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New Student Orientation

Additional Information

View the Welcome Wire: 2026 Orientation Information for Incoming TGS Students e-newsletter for important programming opportunities and deadlines, and check your Northwestern email for additional orientation updates and information.

Questions? Please email tgs@northwestern.edu.

Welcome to Northwestern!

The Graduate School (TGS) launched a virtual 2026 New Student Orientation via Canvas for you to complete at your own pace. Instructions on accessing the course have been sent to your Northwestern email address. Please access this course with your NetID and password.

Please complete this virtual orientation prior to the start of the Fall Quarter on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. 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 Evanston and Chicago area (for students who will be on campus), registering to vote, info on upcoming virtual Q&A sessions (see below for details), and using generative AI responsibly in academia

Need Access? Please log into Canvas using your Northwestern NetID and password. If you experience any trouble accessing Canvas, please contact Northwestern Information Technology for assistance.

In addition to the virtual orientation, TGS New Student Orientation also includes virtual Q&A sessions as well as in-person events on the Evanston campus prior to the start of Fall Quarter. See below for more orientation information, and please email tgs@northwestern.edu with any questions.

TGS Resource Fair

Please join us at an in-person resource fair on Thursday, September 17 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the second floor of Norris University Center on the Evanston campus.

The purpose of this fair is to connect incoming TGS students with the broader community of support at Northwestern. Over 80 graduate student organizations and campus partners will be available to meet you and share information about their services.

Giveaways will be provided (while supplies last), and registration is preferred, but not required. 

Register for the TGS Resource Fair Here

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

Virtual Q&A Sessions

As part of your onboarding process, TGS will be hosting several Q&A sessions via Zoom led by campus leaders and current TGS students. 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. 

Those who attend any of the following sessions will be entered into a raffle to win a voucher for a "Welcome to TGS" gift box.

You may pre-submit questions for each Q&A session below. There will also be an opportunity to submit live questions during each event.


Welcome Reception for New TGS Students

The TGS Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS) will host a welcome reception on Thursday, September 24 from 4:00–6:00 PM in Guild Lounge at Scott Hall on the Evanston campus. All incoming graduate students are invited to enjoy an evening of networking and fellowship in celebration of the start of Fall Quarter. Refreshments and game prizes are included in the festivities!

Register for the Welcome Reception Here

Graduate Mentorship and Peer Support 

Graduate Mentorship and Peer Support (GradMAPS) is a collaborative network that pairs experienced graduate student mentors with incoming graduate students, creating a dynamic and reciprocal learning relationship. Beyond traditional academic boundaries, this mentorship program focuses on holistic development that encompasses academic, personal, and professional growth. The GradMAPS is an excellent opportunity to build a network, become immersed in the Northwestern community, and gain clarity of the graduate experience.

APPLY TO BECOME A GRADMAPS MENTEE HERE

Fall Quarter Welcome Events

Several student-led organizations and campus partners are hosting welcome events this fall quarter. Refer to this page for a list of planned events and activities. This list will continue to be updated as we receive new event details and programming.

EXPLORE FALL QUARTER WELCOME EVENTS

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.