Northeastern Illinois University announced that beginning next year, Juneteenth will be officially observed as a University holiday. Members of NEIU also participated in the Say Their Names project, the University is part of the White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge, and NEIU for You is still accepting applicants. Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater’s Zafiro Flamenco Festival is this weekend, as is the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade! Plus, check out self-care tips for men, by men in this week’s edition of Noteworthy at Northeastern.
Around the Commons
Juneteenth
On June 18, Northeastern Illinois University President Gloria J. Gibson issued a statement announcing the University will officially add Juneteenth to the University’s holiday schedule for the next academic year. This announcement followed Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and President Joe Biden signing laws declaring Juneteenth an official state and federal holiday. “Over the years, this celebration has often been eclipsed by the continued struggle of Black Americans to exist in this country with true liberty, equality and justice for all,” Gibson said. “I encourage the Northeastern community to use the Juneteenth holiday as an opportunity to celebrate and to educate yourself and others about the many contributions African Americans have made worldwide.” Northeastern will first observe Juneteenth on Monday, June 20, 2022, as the official holiday falls on a Sunday.
Say Their Names
During the Spring 2021 term, undergraduate students Nozanin “Noza” Farrukhzoda (Psychology major) and Robert “Rob” Strzok (Environmental Studies and Geography double major) worked with Professor Emeritus of Psychology Saba Ayman-Nolley and Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies Ting Liu on Say Their Names, in collaboration with NON:op Open Opera Works. This is an ongoing research and mapping project that identifies and remembers the humanity of Black Americans killed by police since the Red Summer of 1919. Ayman-Nolley serves as a project coordinator and NEIU academic supervisor to the research team. Liu is the NEIU academic supervisor for the web development team. The Say Their Names map launched earlier this month. The result will be a public memorial and dynamic record through which information can be accessed and updated.
White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge
Northeastern Illinois University is an official participant in the White House COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. The goal of this challenge is to ensure that our campus community has access to information about COVID-19, testing and vaccines. In addition to our weekly COVID-19 Task Force updates, we will also be sharing messaging about this campaign on social media and in upcoming editions of Noteworthy at Northeastern. This week, we’re encouraging everyone to read the current COVID-19 Task Force update for key talking points to share with those who may be undecided about getting vaccinated. The update also includes COVID-19 testing information and resources to find vaccination sites.
NEIU For You
Northeastern Illinois University’s NEIU For You one-time scholarship that covers tuition and mandatory fees for a full year for incoming first-year, full-time undergraduates was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune. “This initiative is designed to help open the door a bit wider, which can make all the difference for first-generation students and other students and families working to make ends meet,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Terry Mena. The scholarship initiative will also cover the cost of a three credit hour course for all new undergraduate transfer students who register for six credit hours or more for Fall 2021. All prospective students who apply to Northeastern and are admitted as first-year students will automatically qualify for this initiative so long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
And there’s more!
- Registration is open for Second Half Summer and Fall 2021.
To do
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater’s Zafiro Flamenco Festival
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Company, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, presents Zafiro Flamenco Festival June 18-20 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. The festival features live outdoor performances and activities with dancers from the Company, Ensemble Español Youth Company, and guest artists, including Grammy Award-winning Flamenco dancer Nino de los Reyes. If you can’t attend the event in person, the performance on June 19 will be live streamed. See complete event schedule and purchase tickets online.
Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade
Members of the Northeastern community will walk in the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade on Saturday, June 19 at 2 p.m to show our support for Chicago's Puerto Rican community. The parade will start at the intersection of Division Street and Western Avenue. The parade will proceed west on Division through Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park, and will wrap up at the intersection of Sacramento Avenue and Division Street. The NEIU COVID-19 Task Force strongly encourages participating volunteers to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine prior to participating in or attending this event. All participants should follow CDC recommendations.
Next Steps for Admitted Transfer Students: Time to Enroll
All NEIU admitted transfer students are invited to join the Transfer Center at noon on June 24 for a one-hour virtual event. During this event, students will learn how to complete their intent to enroll, schedule appointments with a major advisor, contact Financial Aid, and activate and navigate NEIUport, the student portal. Sign-up is required. Questions can be directed to Associate Director of Transfer Enrollment Patricia Rodriguez at (773) 442-4139 or p-rodriguez@neiu.edu.
Student Support Spotlight
Self-Care: Self Care for Men
While the purpose of these weekly posts is to give out self-care ideas that anyone can use, Student Counseling Services (SCS) wanted to focus this week’s tips specifically on men’s mental health, which is a topic that is not talked about often. SCS recommends two articles written by men, for men.
SCS has also provided some tips for helping individuals manage anxiety and worry they may be feeling, and listed some important resources. Students are welcome to contact SCS to set up an appointment to talk either by phone or their online platform for teletherapy. To access NEIU’s SCS, call (773) 442-4650 or send an email to counsect@neiu.edu between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, students may also reach a counselor for more urgent consultation by calling the main number and pressing “2” during the outgoing message.
More resources for students can be found on the Keep Learning website and the COVID-19 Student FAQ page. General information about Northeastern’s response to the pandemic and the latest University updates regarding COVID-19 can be found on the NEIU Coronavirus Response page.
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