Online Education

If you're a First-Year student or newly entering transfer student, we require you to participate in the AlcoholEdu for College program. You must finish part one of AlcoholEdu by the Oct 6, 2019. You must complete AlcoholEdu Part two by the 12th week of the semester.

  • To complete AlcoholEdu use your zID and password to log in by clicking on the NIU Azure button below the signin boxes.

If you are looking for the Title IX training, please first go to blackboard to access the trainings if you are still having trouble, email and they will grant you access to the Title IX/Sexual Misconduct training now required.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is AlcoholEdu for College?

AlcoholEdu for College is an interactive, online program designed to inform you about how alcohol affects the body, mind, perceptions and behaviors. The research-based course provides you with accurate information in a non-judgmental tone and provides personalized feedback that encourages you to consider your own drinking decisions and those of your peers.

What does AlcoholEdu cover?

The course is composed of surveys, knowledge tests and alcohol-related information. In part I, you'll complete chapters one to three, two surveys and two knowledge tests. Thirty days after completion of part I, you'll complete part II which consists of the final chapter and survey<.

What can you expect? Part I of the online program takes approximately one-and-a-half to two hours to complete and can be taken in segments. Part II will take you approximately 20 to 30 minutes. You can access the program 24 hours a day and can complete the course at your own pace before scheduled deadlines. You must complete the course from start to finish (phase 1 and phase 2) to ensure an effective curricular and prevention experience.
What topics are covered?
  • How media, family and social expectations shape ideas and behaviors
  • Body/health factors, including blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
  • Potential risks associated with problem drinking, such as violence and drinking and driving
  • Impact of alcohol on academic performance and relationships
  • How to make healthy choices and deal with peer pressure
  • Helpful resources including a BAC calculator and reference guides about alcohol and other drugs
How does the course address diverse student needs?

Customized by gender, drinking pattern, level of awareness and student choices on the pre-test survey, AlcoholEdu content is relevant to each student through customized pathways determined by algorithms. For example, the course pathway is different for students whose initial responses categorize them as abstainers, high risk or moderate drinkers.

Why is NIU requiring all new students to complete AlcoholEdu?

Alcohol is a key health issue on all college campuses. Part of creating a healthy community is providing campus-wide approaches to health and using tools such as AlcoholEdu for College. Northern Illinois University takes its responsibility to ensure your health and safety seriously – we want to work together with you to create the healthiest campus possible. Northern Illinois University is committed to providing an academic environment where everyone can live, study, work and have fun safely.

Why AlcoholEdu and not some other prevention activity?

AlcoholEdu is an online science-based alcohol prevention program that provides a tailored educational experience focusing on the impact of alcohol on the mind and body. Research supports AlcoholEdu as an effective tool in creating a healthy campus environment for all students. Students who have completed AlcoholEdu at other campuses are much less likely to develop alcohol problems or experience negative consequences (vomiting, hangover, missing class, injuries) as a result of drinking.

Used at more than 600 colleges and universities across the country, data gathered from AlcoholEdu surveys indicates a significant improvement in alcohol-related behaviors. According to the “college effect,” student drinking patterns change upon arrival at college. Providing you with access to an informative and developmentally appropriate alcohol education program at this critical time represents just one piece of a comprehensive institutional initiative to address issues related to alcohol on campus. This program will enable the university to gather valuable data about our students (as a whole, not as individuals) that will be shared with campus stakeholders at the start of the eachsemester.

Who is required to complete AlcoholEdu?

All undergraduates attending Northern Illinois University for their first time must complete AlcoholEdu. Success of the program is based upon population-level prevention, a concept that recognizes that students' choices likely impact those of their peers. Providing new students with a consistent message about alcohol can encourage thoughtful conversations, inspire a shift in alcohol-related behaviors and highlight a campus culture that values healthy choices.

What do I need to do to complete AlcoholEdu?

You'll need to complete the first portion of the course (chapters one to three, as well as two surveys and two knowledge tests) before the part I deadline. This will take approximately one-and-a-half to two hours, and we recommend that you complete it in multiple sittings. Approximately 30 days later, you'll receive an automatically generated email, asking you to complete the course. Upon receipt of this email, you'll need to log in again to complete chapter four and the final survey.

What is considered passing?

A score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass part I. Should you not pass, you'll be required to complete a retake course. Completing AlcoholEdu requires passing the knowledge exam and finishing the final chapter/survey. Only when you've completed chapter four and the final survey, will the program be considered complete.

How will I find out about AlcoholEdu?

Students and parents attending orientation are informed of the participation mandate through presentations, as well as in written information included in orientation materials. If you enter NIU in the fall, you'll receive an email in your NIU email account with directions on how to log into the AlcoholEdu program.

When will AlcoholEdu be available?

The course will be available for student log-in in August, for students entering NIU in summer or fall.

I don't drink. Do I still need to complete AlcoholEdu?

All entering NIU students need to complete the course. Even if you don't drink, you may still be impacted by alcohol use in the college environment. AlcoholEdu provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don't drink, you'll receive support and specific information tailored to your choice. AlcoholEdu will also provide you with important information regarding coping with potential drinking behavior of your peers.

My religious beliefs forbid alcohol use. Do I still need to complete AlcoholEdu?

All entering students need to complete AlcoholEdu. Alcohol use in the college environment has the potential to affect everyone. Even if you don't drink you may be impacted by the potential drinking behavior of your peers. AlcoholEdu provides personalized paths through the curriculum so if you don't drink, you'll receive support and specific information tailored to your choice.

Who will see survey answers? How is the data kept? Will parents be told what is reported?

AlcoholEdu includes three surveys that offer you feedback on your alcohol-related attitudes and behaviors. All survey responses are strictly confidential; Northern Illinois University will only receive information about the student body as a whole and will never see any individual student's answers. Because NIU requires students to pass the knowledge exam with a score of 70 percent or higher, the AlcoholEdu administrators at the school will receive exam scores; this is the only information ever matched with a student's identity. Parents won't have access to any information unless you're under the age of 18, you choose to share such information with them or you sign an information release that allows the university to share such information with them.


Accessing AlcoholEdu

Can I complete the program during fall orientation?

All orientation programs held during the months of June and July will have concluded before AlcoholEdu goes online. The programs will be available in August for students entering NIU in the summer or fall. Students and families will receive limited information about AlcoholEdu at orientation. 

Will those without computer access at home still be required to complete AlcoholEdu?

Yes. To take the course, you'll need a computer with internet access and audio capabilities. If you don't have a computer, you can use any publicly available computer with internet access and audio capabilities. Public computers are often available in your local public library, copy center or community center.

Where on campus can I use a computer to complete AlcoholEdu?

If you're without a computer or can't complete part I prior to arriving on campus, you can complete parts I and II in several of the technology labs available on campus.

I have a disability and need an accommodation. Who should I contact?

If you have documented learning needs that require an accommodation, you should contact the Disability Resource Center at 815-753-1303 or email

What do I do if I have trouble with the site?

The AlcoholEdu Online Technical Support Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply click on the "Help" button located in the upper right-hand corner of every Haven screen or call 1-866-384-9062. You don't need to be logged into the course to access the Help Site.

Please note: the AlcoholEdu Online Technical Support Center is not the NIU DoIT Helpdesk. Please direct any inquiries to the AlcoholEdu and Haven support folks.

I'm not sure if my computer meets the technical requirements to support the course.

If you don't have ready access to a computer that meets the minimum system technical requirements, you may try using a computer at a local library, copy center or community center.