Northeastern Neighbors

Northeastern Illinois University has learned that its submission for a $1.7 million grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was not selected for funding. The proposed grant would have supported demolition and site stabilization efforts to address ongoing conditions at the Bryn Mawr and El Centro properties while longer-term redevelopment planning continues through the University’s broader master planning process.

NEIU recognizes the importance and urgency of this moment and understands the continued concerns expressed by neighbors and community stakeholders regarding the condition of these properties. While the funding outcome is disappointing, the University remains committed to advancing responsible, long-term solutions and continuing the work necessary to move these efforts forward.

The University continues to actively pursue several near-term and long-term strategies, including:

• Pursuing additional funding opportunities to support near-term property stabilization efforts
• Exploring the viability of a phased demolition approach based on budget availability and annual institutional savings
• Updating market and property assessments to evaluate future redevelopment and disposition opportunities

The University remains committed to ongoing communication with the NEIU community, neighbors, and other stakeholders. NEIU will continue providing updates regarding planning efforts and future developments as additional information becomes available.

We appreciate the continued engagement, partnership, and patience of our community as this important work continues.

Letter of Support

Community Update Regarding NEIU’s Bryn Mawr Properties

Dear NEIU Community,

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) appreciates the continued engagement of community members regarding the Bryn Mawr properties and would like to provide an update following the May 14, 2026 Finance, Buildings, and Grounds Committee meeting of the Board of Trustees.

During the meeting, University leadership provided an overview of strategic activities undertaken over the past two years related to the Bryn Mawr properties and broader campus planning efforts.

The University recognizes the concerns expressed by residents and community stakeholders regarding the current condition of the properties and the pace of redevelopment efforts. NEIU acknowledges that the original acquisition of the Bryn Mawr parcels in 2016 has not yet resulted in the long-term outcomes originally envisioned. Addressing these properties remains a priority for the institution.

As shared during the Board meeting, the University has engaged in ongoing coordination with community stakeholders, elected officials, state agencies, and neighborhood organizations throughout 2025 and 2026.

In February 2026, the NEIU Board of Trustees approved the University’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, which includes the launch of a comprehensive campus master planning process. This effort will evaluate University-owned properties, including the Bryn Mawr parcels, and help establish a clear framework for future use, investment opportunities, and long-term sustainability.

The University also shared several current actions and next steps related to the Bryn Mawr properties, including:

• Submission of a $1.7 million Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant request to support demolition and site stabilization efforts
• Continued advocacy for state appropriations and exploration of additional funding opportunities
• Ongoing market and property value assessments to help inform future redevelopment strategies
• Initiation of the University’s broader campus master planning process

The University is actively evaluating viable pathways forward in light of the complexity of planning, funding and additional operational considerations, and is taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to determining and communicating a timeline of next steps.

NEIU remains committed to meaningful community engagement and the long-term stewardship of these properties, and we deeply appreciate the continued input, partnership, and engagement of our neighbors and community stakeholders as this work moves forward.

Dear NEIU Community,

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the condition of the Bryn Mawr properties. We understand the issues raised and recognize that the University’s previous purchase of these properties did not yield the intended outcomes. Addressing these properties is a high priority for the University, and we are actively developing a comprehensive plan to move forward.

As reported on the NEIU Neighbors webpage, on February 19, the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the University’s new Strategic Plan for 2026–2031. A key component of the plan includes launching a comprehensive, university-wide master planning process. This institutional effort will evaluate and address the physical and technological environments at the Main Campus, El Centro, and Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, as well as other NEIU properties (Bryn Mawr & El Centro) — resulting in a clear, actionable plan for their future use, improvement, and long-term sustainability, and positioning the University for future investment and redevelopment opportunities.

As it relates to the Bryn Mawr properties, the University is actively analyzing all available options and is committed to identifying a path forward that addresses the properties' current conditions and aligns with long-term institutional and community priorities. We are working toward a solution that ensures these properties are safe, stabilized, and positioned for productive future use. Due to the necessary master planning process, operational considerations, and financial resources that must be secured, providing a precise timeline at this stage would not be responsible or feasible.

