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TGS Resource Fair
Traditionally, TGS hosts an in-person resource fair as part of our orientation experience to help connect incoming students with the wider community of support at Northwestern. This year, we have launched this dedicated webpage for you to explore campus partners and graduate student organizations at your convenience.
Click around and explore to join mailing lists, watch welcome videos, learn about upcoming information sessions, and more!
Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA)
The Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA) at Northwestern University unites students pursuing advanced degrees for getting hired in the consulting industry. ADCA comprises two core thrusts: preparation for interviews at consulting firms and networking, both among peers and professionals. Combining rigorous preparation for its members in management and discipline-specific consulting with a relaxed, fun environment of peer interaction, ADCA will bring structure to the recruiting relationship between Northwestern advanced degree graduate students and consulting firms.
Please email adca@u.northwestern.edu with questions.
Alliance of Chicago Minority Students (ACMS)
The mission of ACMS is to establish a comfortable community, support system, and social environment of diverse students on the Northwestern Chicago campus schools, who will be active members of their community. ACMS exists to serve minority groups within the following programs on the Chicago campus: the Driskill Graduate Program (DGP), Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN), Biomedical Engineering (BME), Clinical Psychology, Reproductive Science and Medicine Program (MS-RSM), Genetic Counselling, Physical Therapy, Pritzker School of Law JD Programs, Pritkzer School of Law MSL Program, Pritzker School of Law LLM Program, and Feinberg School of Medicine.
Please email acms@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Alliance of Evanston Minority Students (AEMS)
AEMS is a student-led club on campus geared towards creating intersectional spaces for graduate students that center people of color (POC) and other marginalized racial/ethnic identities. The goal of AEMS is to foster relationships between POC/minority students across campus and to host events that celebrate the diversity of cultures represented by Northwestern’s graduate student body.
Biotech Club @ Northwestern
The purpose of Northwestern Biotech Group is to build a community of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who aspire to become successful professionals and leaders in the life sciences and biotechnology industry. Our intended goals are to provide professional development, networking and support for the broader Northwestern graduate and postdoctoral community and bridge the gap between academia and industry. We will serve as a platform to connect students and trainees with companies and alumni to expose them to the life sciences sector.
Please email biotechgroup@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Follow us on Twitter @Biotech_at_NU
Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA)
The purpose of the BGSA is to support the academic, professional, and social growth of graduate students of color from underrepresented groups in academia. Formed in 1995 by seven Northwestern graduate students, the BGSA membership now includes over 150 students. BGSA holds monthly meetings, discussions, annual barbeques, dinners, and quarterly community service efforts as a means of promoting community amongst graduate students of color.
Please email BGSA@northwestern.edu with questions.
Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
CGSA is a student organization composed of Northwestern University graduate students who are based on the Chicago Campus. CGSA's purpose is to serve Chicago graduate students by advocating for and promoting students’ rights, academic and professional development, social interaction, and community outreach. Importantly, CGSA strives to represent the diverse interests of Chicago graduate students and foster relationships between students from the Chicago and Evanston campuses.
Please email cgsa@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Climate Tech Club
CTC (formerly the Northwestern Energy Technology Group) is a student-led group that promotes sustainable climate technologies and engages with students who share an interest in them. They host quarterly talks on current climate change related topics, focusing mainly on technology and policy. These are presented by Northwestern faculty, representatives from industry and startups, or others in the local community. CTC also runs a regularly meeting discussion group on the latest climate technology news, organizes field trips (both professional and social), and performs outreach on campus and beyond.
Please email climatetechclub@u.northwestern.edu with questions.
Colloquium for Indigeneity and Native American Studies
The Colloquium on Indigeneity and Native American Studies is an interdisciplinary academic endeavor that aims to promote and stimulate conversations on indigeneity and indigenous populations in the Americas and the transnational imaginary at Northwestern University.
Comunidad Latinx (CLX)
CLX fosters a community-oriented around Latinx identity, culture, and history. They provide a safe space for their members, give back to the local Latinx community, and educate the wider university community and public about Latinx affairs.
Please email northwestern.clx@gmail.com with any questions. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @clx_nu.
