Through Oct. 30, there are a total of four (4) mandatory employee trainings that will launch: Ethics Act, Sexual Misconduct, Information Security Awareness, and Mandated Reporter (DCFS). Each training varies in length – from 45 minutes to one (1) hour. The Mandated Reporter (DCFS) training will be included in the fall compliance training series every 3 years.
These trainings will be open in BlackBoard from Sept. 21, 2026 through Oct. 30, 2026. All trainings must be completed by the last date of the training period prior to midnight. There will be no extensions available.
The following employment categories are required to complete the trainings:
- Civil Service
- Supportive Professional Staff
- Faculty and Instructors
- Extra Help and Temporary Employees
- Student Employees, Graduate Assistants, Teaching Assistants
If an employee is on an unpaid leave of absence, or on continuous FMLA or disability leave during the entire training, they are not required to complete the training.
Training notices will be sent to your official NIU email. If you were hired or processed after the training date opens, you may not have access to the trainings and should complete trainings administered through the Onboarding process.
Ethics Act – questions or requests for accommodations should be referred to Karen Smith at EthicsTraining@niu.edu.
Pursuant to the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/5-10), the State of Illinois mandates that all employees who receive a paycheck must complete an annual ethics, discrimination and harassment training. The Office of Inspector General oversees compliance with this requirement. Those who do not comply are subject to the possibility of fines and disciplinary action. Any employees who have not completed this training requirement by the deadline must be reported to the State and will receive a notification from the university.
Sexual Misconduct – questions or requests for accommodations should be referred to Karen Smith at EthicsTraining@niu.edu.
The federal Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE Act) requires the provision of employee training related to sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking. This training will discuss the definition of consent, forms of prohibited conduct, employee reporting obligation, rights and options to address sexual misconduct, retaliation, risk reduction and active bystander techniques to help prevent and disrupt negative behavior.
The Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act – questions or requests for accommodations should be referred to the Ethics and Compliance Office at ECO@niu.edu.
The Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/4(j)) must complete a mandated reporter training within three months of their start date of their employment, and at least every three years thereafter. The training must include topics such as indicators of child abuse and neglect, the process for reporting, and how to respond in a trauma-informed manner.
Information Security Awareness– questions or requests for accommodations should be referred to CyberAware@niu.edu.
This annual training meets the requirements of several regulatory agencies as well as state and federal laws. The training consists of on-demand modules, knowledge checks, policies to review, and a short Security Awareness Proficiency Assessment that will help assess NIU’s security awareness knowledge. Any employees who have not completed this training requirement by the deadline will be reported to their division head and may have their account suspended.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and cooperation.