We value the continued input of our community. The Board of Trustees and University leadership are aligned in recognizing that NEIU’s properties are a high-priority issue, and we are working diligently to move forward in a thoughtful, strategic, and responsible manner.

We will continue to keep you informed as updates become available.
 

Dear Northeastern Illinois University Neighbors,

I am writing to inform you that Northeastern Illinois University received a report of an alleged sexual assault that occurred over the weekend at The Nest student housing.

University Police were notified and have launched an investigation. At this time, it is believed that the individuals involved are known to one another, that there was no forced entry, and that there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the campus community.

We are taking this seriously and are focused on keeping our campus safe while supporting those affected. Confidential counseling and support services are available to students, faculty, and staff.

Northeastern Neighbors Update – Spring 2026

We hope 2026 has begun well for our University community and neighbors. The Spring semester is now underway at Northeastern Illinois University, and campus is once again filled with energy as students, faculty, and staff return for a new term.

As part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement, we are refreshing this page with the goal of providing quarterly updates to keep our neighbors informed about campus activities, initiatives, and developments. Since the start of the semester, we have continued advancing important planning, advocacy, and infrastructure efforts that support our students while strengthening our connection to the surrounding community.

Throughout the year, Northeastern remains committed to being a thoughtful and engaged neighbor by fostering open communication, supporting local partnerships, and ensuring our campus continues to be a welcoming space for learning, collaboration, and community connection. We appreciate the continued partnership of our neighbors and look forward to sharing updates with you in the months ahead.

We invite you to view recent highlights and updates as we continue working together to keep Northeastern a welcoming and engaged neighbor.

Dear Northeastern Illinois University Community,

I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share an important milestone for Northeastern Illinois University and provide a brief update on our continued work to strengthen student success and opportunity across the communities we serve.

On February 19, the NEIU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the University’s new Strategic Plan for 2026–2031. Under the leadership of President Katrina Bell-Jordan, the plan establishes a forward-looking vision focused on student success, academic excellence, institutional sustainability, and strengthening partnerships that expand opportunity for our students.

A key component of the plan includes launching a comprehensive university-wide master planning process beginning in Fall 2026. This effort will evaluate and strengthen the physical and technological environments across Main Campus, El Centro, and the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and equitable access to learning spaces. The planning framework will align with ADA accessibility standards, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), LEED sustainability practices, and modern campus technology standards.

Alongside this strategic planning work, we are seeing encouraging momentum in student success:

• Spring 2026 credit hours reached 49,990, exceeding our target and reflecting a 1% increase over Spring 2025
• Fall-to-Spring retention increased to 80.8%, demonstrating progress in supporting students through advising and financial support services
• NEIU’s six-year graduation rate reached 25.2%, the highest in the University’s history

To further support students, NEIU is implementing several structural improvements, including an interest-free monthly tuition payment plan, expanded academic advising access through a centralized scheduling system, and the development of a One Stop Student Center to streamline admissions, advising, financial assistance, and registration services.

The NEIU Strategic Plan will be made publicly available and will be posted on the website soon. 

These efforts reflect the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, and leadership to ensure that students—particularly first-generation and historically underrepresented students—have the support they need to persist and complete their degrees.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Illinois students. Your support plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Northeastern Illinois University and the communities we serve.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like additional information or if we can be of assistance.

Dear Northeastern Illinois University Community,

As we continue shaping Northeastern Illinois University’s next chapter, I want to share an update on the progress of our Strategic Planning process. Thank you again for your participation and feedback during the summer NEIU Strategic Planning Draft Goals Virtual Roundtable. Your insights meaningfully informed the direction of this effort.

Based on the collective feedback gathered from University stakeholder groups, the Core Strategic Planning Team reviewed the input and presented the overarching goals of the plan to the Board of Trustees, which were approved on September 18.

NEIU has now entered the final phase of the Strategic Planning process. Cross-campus teams are currently developing measurable objectives, tactics, and key performance indicators aligned with the approved goals.

