Getting Started: Basic Information About the Program
Who can benefit from the NIU SBM program?
The SBM program is essential preparation for anyone interested in a career in the fiscal management of school districts. School personnel already performing school business management functions can also profit from the program, as can principals and superintendents who would like to sharpen their fiscal and administrative skills.
Who is eligible to participate in NIU’s SBM Online program?
The SBM Online program is available to applicants who are unable to attend face-to-face classes due to professional or personal schedules or who live outside NIU’s normal delivery area in Chicago and its suburbs.
What skills and knowledge are required for success in the SBM Online program?
Success in the online courses requires persistence, initiative, and good time management skills. Online learning can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for students not used to this mode of instruction. Advanced technology skills are not required; spreadsheet, email, and web navigation are the most important technologies used in the program. Prior knowledge of schools and educational administration is helpful but not required. A business background and familiarity with accounting procedures is also useful but, again, not required.
Which should I choose—a degree or a non-degree program?
Students holdng a bachelor’s degree as their highest degree must apply to the master’s program, the M.S. Ed. in School Business Management. Applicants holding a master’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution may pursue either the degree or non-degree option.
Who can I expect as instructors?
Instructors include a mix of full-time NIU faculty members and part-time instructors who are currently working in the field as chief school business officers.
Logisitics: Dates, Places, Cost, Supplies, Communication
When does the program start?
The inaugural online cohort begins in the spring of 2010, with courses starting on Monday, January 12. The next online cohort will start in Spring 2012.
Students who miss the opportunity to participate in the online cohorts should consider the face-to-face cohorts which begin every year in the fall. Please talk to a program advisor for details.
What is the cost for the program?
Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) establishes costs for this program. Click here for the program cost details.
Must I be a member of IASBO?
Yes, this program is offered through a partnership between IASBO and NIU. Students are required to be members of IASBO and in good standing.
Are transfer courses accepted?
Transfer credit may be granted. Students requesting credit must submit the required supporting documentation to an advisor for review.
Is the entire program online?
The program format is primarily online but also includes two to three face-to-face meetings per course.
Where is the face-to-face meeting?
The face-to-face meeting is determined after individuals have been accepted, and the cohort is formed. Meetings will be centrally located for maximum convenience for all cohort members.
When do the face-to-face classes meet?
Similar to the meeting location, face-to-face meeting times will be established by the instructor and students once the cohort has been formed. The goal is to select a mutually convenient meeting time for all cohort members.
How many weeks are in a term?
The fall and spring terms are 16 weeks long, and summer term courses meet for 12 weeks.
Are text books required?
Yes. Textbooks may be purchased by calling the NIU University Bookstore at 815-753-1081 or the Village Commons Book Store at 815-758-0613. Students are advised to have course and section numbers available and pay with credit cards. Textbooks can also be purchased online at
http://www.niubookstore.niu.edu/ or http://www.vcbs.com.
How do instructors communicate with students?
Instructors communicate with students by email, Blackboard (a course management system), and, periodically, by phone. They schedule group and whole-class videoconferences through Adobe Connect, a web-based teleconferencing utility. Students also communicate with one another in online forums, chat rooms, and email.
What technology is required to participate in on line learning?
A reliable computer, an email account, and a fast internet connection (DSL or cable) are essential to success in the program. Click here for more detailed information about hardware and software requirements. Software requirements also include Microsoft Office 2003 or a newer version. Excel and Word applications are necessary. In addition, students are required to purchase LiveText, an electronic portfolio package, which can be obtained online at https://www.livetext.com. Choose the LiveText Student Membership, Standard Edition. Instructions for using LiveText are available online at http://www.cedu.niu.edu/ceduhelp/tutorials.
Application and Admission
What are the application deadlines?
The deadline is Dec. 1, 2009 for the spring 2010 cohort and Dec. 1, 2011 for the spring 2012 cohort.
What materials must be included in the application?
a) A completed application form
b) Two letters of recommendation
c) Official transcripts from institutions that conferred degrees
d) GRE or GMAT scores -- Students with prior master’s degrees may apply for a waiver of scores.
Can students-at-large take a course or two even if they are not part of the cohort?
The program is designed for cohorts of learners. However, students may have interest in taking individual courses to enhance their school business management knowledge. As a result, students will be granted permission to take individual courses on a space-available basis.
If I already hold a Type-75 Administrative Certificate, what do I need to do to obtain a Chief School Business Official Endorsement?
You must complete a state-approved program either through the degree or non-degree option.
Enrollment and Registration
How and when do I register?
Students will receive notification to register through their MyNIU accounts. Additionally, the department’s advisor will guide students through the registration process. Students register in November for the spring term and in April for the summer and fall terms.
What is MyNIU?
MyNIU is an online student information system accessible 24 hours a day. Students use MyNIU to register for classes, confirm their registration schedules, and check their course grades. Tutorials are available at http://www.niu.edu/myniutraining.
How do I accept my admission?
Students, either degree-seeking or students-at-large, admitted to NIU must accept their admission through their MyNIU account. It may take up to 24 hours to activate registration status.
Who provides student advising?
The advisor for the program is Todd Latham. Please contact Todd at tklatham@niu.edu or 815-753-1465.
Who do I contact for technology support?
NIU’s Information Technology Services (ITS) will handle support for university-wide functions such as student email, Blackboard, and MyNIU login inquiries. To reach ITS, call 815-753-8100.
NIU’s eLearning Services will provide support for multimedia course content and for Adobe Connect, an online meeting software product used in some courses. For eLearning assistance contact Mike Taylor at mktaylor@niu.edu or call 815- 753-1385.