Extension Initiatives

Overview 

This College of Graduate Studies and Research initiative, temporarily named Extension, intends to provide support and expand our services in the K-12 Out-of-School Programming, Early College, Contract Courses and Community Partnerships environments. NEIU continues to evolve to fulfill its mission as a regional comprehensive university while keeping pace with the changing academic landscape. We need to combine our efforts and resources to keep supporting the communities that rely on our services.  These initiatives are not new, for more than 45 years the Center for College Access and Success (CCAS) has served different communities beyond NEIU’s campus based on those communities’ needs. Similarly, other university areas have been implementing programs in support of the mentioned environments. The creation of Extension allows NEIU’s legacy to grow through expanded collaboration and cooperation with other areas of the NEIU community in fulfillment of our Strategic Plan. Extension also aims to bolster NEIU’s ability to serve growing and changing needs of the broader community, including local organizations and businesses, by staying current with the many degrees, certificates and microcredentials that NEIU offers.

Advisory Board

The Extension Advisory Board comprises a mix of individuals who self‑nominate to advise on Extension initiatives.  Membership includes faculty, staff and administrators representing departments across campus, CCAS staff serving in an ex‑officio capacity, and other University stakeholders. The Board will meet three times per year, beginning in December 2026, to offer expert insight, specialized knowledge, and strategic guidance related to Extension initiatives. 

Provide feedback or join the Extension Advisory Board!

Resources

Presentation to the President’s Roundtable on Monday, October 19, 2026 

Open Forum with Faculty and Staff on Monday, September 28, 2026

Contact

Janet Peeler-Jones 
j-peelerjones@neiu.edu 
(312) 563-7116

Denise Cloonan Cortez de Andersen 
d-cloonan@neiu.edu
(773) 442-4741
Contract Courses | Dual Enrollment | Dual Credit

Melanie Del Real
ma-delreal@neiu.edu
(312) 563-7195
K-12 Out-of-School Programs | Community | Partnerships