The following statements contain accurate and approved information about the University; they will be updated regularly and the most recent update will be posted. Always refer to the most recent version of Approved Statements for your projects and publications.

If you have questions as to whether your publication requires a specific statement for legal reasons, please refer to your department chair or consult the University’s Legal Counsel in the Office of the President.

Approved Statements About The University

About Northeastern Illinois University

Founded in 1867, Northeastern has a rich tradition of educational innovation and prides itself on preparing teachers and administrators who make a difference in Chicago. That tradition continues to this day and has expanded to include an array of academic disciplines, allowing the University to embrace fully the community in which it resides. Northeastern is regarded as the one of the most diverse public comprehensive universities in the Midwest and is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Diversity is an important factor in the character of Northeastern and in the social fabric of its student body. The University has an enrollment of more than 5,700 students; African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and Hawaiian Pacific students represent about 57 percent of the student body.

With a Main Campus located on roughly 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago, the University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, education, and business. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area: the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies and El Centro. Northeastern is also a founding member of the University Center of Lake County consortium campus in suburban Lake County.

Accreditation Statement

Northeastern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602, telephone number (312) 263-0456 or (800) 621-7440. The Higher Learning Commission web address is www.hlcommission.org.

Affirmative Action Statement

* Please see University Outreach and Equal Employment

Crime Awareness and the Clery Act Statement

In compliance with Federal regulations and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092 (a) and (f), Northeastern Illinois University takes this opportunity to inform you that its Safety and Security Information Report is available on the University’s website. This report contains information on: (1) the reporting of crimes or emergencies, (2) law enforcement authority and interagency relationships, (3) security awareness and crime prevention program, (4) maintenance and security of campus facilities, (5) access to campus facilities, (6) drug and alcohol policy, (7) crime statistics, (8) where to find information on Illinois registered sex offenders, and (9) policy and procedures regarding sexual assault (including prevention and awareness of sex offenses, procedures to follow if a sex offense occurs, procedures for on campus disciplinary action, possible sanctions, and distribution). Any individual who wishes a paper copy of the Safety and Security Information Report may obtain one from University Police.

Directions

Getting to the Main Campus

Northeastern Illinois University is accessible by main roads, expressways, and public transportation. We are located at 5500 North St. Louis Avenue; bordered by Bryn Mawr (5600 N) on the north, Foster (5200 N) on the south, Kimball (3400 W) on the east, and Pulaski (4000 W) on the west.

From the north, take I-94 and exit at Peterson eastbound. Proceed on Peterson to Pulaski and turn right onto Pulaski southbound to Bryn Mawr and turn left.

From O’Hare International Airport, take I-90 eastbound, exit on Austin-Foster; continue eastbound on Foster to Central Park and turn north into the Main Campus entrance.

From Chicago’s Loop, take I-90/94 northbound, continue on I-94 northbound; exit at Peterson eastbound and proceed to Pulaski. Turn right on Pulaski southbound to Bryn Mawr and turn left.

From the east, take Lake Shore Drive, exit at Foster and continue westbound to Central Park, turn north into the Main Campus entrance.

University Outreach and Equal Employment

Northeastern Illinois University subscribes to the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military status, veteran status, or arrest record.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)

Northeastern Illinois University is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Northeastern Illinois University is a public four-year university in the Midwest federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Mission and Vision Statement

In all communications where the University’s Mission and Vision statements appear together, the Vision Statement should precede the Mission Statement as shown below.

Vision Statement: Northeastern Illinois University will be a leader among metropolitan universities, known for its dedication to its urban mission, for the quality of its programs, for the success of its graduates, and for the diversity of its learning environment.

Mission Statement: Northeastern Illinois University, as a public comprehensive university with locations throughout Chicago, provides an exceptional environment for learning, teaching, and scholarship. We prepare a diverse community of students for leadership and service in our region and in a dynamic multicultural world.

Statement of Values

As a public institution of higher education, Northeastern Illinois University is committed to a set of shared values that, taken collectively, guides our actions and interactions as we work together to prepare graduates for the responsible exercise of civic participation. We, the NEIU community, believe it is critical for our democracy to create a space in which the commitment to these values results in a thriving educational community that transforms the lives of all. As we take stock of the present and look to the future, these values serve as the touchstone for planning how we will best achieve the educational mission entrusted to us.

Integrity: NEIU is accountable to those we serve and to those from whom we receive support. We are committed to honesty, respect, and transparency in our words and our actions. In that regard, we work to be good stewards of the resources we are entrusted to use. This includes human, physical, fiscal, and environmental resources.

Excellence: In our pursuit of and commitment to excellence, we value the highest quality of learning and teaching, scholarship, and service. We value opportunities and experiences that support personal and professional development for all members of our community. In all that we say and do, we are committed to the process and products of excellence.

Access to Opportunity: NEIU values access to opportunity; we value a welcoming environment which provides appropriate support as well as encourages mutual responsibility for and commitment to learning.

Diversity: NEIU values the inclusion of a broad spectrum of students, staff, and faculty in the life of the University. We celebrate and foster global perspectives. We encourage the open and respectful expression of ideas and differences in thoughts, experiences, and opinions.

Community: NEIU strives to provide an environment that is supportive, nurturing, and participatory. Such an environment is characterized by civility, fostering humanity and engagement, and creates a sense of community through inclusion, mutual respect, and empowerment. NEIU values our metropolitan setting as a laboratory for learning, and we foster partnerships for learning, research, and service throughout this dynamic region to promote the public good.

Empowerment Through Learning: NEIU is dedicated to creating a culture that provides life-long learning opportunities for all members of the University community. We are especially committed to transforming students’ lives by engaging them in an educational experience that empowers them to graduate with the skills and knowledge to effectively participate and lead in personal, professional and civic realms.

University Facts (Updated: Spring 2023)

NOTE: Use these facts as needed in correspondence or publications. Please be aware that some of these facts will change over time, so please routinely check for updates before publishing your material.

  • A fully accredited public university serving more than 5,700 students in the Chicago area with an affordable, high-quality academic experience
  • A population richly diverse in ethnicity, culture, age and language
  • Faculty who are dedicated to excellence in instruction, research and public service
  • More than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, education and business
  • A leader in the development of special programs for adult learners and innovative non-traditional education alternatives
  • Exchange programs and study experiences in several international locations
  • Opportunities to integrate classroom instruction with field-based learning, research and service
  • A wealth of student organizations and cultural events
  • Founded in 1867 as a teacher training institution
  • Main 67-acre campus is located in a residential neighborhood on the Northwest Side of Chicago
  • Among the most affordable public universities in Illinois
  • Study abroad programs provide students with opportunity to spend time overseas while earning credit toward graduation
  • Satellite locations in ethnically diverse Chicago neighborhoods and in Lake County
    • El Centro
    • Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies
    • University Center of Lake County