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While navigating the educational terrain, where each student charts their own distinct path, community colleges offer vital opportunities—bridging gaps and paving pathways—that NIU proudly continues to enrich and expand.

NIU’s enrollment of new transfer students increased in fall 2024 by more than 10% year over year—for a total of 1,462 new students. The vast majority of these students came from area community colleges, bringing with them a commitment to their education and having developed the skills and resilience needed to thrive at NIU.

Community colleges provide opportunities for any student eager to learn. They are accessible in size and affordability and cater to the needs of students who face complex challenges that could hinder their success starting at a four-year university like NIU. They offer a chance for students to continue living and working in their communities, often while fulfilling family obligations.

To embrace the unique circumstances of community college students, NIU is leveraging its partnerships with area community colleges and developing intentional strategies to create opportunities tailored to meet the needs of students like Blerina Mimini, a Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC) transfer.

Mimini chose SVCC to complete her general education requirements while saving money, living at home and working at her family’s business—something she couldn’t do while living on DeKalb’s campus as an NIU freshman. Mimini’s father, Lirim, ’08, M.A. ’12, an Albanian immigrant, NIU alumnus and adjunct faculty member at SVCC, talked to Mimini about his time at NIU. After visiting the DeKalb campus, she was impressed by the opportunities available and began discussions to transfer.

“My advisor at SVCC provided me with a detailed list from NIU of the classes I needed to take before transferring,” she said. “My NIU advisors made the class registration process easy and helped me choose the right major for my goals. NIU easily transferred all my credits; everything was very smooth.”

Mimini was also awarded two scholarships, specifically for transfer students.

Positive transfer student matriculation experiences like Mimini’s aren’t happenstance.

With students’ educational pathways becoming increasingly complex, it’s not uncommon for students to lose accumulated credits when transferring between institutions. NIU has taken this issue into its own hands. By partnering closely with community colleges, the university is positioning itself as a leading choice for their transfer students.

Rodrigo Lopez, executive director of community college initiatives, developed a comprehensive community college plan to ensure the success of transfer students. Lopez’s role does not exist on all university campuses—an illustration of NIU’s commitment to supporting the community college student population.

“NIU is paying close attention to community colleges,” Lopez said. “We are authentically engaging with them and leveraging our shared resources to strengthen our partnerships, thereby purposefully attending to the needs of our students. It’s clear that NIU understands the amazing work that community colleges are doing, and by collaborating, we are wholeheartedly committed to improving student outcomes throughout their academic journey. It’s no coincidence Mimini’s experience was so positive, as we have a close relationship with SVCC.”

Lopez and his team build targeted academic pathways, which clearly outline the scope and sequence of classes students should take. Students work through a precise academic plan to complete two years at a community college followed by two years at NIU. He is also bringing workforce development leaders together to expand NIU’s understanding of the local workforce landscape and trends. This aims to strengthen NIU’s place-based programs, meet the needs of communities and increase post-graduation success.

Place-based programs at McHenry County College, Elgin Community College, Harper College, and Rock Valley College allow students to earn specific and varying NIU bachelor’s degrees onsite at the community college, taught by NIU faculty. With no place-based program offered at SVCC, Mimini travels to DeKalb from her hometown of Ashton, Illinois, to attend classes.

“I chose NIU because it was close to home, which allowed me to continue working for my family’s restaurant and live at home while still getting the same opportunities and services as other NIU students,” she said.

Mimini is impressed by the variety of services and resources available, highlighting the Huskie Food Pantry, Career Services, commuter programs, mentor/mentee programs, tutoring services and Barsema’s Closet for affordable business attire.

“These resources have been invaluable in simplifying my daily routine and making my university experience much more fulfilling,” she said. Student success services can foster a sense of belonging even when a student doesn’t live on campus.

“We start building relationships with incoming transfer students as soon as possible, and we want them to start connecting with peers on campus just as quickly,” said Nichole Knutson, NIU’s associate vice provost of student success, who oversees the Centers for Academic Advising and Huskie Academic Success, among others. “It’s critical for their path to success.”

