New Student Orientation
Welcome to Northwestern!
The Graduate School (TGS) will launch a virtual New Student Orientation via Canvas on Monday, August 17, 2026 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 Friday, 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:
- Essential information from key campus partners;
- Important resources and services provided by TGS;
- Information about graduate student organizations and campus resources;
- Tips for living in the Evanston and Chicago areas (for students who will be on campus).
Need Access? Please log into Canvas using your Northwestern NetID and password. If you have questions about accessing the course, please email tgs@northwestern.edu.
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. Dates and registration details for these events will be provided during Summer Quarter. Check back here for additional updates and programming.
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, several campus partners will host optional Q&A Zoom sessions. Registration information will be shared in the coming weeks, but please mark your calendars now for the sessions you may be interested in attending.
You may pre-submit questions for each Q&A session below. There will also be an opportunity to submit live questions during each event.
- Office of Graduate Student Funding Q&A
Tuesday, September 1 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Time
Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The Graduate Student Funding team is unable to provide tax advice.
- NU Health Services, Pharmacy, and NU Student Health Insurance Program (NU-SHIP) Q&A
Wednesday, September 2 from 2:00–3:00 PM Central Time
Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's health services and student health insurance requirement.
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Q&A
Thursday, September 3 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 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.
- Office of Fellowships Q&A
Tuesday, September 8 from 10:00–11:00 AM Central Time
Designed for all graduate students to learn how to seek out and apply for external fellowship awards.
- AccessibleNU Q&A
Wednesday, September 9 from 9:00–10:00 AM Central Time
Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's academic accommodation, determination, and coordination process for students with disabilities.
- Student Panel Q&A
Friday, September 11 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.
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
Human Resources Office Hours
Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.
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Evanston Campus: 1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1-100
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Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Chicago Campus: 710 N Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall Room 150
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Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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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.