Fall Quarter 2026 U-Pass Access & Transit Card Fee
August 17, 2026
Dear TGS students,
The TGS U-Pass is an optional program offered on a quarterly basis for the 2026–27 academic year. Full-time, part-time, and online TGS students have access to this benefit. Please note the eligibility* exceptions below.
The TGS U-Pass is an optional program offered on a quarterly basis for the 2026–27 academic year. Full-time, part-time, and online TGS students have access to this benefit. Please note the eligibility* exceptions below.
- If you choose to opt in, your U-Pass will be activated (or issued) for the Fall Quarter and a quarterly $125 U-Pass Transit Card Fee will be applied to your student account.
- If you do not plan to use a U-Pass for the Fall Quarter, no further action is needed. Your U-Pass will be inactive, and you will not be charged the $125 U-Pass Transit Card Fee this quarter.
Opt-in details for the Fall Quarter are outlined below. Depending on your anticipated usage of the U-Pass, it may be more cost effective to pay the $125 U-Pass Transit Card Fee each quarter for continuous service or to pay out of pocket. Refer to this CTA fare chart to help make the decision that is best for you.
Please email tgs-u-pass@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lauren-Ashley Buchanan
Director, Office of Student Life
The Graduate School
Opting In for Fall Quarter (Current U-Pass Users)
If you are an eligible* TGS student and already have a U-Pass, please complete the Fall Quarter opt-in form by Monday, September 21.We will activate your U-Pass on Wednesday, September 23 (or on the next business day if you opt in after this date) and the U-Pass Transit Card Fee of $125 will be applied to your student account the week of October 31.
Note: Fall Quarter 2026 begins on Wednesday, September 23 and ends on Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Opting In for Fall Quarter (New U-Pass Users)
If you are an eligible* TGS student and do not have a U-Pass, please complete the following steps to receive your card before the start of the Fall Quarter:
- New U-Pass cards can take up to 2 weeks to create.
- To ensure you receive your U-Pass on time, please:
- Submit your photo (if you are starting this quarter) to the Wildcard Office by Friday, August 28.
- Make sure your current address is listed in CAESAR.
- Complete the Fall Quarter opt-in form by Friday, August 28.
You will choose to have your U-Pass card mailed to you or to pick it up at The Graduate School's Evanston office in Rebecca Crown Center.
- U-Pass pick-up is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00–4:00 PM (The office is closed from 1:00–2:00 PM for lunch).
- TGS will mail U-Passes the week of Monday, September 7 via USPS. Typically, the U-Pass arrives a few business days after mailing, but any returns may take up to 3 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 the card by following the instructions on the accompanying card sleeve.
- We will then activate your U-Pass for the Fall Quarter on Wednesday, September 23, and the U-Pass Transit Card Fee of $125 will be applied to your student account the week of October 31.
- If you opt in and do not receive your U-Pass in a timely manner, please email tgs-u-pass@northwestern.edu to inquire about the status of your request.
Note: Fall Quarter 2026 begins on Wednesday, September 23 and ends on Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Activation Deadlines
- To ensure your U-Pass is created and activated on Wednesday, September 23 (the start of the Fall Quarter), please complete the Fall Quarter opt-in form by Friday, August 28 (for new U-Pass holders) or by Monday, September 21 (for current U-Pass holders).
- If you already have a U-Pass and are unsure of your Fall Quarter plans, you may opt in any time before Sunday, October 25 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 is 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 Fall Quarter after Sunday, October 25.