GOLD2022

National Louis University

Chicago, IL   |  www.nl.edu

Mission

National Louis University (NLU) is an inclusive, innovative community providing educational opportunities that inspire and empower all learners as they prepare for and advance in meaningful lives and productive careers.

Notes from the nonprofit

Please visit https://nl.edu/assessment-and-accreditation/accreditation/accreditation-status/ to see more information about NLU's accreditation.

Ruling year info

1935

President

Ms. Nivine Megahed PhD

Main address

122 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60603 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

36-2167804

NTEE code info

University or Technological (B43)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Register now

Communication

Blog

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

This profile needs more info.

If it is your nonprofit, add a problem overview.

Login and update

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Undergraduate College

Our undergraduate college offers a uniquely affordable, rigorous, supportive, and professionally-focused education to students across a variety of major options, including business, education, computer science and information systems, and social and behavioral sciences.

NLU’s innovative student-focused approach to undergraduate education has several distinctive features:
• Affordable tuition (approximately $10,000 per year)
• A personalized instructional approach
• Flexible course schedule
• Career preparation

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences offers holistic professional preparation and contemporary academic experience in the areas of Behavioral Science, Counseling, Counselor Education and Psychology.

The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at National Louis University also features the Illinois (ISPP) and Florida (FSPP) Schools of Professional Psychology, which aim to prepare graduates to engage the world as health service psychologists.

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

What began in 1886 as a training school for kindergarten teachers has evolved into a nationally-accredited college of education known for preparing exemplary educators. Today, the work of our passionate faculty, students, and alumni connects our rich past to a bright future of innovation and excellence that serves all learners.

Our goal is to prepare and advance teachers and educational leaders to improve schools and student outcomes with our work. At the National College of Education, we:

Are committed to diversity and supporting the needs of all learners, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic and educational advantage, religion, and other characteristics that create the vibrancy of our communities.
Are committed to field- and practice-based programming that integrates theory, practice, reflection, and coaching.
Recognize the centrality of carefully constructed digital learning environments and the seamless integration of advanced technological tools into education.

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

The Graduate School of Business and Leadership was designed to help students launch their business career, or take it to the next level. Whether just starting out in their career, seeking to change professions or wanting to take their business savvy to the next level with a master's degree, the Graduate School of Business and Leadership helps students achieve their goals.

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

The Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at National Louis University is the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in these fields. We combine a strong academic foundation with transformative practical experience, so our students are ready to hit the ground running when they embark on their chosen careers. The culinary arts and baking and pastry associate programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accreditation commission.

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

Accelerate U at National Louis University offers affordable, rapid training experiences that come with college credit, industry credentials and a path to a full-time job immediately. Our first-of-its-kind, "job-first" higher education program offers learners a rapid pathway to a full-time job. We partner with innovative local employers to build affordable academic and training pathways that lead to an industry-recognized credential in three to six months; focus on both technical and professional (“durable”) skill development; include coaching, wrap-around supports, and career counseling; and allow participants to earn up to 30 college credits that can build to a bachelor’s degree.

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

The Veterans Resource Center utilizes a holistic approach to serving student veterans and military-connected students. Our ‘wrap-around’ services help students find resources and support from NLU and community partners.

Population(s) Served
Veterans

The mission of the NLU Food Pantry is to exclusively support NLU students impacted by food insecurity through expanded services at our Chicago campus and a mobile food pantry in Wheeling.

Basic needs insecurities are a barrier for degree completion for the students who can most benefit from the social mobility a college degree provides. In a recent study, 55% of participating NLU students experienced challenges in securing food or housing. Specifically, 40% reported being food insecure in the prior 30 days, a rate higher than our peer institutions. NLU is committed to eliminating that barrier and supporting all our students!

Population(s) Served
Students
Ethnic and racial groups
At-risk youth
Economically disadvantaged people
Immigrants and migrants

Where we work

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We shared information about our current feedback practices.
  • Who are the people you serve with your mission?

    Students.

  • How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?

    Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Constituent (client or resident, etc.) advisory committees, Suggestion box/email,

  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

    To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,

  • What significant change resulted from feedback?

    NLU recently implemented a new Degree Audit system, Degree Works, in 2021-22. NLU’s previous audit system was more than 15 years old, and often caused confusion among the advising staff that used it daily, and was generally ignored by students because of the confusing format. NLU’s new audit system will streamline student support, an initiative in the 2030 Strategic Plan, while also providing students with a clear path to degree, allowing them to take more ownership of their educational journey as a partner with their advisor. Since the implementation in February 2022, Degree Works has been used frequently by staff and students.

  • With whom is the organization sharing feedback?

    The people we serve, Our staff, Our board, Our funders, Our community partners,

  • How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship?

    In recent years, we have established a variety of student advisory groups to increase two-way communication between students and administration. As a result of the student advisory structure, we have strategically placed students to serve on university committees to bring student voice across the institution. Examples include University Assessment Council, Commencement Planning Committee, and Civic Engagement Committee.

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

    We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded,

  • What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

    It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, Staff find it hard to prioritize feedback collection and review due to lack of time,

Financials

National Louis University
lock

Unlock financial insights by subscribing to our monthly plan.

Subscribe

Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more about GuideStar Pro.

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

National Louis University

Board of directors
as of 11/28/2022
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Mr. Thomas J. Formolo

New Harbor Capitol

Michelle Collins

Cambium LLC

Marty J. Mickey

National Louis University

Diane M. Trausch

National Louis University

Juan Carlos Avila

Faro Advisory

Penny Brown

Consultant

Julie Chavez

Bank of America

Peter B. Cherecwich

Northern Trust Chicago

Elizabeth A. Dozier

Chicago Beyond Inc.

James A. Floyd

Cleveland Avenue LLC

Janet Froetscher

Pritzker Family Foundation

Jack D. Furst

Oak Stream Investors

Cornelius Griggs

GMA Construction Group

Bruce E. Hampton

Fifth Century Partners

Peter A. Kadens

Kadens Family Foundation

J. Michael Locke

Rasmussen, Inc.

Nivine Megahed

National Louis University

Oliver R. Merrill

Schiff Hardin LLP

Louise L. Perrin

Celena T. Roldán

American Red Cross of Illinois

Ian G. Ross

Concentric Equity Partners

Andrea Sáenz

Chicago Community Trust

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 11/22/2022

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity
Middle Eastern
Gender identity
Female

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

 

Sexual orientation

Disability

No data

Equity strategies

Last updated: 11/21/2022

GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more

Data
  • We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
  • We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
  • We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
  • We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
  • We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
  • We disaggregate data by demographics, including race, in every policy and program measured.
  • We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
Policies and processes
  • We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
  • We have a promotion process that anticipates and mitigates implicit and explicit biases about people of color serving in leadership positions.
  • We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
  • We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
  • We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
  • We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team.
  • We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.