Critical Contexts
Critical Contexts is a group of graduate students primarily in the learning sciences, human development and social policy, and psychology departments. They meet to interrogate critical issues (e.g., the role of race, class, and other oppressive sociohistorical systems in shaping processes of learning, understanding systems of inequality, and paths of resistance and resurgence) in education research.
Please email nikkimcm@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF)
GCF is a community of graduate students that gathers to grow spiritually and to encourage each other as we integrate our faith with our learning and practice. Please email gcf@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA)
G-ISA is a student organization representing international graduate students at Northwestern University. G-ISA's mission is to foster the graduate International community by virtue of events and activities, networking, and greater cross-cultural understanding through inclusion and engagement.
Please email gisa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions. Follow us on Instagram @nu_gisa
Graduate Leadership and Advocacy Council (GLAC)
GLAC’s mission is to bring graduate students’ concerns on the Chicago and Evanston campuses to the attention of the deans and administrative staff of The Graduate School (TGS). GLAC gives graduate students opportunities to participate in decision-making processes at Northwestern. Their efforts have resulted in services and policies that improve the quality of life for graduate students.
Please email glac@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Graduate Out in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (GoSTEM)
GoSTEM strives to empower LGBTQIA+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. While our primary mission is to create community for LGBTQIA+ individuals, we are also strongly committed to intersectionality as an organizing principle, and therefore aim to actively center those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education due to their gender, gender identity, and racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Please email nu.gostem@gmail.com with any questions.
Graduate Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE)
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a nationally recognized professional, educational, non-profit, and service organization dedicated to promoting interest in and encouraging women to pursue the fields of science and engineering. GradSWE is the graduate student faction of the Northwestern University SWE chapter. The focus of this group is to provide networking events, mentorship and outreach opportunities, and career development which cater to graduate women in engineering and science.
Please email nuswe.grad@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- GradSWE Fest: More info coming soon. Email nuswe.grad@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
- Follow us on Instagram: @nugradswe
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
GSA's goal is to enhance the quality of graduate student life at Northwestern University. GSA connects graduate students across TGS-affiliated departments and programs by collaborating with TGS administration, the Graduate Leadership and Advocacy Council, and other graduate student organizations. GSA hosts social and service events that build a diverse graduate student community both on and off-campus.
Please email northwestern.gsa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Graduate Women Across Northwestern (GWAN)
GWAN is an interdisciplinary organization that seeks to create community-building opportunities for women in the graduate and professional programs at Northwestern University.
Please email gwan@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Indian Graduate Students and Scholars Association (IGSSA)
IGSSA serves the Indian and larger South Asian graduate and postdoctoral trainee community at Northwestern. IGSSA promotes community building within this community (and the Northwestern graduate community at large) through social and service events that are often associated with Indian/South Asian customs.
For details about our upcoming welcome event, please join our listserv. The IGSSA will communicate the welcome event details by late September.
Please email igssa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Iranian Students Association (IRSA)
IRSA is a student group dedicated to promoting social, intellectual, and cultural activities for Iranian students and scholars at Northwestern as well as interested members in the University community. Besides cultural and social activities, IRSA strives to provide opportunities and benefits for its members such as information and support for incoming students, and connecting current Northwestern students with Iranian alumni. Please email hamidhasani@northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Follow us on Instagram @irsa_iranians_of_northwestern
- Connect with us on Telegram
Keynotes Graduate Student A Cappella
The Keynotes Graduate Student A Capella is Northwestern's only music performance group for graduate students outside of the music school. The Keynotes originally formed as the Catatonics in 1997. Since then, they have found a place in the musical community in Evanston, performing both on and off-campus, at show halls, saloons, street corners, and salons! Auditions for the Keynotes are held annually at the start of the school year.
Please email morrimax@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
McCormick Graduate Leadership Council (MGLC)
MGLC is comprised of master's and PhD students across all McCormick departments and is among the largest student organization at Northwestern. MGLC seeks to create a stronger community within the graduate programs of the McCormick School of Engineering by providing events catered to professional and personal development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and network-building.
Please email mglc@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Morning Mentors
Morning Mentors is an organization of graduate students and postdoctoral trainees that facilitates pre-school tutoring sessions three times a week for students at a local middle school. They aim to develop communication and professional development skills and create a community of graduate students from different departments that have similar interests. Morning Mentors holds quarterly social events to build the community of graduate students around common interests and goals and works to build networking with qualified teachers in the local school districts.
