huskie Finals Notecard Care Packages! These packages feature handwritten alumni notes and sweet treats. Join fellow alumni and staff at campus tables from April 28-May 2 to share encouragement and foster community. You can register here by Friday, April 18.
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Faculty, Staff & Alumni at the Huskie Food Pantry (May 6-8)Volunteering at the Huskie Food Pantry is an important way to support our Huskie students. Your support helps us fight food insecurity on campus, fostering a caring community. Join us and make a difference—every bit counts! Learn more or register here (make sure to scroll to the bottom).
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
