The Northern Illinois University Athletic Department is committed to developing champions in the classroom, in competition, and in life. The Huskie Life Skills Program plays a significant role in achieving the department mission by providing support services and resources to help student-athletes navigate challenges within the university setting, prepare for graduation, and plan for their future professions.

Huskie Life Skills Program Commitments

Achieving Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is facilitated by:

·         Athletic Academic Counseling:  Student-athletes are introduced to university resources such as academic monitoring and support
      services.

·         Learning Strategies: Additional support is available for students who qualify to help improve time management, note-taking and
      critical reading techniques, etc.

·         Honors, Awards and Recognition: Programs such as Victors, Victor’s Cup, Community Service Awards, and the annual Academic
      Team of the Year award encourage academic and personal achievements.

·         Supervised Study Programs: Study tables, group tutoring, and individual tutoring facilitate academic success and are available on a
      daily basis.

Achieving Athletic Excellence

The Huskie Life Skills program is dedicated to providing the development of athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable, and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.

Encouraging Personal Development

The Huskie Life Skills program supports the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth, and decision-making skills. Life skills workshops cover personal development topics such as:

·         Improving communication skills

·         Understanding diversity

·         Developing fiscal responsibility

·         Conflict management

Supporting Career Development

The Huskie Life Skills program encourages student-athletes to develop and pursue career and life goals by providing opportunities such as professional development such as:

·         Career Preparation Workshops: emphasizing résumés, interview skills, etc

·         Career Exploration: Huskie Internships, summer jobs, etc

·         Career Fairs: Student-athletes are advised to attend at least one career fair their senior year to assist in their job-search and
      networking

Promoting Community Service

The Huskie Life Skills program provides opportunities for student-athletes and their teams to volunteer. Each student-athlete is expected to engage in 10+ hours of service on campus and in the local community.