Please email nu.morning.mentors@gmail.com with any questions.
Northwestern Public Health Review (NPHR)
The Northwestern Public Health Review (NPHR) stimulates the exchange and cross-pollination of public health ideas through three core outlets: their blog, print issue, and campus-wide events. We seek to build our own skills, while bringing accessible public health information to the greater Northwestern and Chicago communities, through the utilization of design, art, and thoughtful writing.
Please email nphr@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Subscribe to our online newsletter
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter: @theNPHR
Northwestern Swing Dance Syndicate (NSDS)
NSDS seeks to connect graduate students from across Northwestern through solo, partnered, and group dance, by hosting dance classes, social events, and field trips. Through these events, we connect students with the broader Chicago swing dance and jazz music scene in an effort to help students find community on and off-campus.
Please email nuswingdance@gmail.com with any questions.
Northwestern University Brain Awareness Outreach (NUBAO)
NUBAO is a graduate student-led public outreach initiative dedicated to educating, exciting, and inspiring the Chicago community about the brain. Founded in 2010 as part of the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience PhD Program, NUBAO consists of a diverse group of mostly graduate students, in addition to several undergraduate students, postdoctoral trainees, faculty, and research staff from various departments and scientific disciplines at Northwestern University. Through collaborations with public schools and science education programs in the Chicago area, NUBAO organizes a number of hands-on lectures, workshops, and open house-style events in an effort to teach a variety of neuroscience topics to students of all ages.
Please email nubrainawareness@gmail.com with any questions.
Northwestern University Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in STEM (SACNAS)
Northwestern University’s SACNAS Chapter (NU-SACNAS) is a graduate-student-led organization that is dedicated to fostering the success of Latinx, Native Americans, and other underrepresented communities in STEM. NU-SACNAS was designed to cultivate community among students by providing professional development, networking, and mentoring opportunities both at Northwestern and at institutions abroad. To that end, we are also proud to be connected to the broader national SACNAS organization and are united in our efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace in STEM.
Please email nusacnas@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- Follow us on Twitter: @sacnasnu
NU-Chinese Students and Scholars Association (NU-CSSA)
Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) is dedicated to promoting social, intellectual, and cultural activities for Chinese students and scholars. CSSA strives to provide benefits for Chinese students and scholars at Northwestern by organizing festival activities and providing information about jobs, etc.
Contact qinhuang2024@u.northwestern.edu for more information.
- WeChat Subscription Account: NorthwesternCSSA
- Chinese International Students Orientation: Saturday, September 18 at 3:00 PM. Please follow updates on CSSA's Wechat Subscription Account (NorthwesternCSSA) to join.
- Email cssa@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
NU Curling
NU Curling's mission is to promote the sport of curling to the graduate school community, to build awareness of college curling, and to encourage camaraderie between our members. The club seeks to fulfill this mission by actively publicizing the sport of curling within the Northwestern community, providing instruction for those new to the sport, holding weekly curling sessions for our members to develop and hone skills, maintaining an active presence within the college curling circuit by both participating in and assisting with the planning of regional and national college curling competitions, and providing regular and structured social opportunities for our members both locally and regionally.
Please email nucurling@gmail.com with any questions.
NU Photonics (SPIE)
NU Photonics is a student chapter of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). They promote the science of light at Northwestern and provide social and professional interaction to students and faculty in engineering and science.
Please email nu.spie@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- Follow us on Facebook
- Click here and select Northwestern University Student Chapter to become a student member of SPIE.
NU Public Speaking Club
NU Public Speaking Club provides a unique opportunity to help members develop their speaking, listening, and leadership skills. Members learn techniques for overcoming stage anxiety, connecting with the audience, assimilating verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and achieving a commanding executive presence.
Please email northwesternpublicspeaking@gmail.com with any questions.
NU Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Student Chapter
SIAM Northwestern is a place where Northwestern students can get to know more about what applied math is, and get involved in various events and conferences. We are one of the many student chapters of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, which is the biggest professional society of applied mathematicians. Our main events through the academic year are the Chicago Area SIAM Student conference and the Bridging the Gap Seminar Series. We also sponsor the student-run Applied Math Journal club in the Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics department.