Prioritizing transfer students from as early as pre-admission, Undergraduate Admissions conducts weekly virtual meetings exclusively for transfer students, which provide them with an opportunity to ask questions to current NIU transfer students and specialized transfer admissions counselors.

“Building a network of support and community in a new place, creating connections with peers, and navigating new acronyms, processes and systems are all challenges that a first-year student may experience,” Knutson said.

“Transfer students face the same challenges while also needing to relearn and adjust to a new environment that may look and feel very different from the institution they formerly attended.”



“Career Services helped me rediscover my hobbies and learn how to apply them in my career.” –Carson Williamsen

Carson Williamsen

Transferred from:

Illinois Central College

Major:

communications,
sports journalism minor

Scholarships:

Transfer Student Scholarship,
AIM High Transfer Achievement


“NIU makes everyone feel like they belong.” –Katrina Rath


Katrina Rath

Transferred from:

Carroll University and
McHenry Community College

Major:

business management,
psychology minor

Scholarships:

Transfer Student Merit Scholarship,
Huskie Marching Band Scholarship

 

“They can experience ‘transfer shock,’” she continued, “a term that describes a decrease in grade point average when a transfer student enrolls at a new institution. One theory to explain this occurrence is that transfer students may underestimate what they need to be successful. Transfer students may not think they need assistance as they are not new to college.”

To overcome these challenges, Knutson and her team work closely with transfer students to discuss academic options, academic and peer support, scholarship opportunities and other resources that interest the student. With more than 3,300 visits to the Huskie Academic Success Center last year, it has become a fundamental component of campus life driving classroom performance.

“We know that each student becomes a Huskie through a slightly different path, and we offer individualized support based on their experiences,” she said. “We believe in the intrinsic power of connecting with others.”

After finding many ways to develop connections with fellow Huskies, Mimini agrees.

“The sheer number and variety of clubs and organizations on campus made it easy to find groups that align with my interests,” she said. “As a commuter, having so many opportunities to get involved and connect with other students has enriched my experience and helped me feel more integrated into campus life.”

Jon Mandrell, SVCC vice president of academics and student services, and his team work closely with Lopez to grow the pipeline of NIU student success stories.

“NIU is the top transfer destination for our students,” Mandrell said. “Our students transfer to NIU not just for the location but the quality. I ran into Blerina at a football game, and she’s glowing about her time at Sauk and now at NIU. Our shared success is not by accident; together, we are transforming lives and meeting our missions.”

Donors Direct Scholarship to Transfer Students

Steve & Betsy Young

Having worked to finance their educations, 1983 accountancy alumni Steve and Betsy Young were inspired to create the Steven and Elizabeth Young Family Scholarship for Community College Transfer Students. Betsy attended community college, which allowed her to complete two years of her education at a lower cost while living with her parents. She credits her time at Illinois Valley Community College for giving her the confidence needed to pursue a double major in accountancy and computer science while at NIU. She self-financed her education by working and securing grants, loans and scholarships, and Steven worked full time all four years while attending NIU.

“There should be no or few impediments to obtaining an education,” said Betsy. “We hope in some small way this scholarship can help reduce the obstacles and allow those seeking an education to attain it!” The Youngs are also providing hope in times of extreme need. Through their generosity, emergency funds can be awarded to eligible College of Business community college transfer students when circumstances permit.

Kassie Long, ’24

Kassie Long, ’24, is a recipient of the Steven and Elizabeth Young Family Scholarship for Community College Transfer Students. Expected to graduate with her Master of Accounting Science in May 2025, she connects with fellow students through her participation in the Accountancy Leadership Advisory Council and acts as a mentor to first-year accountancy students.

“Instead of having to continue my part-time job to help pay for my education, the Steven and Elizabeth Young Family Scholarship for Community College Transfer Students allowed me to focus on my studies and make connections with other classmates,” Long said. “I will forever remember their kindness and generosity towards me, as I feel they even helped open the door to my future career success.”

Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our donors, we will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive community where every student feels valued, respected and empowered to excel. Visit foundation.myniu.com/give to make your gift today.

Read more about the array of services provided to Huskies through the Center for Student Assistance at niu.edu/student-assistance.