Diversity at Northern Illinois University

Hey everybody! I'm getting closer to deciding where I want to apply, and one factor that matters to me is campus diversity. Can anyone share their experiences or knowledge about the diversity levels at Northern Illinois University? Are the students, faculty, and staff coming from different backgrounds?

Hello! Diversity is an important factor to consider when choosing a university, and it's great that you're thinking about it. Northern Illinois University (NIU) values diversity and works towards creating an inclusive campus environment. Here's what I know about NIU's diversity levels:

Students: According to recent data, NIU has a diverse student body, with about 47% of undergraduate students being people of color. The ethnic breakdown is around 27% Hispanic/Latino, 14% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian, among other races and ethnicities. Additionally, the university enrolls students from various socioeconomic backgrounds, countries, and states.

Faculty and Staff: While some strides have been made to improve the diversity of faculty and staff, it might not be as diverse as the student population. Data suggests that the faculty is around 73% white, with about 8% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic/Latino, and 8% Asian, among others. NIU is making efforts to continue increasing faculty and staff diversity through targeted recruitment and retention initiatives.

Campus Initiatives: NIU is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and has several programs and resources in place to support diversity. These include the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Multicultural Resource Centers, and affinity groups such as the Asian American Resource Center and Latino Resource Center. They provide support, resources, and programming to enhance multicultural awareness, engagement, and connections among students, faculty, and staff.

Overall, NIU does offer a diverse campus environment in terms of student population and campus programs, although there is room for improved diversity in faculty and staff. It's important to visit the campus and speak to current students to get a better understanding of how diversity and inclusion are experienced day-to-day. Engaging in campus visits or virtual tours can also give you some insight into the campus culture. Good luck with your applications!