Please email motter@u.northwestern.eduwith any questions.
NuTango
NuTango (pronounced new-tango) is a student-run organization for Argentine Tango. NuTango is dedicated to providing a friendly, inclusive, and fun environment to learn and dance Argentine Tango. We make lead and follow roles available to people of all genders, and embrace alternative and traditional Tango music. NuTango is open to everyone in the Northwestern community, as well as the general public. We host weekly lessons, workshops with guest instructors, milongas, practicas, and special events with other organizations.
Please email nutango.northwestern@gmail.com with any questions.
Plant-it Purple Graduate Gardens
Plant-it Purple is dedicated to gardening and fostering a sense of community. Most of our activities involve working together to prepare, plant, harvest, and maintain the Graduate Student Garden on the Evanston campus. Almost all graduate students live in apartments and thus the opportunity to garden is widely-appreciated. Gardening presents the opportunity to participate in a relaxing and fulfilling activity while building relationships with students from a wide variety of disciplines.
Public Humanities Research Workshop
Through events and project support, the Graduate Public Humanities Research Workshop of the Kaplan Humanities Institute provides participants with opportunities to develop professional skills and networks to make their scholarship more relevant, legible, and meaningful to publics across and beyond the university.
We explore what constitutes publicly engaged scholarship while developing more grounded communication and translational skills that can help participants pursue a diverse set of careers within and outside of the academy. Following an application process, student participants meet twice a quarter in workshop and are also given support and training to produce their own public humanities projects. `
For more information, please contact Negar Razavi at nrazavi@northwestern.edu.
Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT)
Formed in early 2017, the Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) is a non-partisan organization at Northwestern University that advocates for the inclusion of science in policymaking and the accessibility of science for the voting-aged public. Members pursue tangible action through collaborations with local organizations, direct interactions with legislators, and outreach to the public. Members can learn about science policy and communication through workshops, seminars, and discussions. As a group, our combined efforts allow for a greater impact toward the advocacy of science in politics than any one of us acting alone.
Please email spotforcenu@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- Follow us on Twitter: @SPOTforceNU
Splash at Northwestern
Splash at Northwestern is a student-run organization that invites high school students from the Chicagoland area to take classes taught by Northwestern students as part of an event each spring. Splash hopes to provide a valuable service to both the Northwestern community and high school students. We aim to promote interest in teaching among Northwestern students by allowing them to design their own courses and by providing access to best pedagogical practices via workshops and orientations. It also aims to inspire high school students by exposing them to material different from their regular high school curricula and to promote interest in college among socioeconomically disadvantaged students by providing a “life in the day of a college student” feel during the event.
Please email splash@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Student Counselors for Social Justice
The mission of Student Counselors for Social Justice is to provide community, connection, training, and empowerment for student counselors across Northwestern who are interested in social justice and advocacy action. SCSJ members are advocates for increasing diversity and acceptance in the world and with their clients in accordance with the ACA Code of Ethics and the mission for Counselors for Social Justice. SCSJ members work to become aware of power and privilege and how it is embedded into systems of bias. They make space to support, inspire, motivate, and encourage each other to find ways to make both small and large changes in their spheres of influence, and to become more culturally sensitive and compassionate in their work with their counseling clients.
Please email studentcounselorssocialjustice@gmail.com with questions.
TGS Child and Family Resources Student Advisory Board
The TGS Child and Family Resources Student Advisory Board is comprised of graduate students associated with The Graduate School (TGS) who are parents or planning to become parents whether through childbirth or adoption.
The Open Democracy Project
The Open Democracy Project, formerly Indivisible Northwestern, provides students with action-oriented opportunities to develop organizing and leadership skills, and to meet and work with other people who are interested in addressing social issues like climate change and social justice. This year, we are focusing on supporting the first ever local participatory budgeting processes with the City of Evanston, which lets community members vote on how to spend a portion of the city's budget.
Please email gustavo@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
The Subcontinent Project
The Subcontinent Project organizes meaningful conversations on South Asian politics and culture. Through talks by academics and activists, film screenings, and discussion groups, we address issues broadly concerning gender, sexuality, caste, nationalism, communalism, and human rights within South Asia and its diasporas.
