Top Hat is a powerful tool that can help you succeed in your courses. It isn't free, unfortunately, but NIU has negotiated a discount for you.
This page provides instructions for getting started with Top Hat and how to get help if you need it.
While you can participate in class activities via a browser or the mobile app, you must create your account initially using a browser on your laptop or mobile device.
In most cases, you will need to launch your Top Hat course from your Blackboard course. This ensures that your account is set up to synchronize between Blackboard and TopHat. In your Blackboard course, look for a link that says "Top Hat". Click this link and wait for a new window to open.
You will be directed to Top Hat where you should either log into your existing Top Hat account or create a new one.
You can start a 14-day free trial if you aren't sure you will stay enrolled in the course or if you aren't ready to purchase your license. Don't start the trial until the first day of class, because the 14-day limit starts immediately.
When you are ready to purchase a license, you can do so directly in your Top Hat account or you can purchase a redemption code from the NIU bookstore.815-753-8100
servicedesk@niu.edu