Campus Safety

If you notice any issues, incidents or violations of policy on campus, you should report them immediately through the university's LET US KNOW webpage.

For important reminders and tips about safety on campus, view the NLU Emergency Preparedness Video.

Being prepared, staying calm and having a plan formulated in advance can help save lives.

The NLU Emergency Notification System will send faculty, staff and students short message service (SMS) text messages in the event of an emergency. Follow the instructions on the Notification System page to sign up and/or update your emergency contact information.

Winter Weather Closing Protocol

National Louis University (NLU) is committed to a winter weather closing process that ensures decisions are made wisely and in a timely fashion regarding the safety and well-being of our entire University community. The safety and security of our students and staff remain a top priority.

Guidelines for Winter Weather-Related Closings

In cases where the University decides to close its facilities because of the weather, the University will attempt in all cases to hold classes virtually for that day if possible.

1. Decision Criteria for Facility Closures:
   • The University’s facilities may be closed if:
     • The forecasted sustained wind chill is -30°F or colder, or if the actual temperature is sustained at -15°F or colder during key travel times of 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and/or 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
     • The University considers road and sidewalk conditions, the ability of staff to plow school facilities, and municipal efforts to make roads safe and passable. The latter is often associated with a “Winter Weather Warning” advisory issued by the National Weather Service, as differentiated from a “Winter Weather Watch” or Winter Weather Advisory” by the National Weather Service, which are less severe.
     • Transportation carriers are unable to safely operate.
   • Cold Weather Monitoring: The University will actively monitor relevant cold weather warnings and advisories issued by meteorological services to ensure the safety of student travel.
   • Snow, Ice, or Severe Weather:
     • For other severe weather conditions (such as snow or ice), the University will monitor real-time and forecasted conditions during key travel times.

2. E-Learning Option for Continuity of Instruction:

• E-Learning Days: In the event of a severe weather day when travel is deemed hazardous, the University may initiate an E-Learning Day This allows students and staff to continue learning remotely. E-Learning would only be used if conditions allow remote learning (e.g., widespread power outages would not qualify).

3. Notification Timing:

• Night Before: If a closure decision can be made the night before, notification will be sent between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
• Morning of Closure: If a closure decision cannot be made until the day of the closure, the University will attempt to send a notification by 5:30 a.m. the morning of the closure.
• Afternoon/Evening Closure – Depending on developing weather conditions, a closure decision for the afternoon/evening could be made throughout the day.

4. Communication Channels:

• Direct Notifications: Notifications will be sent via phone, text, and email using the University’s notification system. If a decision is made after 9:30 p.m., notifications will be sent the next morning by 5:30 a.m.
• Website and Social Media Updates: The University will update its website, social media, and the Emergency Closing Center website (emergencyclosingcenter.com) with closure information.
• Local Media Outlets: Closure information will also be broadcast on WGN 720 AM radio and major television networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, and FOX).

Additional Resources

• For current weather conditions, forecasts, and advisories, families are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service (weather.gov).

A summary of the University's general policies and procedures for safety and general reporting is contained in the Crisis Management Plan.

Annual Safety Bulletin

Every October, under the provisions of Title II of the Campus Crime Awareness and Security Act of 1990, National Louis publishes and distributes information on campus security policies and procedures and campus crime statistics in the Annual Safety Report. The University has completed the required filing under this Act for the latest fiscal year and the results can be found below.

2025 Clery Annual Safety Report (Clery Report)

The University provides a copy of this Annual Safety Report, free of charge, to anyone who requests it. If you have any questions about our campus security policies and procedures or crime statistics, please feel free to contact Campus Security at (312) 261-3333 or email ch.security@nl.edu. 

Three-Year Crime Report

Three years’ worth of statistics are included for Clery Act crimes that were reported on National Louis University campuses, in off-campus buildings or on property owned or controlled by the school, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to campus.