Please email tsp@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram: @thesubcontinentproject
Transportation Club (NTC)
Northwestern Transportation Club (NTC) is a platform for all students interested in transportation at Northwestern. We connect communities, generate interest, and create space for transportation enthusiasts and career-seeking students to collaborate and celebrate their shared passion. We organize seminars, workshops, field trips, and networking events. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Please email nutransportationclub@gmail.com with any questions.
Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)
WISER works towards building community among graduate women in STEM fields, promoting and advancing women’s leadership in STEM, and sponsoring workshops and seminars focused on professional skills development for early-career women in the sciences.
Please email wisernorthwestern@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @WISERNUGrad
AccessibleNU
AccessibleNU is the center that oversees the implementation of academic and programmatic accommodations for students with disabilities. Through ANU, students can make arrangements for testing accommodations, books in alternate format, assistive technology, Sign Language interpreting, and other accommodations as determined appropriate through the interactive process.
Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
Northwestern University’s Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs brings together the brightest minds from across Northwestern University and around the world to address critical global challenges that cannot be solved from a singular disciplinary or geographic perspective. Our mission is to foster meaningful engagement across borders of all kinds. We create opportunities for dialogue across academic disciplines—the humanities, social sciences, business, law, medicine, the arts, and more—and catalyze connections between researchers and experts from government, industry, nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations worldwide.
Northwestern Buffett supports graduate student research and professional growth. We offer assistantships, fellowships, and dissertation research and conference travel awards, as well as a number of engagement opportunities and events.
Canterbury Northwestern
Canterbury is the Episcopal campus ministry. Through communion and community, they offer students a place to explore issues of vocation, social justice, and spirituality—where the life of the mind meets the concerns of the soul and the needs of the world. The Canterbury Ministry meets weekly to worship God and enjoy each other's company and participates in Diocesan Conventions and weekend retreats. Using the traditions of the Christian faith in contemporary language, they seek to support each other to meet the challenges of campus and society. They invite all seekers—Episcopal, Anglican, or of any faith—to join in these conversations and fellowship.
Weekly services during the academic quarters: Sundays at 5:00 PM at 2010 Orrington Avenue. They also host book studies and social events throughout the quarter!
- Canterbury House Fall Welcome and Worship: Sunday, September 25 at 5:00 PM. Click here to RSVP.
Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE)
CARE is a confidential space for students impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking, including friends or partners of survivors. Confidential Support Services include a space to process, ask questions, safety plan, and learn more about the impact of trauma. They also host a trauma support group. Confidential Advocacy Services include serving as an advisor through the Title IX process and can assist with academic, housing, or other needs around flexibility and support.
CARE can connect you with legal and medical advocacy, free counseling, and support groups on and off-campus. CARE offers prevention and education around consent, supporting survivors, healthy sexuality, sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking. CARE can also provide training on Bystander Intervention.
Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) helps graduate students close the gap between academicexpertise and real-world impact by supporting opportunities for ethical, mutually beneficial community engagement. Whether mentoring young people in local schools or detention centers, supporting NU’s nationally-recognized voter engagement initiative, or partnering with a local organization through one of our practicum programs or graduate assistantships, students canintegrate community engagement into their graduate studies and build a civically-active life.
- Graduate students interested in upcoming opportunities should sign up for our bi-monthly bulletin.
- Incoming and returning students can also schedule a one-on-one virtual appointment with Dr. Ruth Curry, director of CCE’s graduate programs.
Center for Leadership (CFL)
The CFL exists to provide students of all backgrounds with leadership development opportunities that enhance their own involvements, roles and responsibilities, and personal goals. TGS students are invited to receive one-on-one free leadership coaching and apply for the intensive Fellowship in Leadership.
- TGS Student Programing Virtual Info Session: Tuesday, August 16 at 12:00 PM CDT via Zoom. Click here to RSVP.
Chicago Field Studies
Chicago Field Studies (CFS) allows students to link an internship experience with a dynamic, full-quarter course in our program. In collaboration with the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) and TGS, CFS offers two practicum programs for graduate students, the GEO Community Practicum and NU Chicago Humanities Initiative, which combine experiential learning with a credit-bearing seminar on public scholarship. Additionally, CFS has a small number of graduate assistantships annually to offer graduate instructors of our undergraduate internship courses, especially on topics in public health, social justice, political theory of labor, and more.
