Welcome to First-Year Connections

First-Year Connections seeks to help all first-year students by ENGAGING them in the university, EMPOWERING them as students, and helping them EVOLVE toward becoming NIU graduates, responsible citizens, and civic leaders.

First-Year Connections Mission

In support of the academic mission of the university and the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management mission, First-Year Connections (FYC) aims to help all first-year freshman and transfer students effectively transition to Northern Illinois University. Through student-centered programs, courses and collaborative partnerships with faculty and staff, First-Year Connections strives to enhance students' academic achievement, to increase the likelihood of students persisting to graduation, and to help students integrate into the academic and social communities on NIU's campus.