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New Student Orientation

Welcome to Northwestern!

The Graduate School (TGS) will launch a virtual New Student Orientation via Canvas on Monday, August 11, 2025 for you to complete at your own pace. Instructions on accessing the course will be sent to your Northwestern email address once the course has launched. Please access this course with your NetID and password.

Please complete this virtual orientation prior to the start of the Fall Quarter on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Plan approximately 90 minutes to complete all the modules.

Please note that all aspects of TGS New Student Orientation are suggested, not required. 

The virtual orientation features four modules:

  1. Essential information from key campus partners;
  2. Important resources and services provided by TGS; 
  3. Information about graduate student organizations and campus resources;
  4. Tips for living in the Chicago area (for students who will be on campus). 

Please email tgs@northwestern.edu with any questions.

TGS Resource Fair

TGS will host an in-person resource fair on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM  on the second floor of Norris University Center. The purpose of this fair is to connect incoming TGS students with the community of support at Northwestern, including a wide variety of campus partners and graduate student organizations.  

We also invite you to explore the resources and support available to you from our TGS-affiliated student organizations & campus partners.

Register for the TGS Resource Fair Here

Virtual Q&A Sessions 

As part of your onboarding process, several student leaders and campus partners hosted optional Q&A sessions via Zoom. Registration links and an opportunity to submit questions may be found below. Be sure to register in advance and mark your calendars now for the sessions you may be interested in attending. 

Q&A Session with the Office of Fellowships

Tuesday, August 26 from 1:30–2:30 PM Central Time

Designed for all graduate students to learn how to seek out and apply for external fellowship awards. 

Register for the Office of Fellowships Q&A here
Submit questions for the Office of Fellowships Q&A here

Q&A Session with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Wednesday, August 27 from 3:00–4:00 PM Central Time

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's well-being resources, mental health clinical services, consultations, and educational workshops. 

Register for the CAPS Q&A here
Submit questions for the CAPS Q&A here 

Q&A Session with AccessibleNU

Thursday, August 28 from 10:00–11:00 AM Central Time

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's academic accommodation, determination, and coordination process for students with disabilities.

Register for the AccessibleNU Q&A here
Submit questions for the AccessibleNU Q&A here

Q&A Session with TGS Graduate Student Funding Team

Tuesday, September 2 from 1:30–2:30 PM Central Time

Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The funding team is unable to provide tax advice. 

Register for the TGS Graduate Student Funding Q&A here
Submit questions for the TGS Graduate Student Funding Q&A here

Q&A Session with NU Health Services, Pharmacy, and NU Student Health Insurance Program (NU-SHIP)

Thursday, September 4 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Time

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's health services and student health insurance requirement.

Register for the NU Health Services, Pharmacy and NU-SHIP Q&A here
Submit questions for the NU Health Services, Pharmacy, and NU-SHIP Q&A here

Q&A Session with Current Graduate Students

Friday, September 5 from 2:00–3:30 PM Central Time

Designed for all incoming graduate students to ask questions of current TGS students. Topics may include the first-year experience, adviser/advisee relationships, mentoring, strategies for self-care and mental well-being, extracurricular activities, graduate student organizations, living in Evanston and Chicago, and more. 

Register for the Student Panel Q&A here
Submit questions for the Student Panel Q&A here

Fall 2025 Welcome Events

Several  student organizations and campus partners are hosting welcome events this fall quarter. Check back here for a list of planned events and activities. 

TGS Peer Mentor Program

The Graduate School's Peer Mentor Program is designed to help first-year PhD students become acclimated to Northwestern with the direct assistance of a current graduate student. TGS peer mentors will serve as an additional resource to incoming PhD students and provide support, encouragement, and information as you embark on this new academic journey.

Apply Here to Become a Peer Mentee


Human Resources Office Hours

Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.

These office hours are designed to assist students with completing their Form I-9, setting up their direct deposit and W-4 in myHR , and answering any payroll-related questions. HR staff members also can assist students who are foreign nationals with reviewing documentation, completing the I-9 process, and providing FN tax documentation.

Follow the guidelines on the TGS New Student Onboarding webpage to set up your financial information and email askHR@northwestern.edu  with any questions.  Note: HR staff members can assist with technical questions related to W-4 tax forms, but they are unable to provide tax advice.