NIU plans official return from shootings

DEKALB, Ill., Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Northern Illinois University officials have tabbed Feb. 25 as the official date for classes to resume following last week's tragic on-campus shooting spree.

School officials said the time will be used to provide NIU instructors training to help their students re-acclimate once they return to their studies following the Thursday shootings that left six people dead, the DeKalb (Ill.) Daily Chronicle said Sunday.

All campus events have been delayed until Feb. 24, the same date a special memorial service will be held at the Convocation Center to honor the tragedy's victims.

NIU spokeswoman Melanie Magara said Cole Hall, where Steven Kazmierczak shot 21 students and himself, will remain closed for the rest of the school year and classes will be relocated, if necessary.

The delay in the resumption of the spring semester means an extra week will be added on to the academic year, prompting commencement proceedings to be pushed back until May 17, the Chronicle said.