Winter Quarter TGS Activity Fee and U-Pass Access
Dear TGS students,
In previous communications, The Graduate School (TGS) stated that the quarterly activity fee and automatic opt-in to the U-Pass program would resume starting Winter Quarter 2022 as per our contractual agreement with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). We would like to inform you that the U-Pass program will now remain opt-in for Winter and Spring Quarters 2022.
TGS will not charge Winter or Spring Quarter fees for full-time students and will not activate any U-Passes for the Winter or Spring 2022 Quarters unless you choose to opt in.
If you do not plan to use your U-Pass during the Winter Quarter, no further action is needed. Your U-Pass will be inactive, and you will not be charged the Winter Quarter activity fee. (You will receive a separate message about the Spring Quarter opt-in process during the Winter Quarter.)
This change is designed to provide TGS students with the greatest amount of flexibility as we continue to mitigate the challenges created by the pandemic. Opt-in details for the Winter Quarter are outlined below. Please email tgs-u-pass@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lauren-Ashley Buchanan, PhD
Associate Director, Student Life
The Graduate School
Opting In for Winter Quarter
If you are a full-time student and plan to use your U-Pass during the Winter Quarter, please complete this opt-in form by Monday, November 29.
We will activate your U-Pass, and a Winter 2022 Quarter activity fee of $125 will be applied to your student account later in the quarter. Please note, the Winter Quarter 2022 begins on Monday, January 3, and ends on Monday, March 28.
Depending on how often you plan to use your U-Pass during the Winter Quarter, it may be more affordable to pay the activity fee of $125 for continuous service or to pay out of pocket. Please refer to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) fare chart to help make the decision that is best for you. Please also visit the CTA Coronavirus webpage to read about their safety measures and tips for riders.
- If you already have a U-Pass and choose to opt in, your Winter Quarter U-Pass benefits will be activated on Monday, January 3 (or on the next business day if you opt in after this date).
- If you do not already have a U-Pass and choose to opt in, one will need to be issued:
- New U-Pass cards can take up to two weeks to create. To ensure you receive your U-Pass on time, please submit your photo to the Wildcard Office by Monday, November 29, and make sure your current address is listed in CAESAR, then fill in the opt-in form.
- You will then be provided the option to have your U-Pass card mailed to you or to pick up your card at The Graduate School's Evanston office located in the Rebecca Crown Center.
- Pick-up times for your U-Pass will be on Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- TGS will begin mailing U-Passes the week of Monday, December 13via USPS. Typically, the U-Pass arrives a few business days after mailing, but any returns may take up to three weeks to reach TGS. TGS is not responsible for any lost transit benefits in the case of a mailing delay.
- Once you receive your U-Pass, you will need to activate it by following the instructions on the accompanying card sleeve.
- You will then be able to use your U-Pass starting on Monday, January 3 (the first day of the Winter Quarter).
Activation Deadlines
- In order for your U-Pass to be created and activated by the start of Winter Quarter on Monday, November 29 , please complete the opt-in form by Monday, November 29.
- If you are unsure of your Winter Quarter plans, you may opt in any time before Saturday, February 12, but your U-Pass will not be active until the next business day after you complete the form.
- Once you choose to opt in and your U-Pass has been activated, you will not be able to change your decision due to our contractual obligations with CTA/Ventra. In addition, per our contract, we will not be able to honor any new U-Pass activation requests for the Winter Quarter after Saturday, February 12.
U-Pass Eligibility
Students enrolled in the Online Master of Arts in Counseling Program through The Family Institute, TGS 512 (continuous registration), TGS 514, or a co-op internship are not charged an activity fee and are not eligible for the services it provides.
Activity Fee Waivers
If you previously applied for and/or were approved for an activity fee waiver for the Winter Quarter, opting in for the U-Pass will supersede the waiver, and you will be charged the activity fee. Otherwise, you do not need to submit an activity fee waiver request since TGS is only charging an activity fee for the Winter Quarter to those who are using their U-Pass.
Legal Services
All TGS eligible students will retain access to TGS Legal Services, which is also covered by the quarterly activity fee.
Questions?
Please email tgs-u-pass@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Categories: Around Campus