Community Council for International Students (CCIS)
The Community Council for International Students (CCIS) is an all-volunteer group dedicated to making international students at Northwestern University feel welcome in this country and at the University.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, serves as the primary mental health service at Northwestern University with offices on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. CAPS provides a set of core services, including clinical services (individual & group counseling, medication management, tailored referrals to local providers), educational workshops, and consultation with faculty, staff, and parents.
There is no charge for CAPS services. CAPS is based on a short-term model. All full-time matriculated students who come to CAPS will receive a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs. Care plan meetings will be used to determine the best fit between students’ needs and all available CAPS and community resources to ensure the best possible treatment outcome.
Students can schedule Personalized Care meetings online.
For 24-hour crisis services or to talk to a counselor urgently, please call (847) 491-2151.
English Language Programs (ELP)
ELP supports international students and postdoctoral trainees who wish to improve their English language skills. Services are offered year-round, and include group language classes, one-on-one instruction, supported online speech and language training, proficiency testing, and language tables. New PhD and MFA students may also receive intensive language support through the ELP Foundations and Integrated Academic Skills programs.
Students can also explore Evanston and Chicago with guided events in our English Development Through Guided Exploration (EDGE) program. Services are offered free of charge, and are limited to students and employees of Northwestern University.
Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid
The Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid processes federal and private student loans for current and incoming students. We also provide federal student loan repayment information and debt management services.
Graduate Writing Place
The Graduate Writing Place serves graduate students from across Northwestern’s many schools, departments, and programs, as well as postdoctoral trainees and Northwestern faculty. Clients may book appointments for individual writing consultations with Graduate Writing Fellows (PhD candidates at Northwestern) to review a variety of writing, including papers for coursework; conference papers and presentations; journal articles and manuscripts for publication; dissertation proposals and chapters; and materials pertaining to the academic and non-academic job markets.
Health Promotion and Wellness (HPaW)
HPaW is the primary provider of health promotion, education, and prevention programs and services on alcohol, other drugs, and wellness issues for Northwestern University students.
Health Service - Chicago
Northwestern Medicine's Department of General Internal Medicine serves Northwestern students enrolled in an NU graduate or professional program on the Chicago campus. A broad array of outpatient medical services are provided.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Health Service - Evanston
Evanston's Health Service provides primary medical care, including general medical, sports medicine, women's medicine, radiology and laboratory services, vaccinations, allergy shots, and STD testing. After-hours urgent care is also available.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Kaplan Humanities Institute
The Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities is committed to disseminating humanities research and providing opportunities for faculty, students, and the broader community to explore issues, examine beliefs, and engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue about human thought and culture. As a site for exchange and connection across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences at Northwestern, we are dedicated to fostering critical, creative, and scholarly discussions about what it means to be human, across time and space.
Graduate student opportunities at the Kaplan Institute focus on professional preparation for careers within academia and the public and private sectors:
- Graduate Public Humanities Research Workshop
- Digital Humanities Pedagogy Workshop
- Franke Graduate Fellowships
- Kaplan Co-Sponsorship for graduate student-led events
- The Predoctoral Career Diversity Summer Workshop, sponsored by Humanities Without Walls
- Teaching in The Odyssey Project, sponsored by Illinois Humanities
Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northwestern University (LCMNU)
LCMNU is a student-led ministry that welcomes all of God’s people regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, parental status, marital status, disability, citizenship, or veteran status. As a campus ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, LCMNU shares in the mission to invite people in academic settings to engage more deeply with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the community that bears his name, so that they can discover and fulfill their vocation as disciples.
- Back to School Outdoor BBQ Supper: Tuesday, September 20 at 6:00 PM. Attendance is free and no RSVP is necessary. Email lutherancm@u.northwestern.edu with questions.
- Summer Worship (a meal and evening prayer): Wednesdays from 6:00 – 6:45 PM
- Worship with Holy Communion: Sundays at 11:00 AM
Norris Mini Courses
The Norris Mini Course program offers a wide variety of non-credit, recreational classes for adults four times a year (October, January, April, and July). Established in 1973, the program continues to offer over 30 recreational courses. The classes offer intense individual attention while operating in a relaxed, informal environment. Registration is open to the Northwestern community and the public.