The completed Strategic Plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees for review and approval in January 2026, marking an important milestone in advancing NEIU’s mission and long-term vision.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to ongoing collaboration as we shape a thoughtful, forward-looking plan that will guide Northeastern Illinois University’s next chapter of growth and impact. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Dear Northeastern Illinois University Community,

On behalf of Northeastern Illinois University, it is our honor to invite you to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Veterans Services Center on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Northeastern Illinois University’s Ronald Williams Library.

This new center reflects NEIU’s commitment to supporting those who have served our nation. It will provide Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with access to federal and state educational benefits, connections to campus and community resources, and a welcoming environment for fellowship and personal growth.

Your presence at this celebration would underscore the importance of public investment in higher education and the support of Veterans and military-connected students across our state.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
• Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (program begins at 3:00 p.m)
• Location: Northeastern Illinois University’s Ronald Williams Library, 4th Floor – Main Campus, 5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 

Kindly RSVP by replying to this email. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or at (708) 369-6096.
Thank you for your leadership and dedication to advancing opportunities for Illinois students and Veterans. We hope you can join us for this special occasion.

Construction has begun for Northeastern Illinois University’s new Education Building. The project is expected to be completed by Summer 2027. Designed to achieve LEED certification, the building will serve as the new home for the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education. This state-of-the-art facility will feature modern classrooms, clinics, labs and conference spaces, providing an enhanced teaching and learning environment for our students and employees.

The new Education Building will incorporate many sustainable features, including a rain garden behind Lot J near The Nest to enhance natural water management. Detention ponds expanded during previous campus development phases will be preserved and a rooftop garden will be situated above the building's Conference Center.

The project prioritizes the preservation of the Main Campus’ most unique features, including the Solitary Oak tree and the Swamp White Oak Savannah ecosystem, which grow along Saint Louis Avenue. Once the building is near completion, new trees and natural landscaping, such as native prairie vegetation, will be prioritized for planting. The University also plans to restore native prairie plants lost in the construction process.

NEIU has earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus for 10 years in a row. As such, the University will continue to develop, value and celebrate our campus. In addition, NEIU is working towards Level 1 Arboretum status, including a curated tree collection.

Northeastern Illinois University has a strong legacy of preparing educators for leadership and service to our city and region, and has looked forward to the construction of the new Education Building for many years. The building signifies University modernization, enhanced teaching and learning and will provide many benefits for the entire NEIU community.

More updates about the project will be shared as the Education Building is constructed.

Dear Northeastern Illinois University Community,

I am excited to share that construction of Northeastern Illinois University’s new Education Building will begin this month, with completion expected by Summer 2027. This state-of-the-art facility will house the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, reinforcing our commitment to preparing the next generation of educators. We are grateful for the support of the Illinois Capital Development Board, which is funding and managing the project.

Designed by SmithGroup, the new Education Building will be situated between WTTW Studios and the Physical Education (PE) Building on the main campus. A construction area sketch is attached for reference.

Construction Timeline & Campus Impact

• Week of February 24: Construction crews will mark the perimeter and clear the site.
• Two weeks later: Barrier fencing will be installed, followed by the start of construction.

Impact on Main Campus Access

• Walking paths on the south side of campus will be adjusted, with clear signage indicating detour routes.
• Nearby buildings—including WTTW, NEIU's Childcare Center, the Nest, and the PE Building—may experience intermittent sound disruptions. The University is working closely with our general contractors to minimize disruptions and ensure they occur at appropriate times.

We appreciate your support and patience as we embark on this exciting journey. We would love to keep you updated on our progress and explore opportunities for you to visit the site and participate in our future groundbreaking ceremony event.

Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. 

Dear Northeastern Illinois University Community,

Northeastern Illinois University values the feedback of our campus neighbors and is aware of a reported smell from campus construction.

The Illinois Capital Development Board (CBD) is addressing Northeastern Illinois University’s electrical infrastructure by replacing aluminum cables with new copper cabling. The project will be completed in mid-August.

Northeastern is working closely with its vendor, Aggreko, and has been informed that the work zone complies with EPA guidelines and does not emit harmful levels of emissions.

The University will continue to monitor this project to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

We appreciate your understanding of this critical infrastructure maintenance project.