John Heckmann News Today

DeKALB – NIU President Lisa Freeman announced at Wednesday’s University Council meeting that, barring any other issues, financial aid packages should be sent out to first-year students by the end of next week and to returning students within the next couple of weeks. Freeman gave a presentation about NIU’s budget along with its deficit and...

On Tuesday, a steam valve ruptured in Patterson Hall, causing students to evacuate the building at 2 a.m.  Although the emergency team responded quickly and efficiently, this is yet another example of the poor conditions of NIU dorms. Freshman marketing major Madison Reed says she’s glad that no one was hurt during the ordeal. “I...

DeKALB – At 2 a.m. Tuesday in Patterson Hall, an alarm sounded, waking up students and evacuating them out of the residence hall. When students flooded outside, they realized it wasn’t a drill but an actual emergency.  A steam valve had ruptured, triggering a fire alarm.  John Heckmann, associate vice president of facilities management and...

DeKALB – Scooters, bicycles, skateboards and more powered by electricity are becoming a popular form of transportation for students to slide around campus.  E-vehicles are an alternative method of transport students are using to get around campus. E-vehicles are cheaper than a car and can go on sidewalks but pose a different set of challenges...

NIU has a litter problem, but it isn’t solely the responsibility of the NIU Grounds department. Students need to take a greater role in keeping their campus clean. With the large number of trash receptacles throughout campus, it is not difficult to make sure trash finds its way into one.  NIU Grounds has a variety...

Starting this semester, NIU is introducing multiple changes to the university parking lots aimed to make parking more accessible for students. While this is clearly a positive change, it seems likely parking will remain a struggle for many.  Yellow parking lots – available to commuters – will now share accessibility with some lots that were...

Editor’s note: This piece is part of  an investigative news series called “What’s Up With?” Fill out the form for potential coverage of a topic here. DeKALB – Students are stuck with 60-year-old elevators in Stevenson Towers with renovations coming this summer. Until then, students are dealing with run-down and broken elevators.   WHAT’S UP...

DeKALB – Board of Trustees members began their meeting Monday by voting on Board of Trustee positions. Eric Wasowicz became the new chair of the board, and former chair Montel Gayles retained his seat on the board, as did Rita Athas and Dennis Barsema as vice chair and member respectively. SALE OF NURSING BUILDING The...

Editor’s note: This piece is part of  an investigative news series called “What’s Up With?” You can fill out the form for potential coverage of a topic here. DeKALB – Plans are underway to renovate NIU campus buildings including Watson Hall and Reavis Hall; however, nearby DuSable Hall is not a part of any renovation...

Parking at NIU has been proven to be a struggle that most students are dealing with, they deserve a better parking system.  Roughly half of NIU students are commuters, according to Joe King, associate director for Institutional Communications.  Students are stressed each day as they struggle to find parking, yet the faculty parking lots never...