Fall Welcome Events

The Graduate Library Orientation & Welcome (GLOW) is an event to introduce incoming graduate students to the many resources available at Northwestern University Libraries. You will also have the opportunity to meet with librarians and subject specialists who will help guide your research whether on campus or remotely.

Programming will be the same on both days of GLOW. Attend either day, or mix and match sessions to suit your schedule.

• Thursday, September 17 from 1:00–5:00 PM on the Evanston campus
• Friday, September 18 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on the Evanston campus

REGISTER FOR GLOW 2026 HERE

Join Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF) on September 19 at 5:00 PM at FRÍO Gelato in Evanston (1301 Chicago Avenue) for free gelato! Afterwards, we will walk to our next stop to eat pizza. If you can't make the initial time, please call or text Mickey at 781.708.3573 for the group's current location. 

Register for the GCF Gelato & Pizza Social

First-time graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) and instructors are invited to register for the Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff to be held in person on Tuesday, September 22 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Norris University Center on the Evanston campus. Hosted by the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, this interactive day of informative sessions is designed to facilitate graduate student and postdoc transitions to teaching roles at Northwestern. 

Register for the Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff Here

Join Native American and Indigenous Affairs at Northwestern for a Native American and Indigenous Welcome Reception on Thursday, September 24 from 12:00–2:00 PM at the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) House at 515 Clark Street on the Evanston campus. This annual gathering is a great opportunity to learn about different Native American & Indigenous units on campus, meet new and continuing students, faculty, and staff, check out the CNAIR space, and learn about how to connect throughout the year. Enjoy a shared meal, interactive games, and giveaway items. 

This is a family-friendly event! All are welcome; no registration is required. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chair if you would like to sit on the lawn. 

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

Interested in learning about consulting? Come to the Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA) 2026 Fall Kickoff Social on Thursday, September 24 from 6:00–7:30 PM in TGS Commons at 2122 Sheridan Road on the Evanston campus! In this event, we will talk about the industry, how to get a job, and provide lots of food! This event is open to new and current graduate students. 

Register for the ADCA 2026 Fall Kickoff

Join the Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA) for a Welcome BBQ on Saturday, September 26 from 12:00–4:00 PM at the south point of the Lakefill on the Evanston campus. This BBQ will celebrate the start of the academic year and welcome new graduate students to Northwestern! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet fellow graduate students, connect with the G-ISA community, and enjoy food and refreshments in a relaxed setting. New and returning graduate students are welcome; no registration is required. Please email gisa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions and to join the listserv for updates.

Attend the Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) Fall Kick-Off on Wednesday, September 30 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Lakefill Firepit on the Evanston campus! Come learn about the work that SPOT does at Northwestern. New and current graduate students are welcome to attend. Please email spotforcenu@gmail.com with any questions and to join the SPOT listserv for updates.

Northwestern University's Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (NU-SACNAS) invites you to join us for a Lunch by the Lake on Wednesday, September 30 from 1:00–2:00 PM at the Silverman Hall Courtyard on the Evanston campus. Take a break and learn more information about available leadership positions from our executive board. Lunch will be catered by Tomate! Please RSVP in advance.

Register for Lunch by the Lake with NU-SACNAS