- Fall Quarter classes will begin on Monday, October 3. Click here to view class and registration information.
Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA)
The NAA seeks to inspire Northwestern alumni intellectually, socially, and professionally through programs that spark lifelong curiosity, connection, and growth. NAA fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between and among Northwestern University and its alumni through meaningful, diverse engagement opportunities worldwide.
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) supports graduate students through all stages of the career development process, from career exploration to applying to opportunities. For students unsure of their next step, dedicated TGS staff help graduate students reflect on their professional skills and values and help connect that reflection to targeted career fields of interest. Beyond exploration, we are here to help students develop a job search strategy, assemble application materials, navigate the interview process, and enter into the negotiation process. NCA supports students throughout their time at Northwestern and provides expert consultation for students considering a wide range of careers, including (but not limited to) careers in academia, consulting, research & development, and policy. To learn more about upcoming events and to schedule an appointment with our team, please visit Handshake, NCA’s career portal.
Northwestern Dining
Northwestern Dining provides dining halls and campus convenience stores. Each of the residential dining commons features an all-you-care-to-eat menu with a wide range of choices. Meals are planned with students’ preferences and suggestions in mind and include a diverse range of healthy choices, traditional heartland entrees, ethnic selections, and vegetarian and vegan options. In addition to the main dining commons, other on-campus dining options include residential cafes, two convenience stores ("c-stores"), and the Norris University Center.
Northwestern Hillel
Northwestern Hillel works to inspire Jewish students to make a meaningful and enduring commitment to Jewish life so that they may enhance the Jewish community, the campus, and the world.
Northwestern University Health Service Pharmacy
The NUHS Pharmacy is here to serve your prescription drug and over-the-counter medication needs. The pharmacy accepts most major prescription benefit plans. Patients who use NUHS may have their prescriptions filled at the pharmacy of their own choice. A valid Northwestern Wildcard is necessary to use the Pharmacy. Prescriptions from licensed physicians are filled by our registered pharmacist at a reasonable cost and are frequently below the cost charged at local retail pharmacies when not using insurance.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Northwestern University Police
University Police works closely with students, faculty, and staff to create a safe living, learning, and research environment on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. We work to provide professional, courteous, and effective law enforcement service to our community. We provide a full range of services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department has the primary responsibility for crime prevention, law enforcement, parking control, emergency preparedness/response, and security at special events. We also house the Office of Emergency Management and the Residential Security Program.
Northwestern University Women’s Center
The Northwestern Women’s Center is committed to gender equality and inclusion at Northwestern University. The center serves as a space for support, community, advocacy, and affirmation for women and other people who may be navigating marginalization on campus and in society. The Women's Center is committed to advancing women, gender equity, and inclusion through engaging the Northwestern University community.
NU Recreation
NU Recreation provides a variety of recreation, fitness, and sport activities designed to foster individual development, enrich University life, and engage the University community in positive lifestyle choices.
NU Votes
NU Votes is a campus-wide voter engagement initiative designed to help students get registered, get educated, and get to the polls. We offer year-round services to help eligible students participate in federal, state, and local elections. NU Votes staff can help you register to vote, check or update your registration, or request or return an absentee ballot for all 50 states, access printing, mailing, and other resources, and get all of your voting questions answered.
NU Votes also organizes voter education and turnout efforts and works with campus partners to offer political and democratic engagement-related programming throughout the year. During major election seasons, grad students can join our team as Ambassadors to organize their peers and promote voter engagement on campus.
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is a partner to anyone at Northwestern who is navigating harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct, as a target, bystander, or leader. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is available to serve graduate students who have experienced harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct, by providing resources, options, and support services. Our office implements Northwestern’s policies on harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct by providing ongoing education for students, staff, and faculty in each of these areas. Have questions about where or how to report misconduct? Wondering about reporting obligations as a teaching or graduate assistant? Need assistance connecting with supportive resources on campus? We are here to help.
Office of Fellowships
The Office of Fellowships consists of a team of specialists who match students with awards and serve as coaches and mentors throughout the application process. We can help you find fellowships in a wide variety of areas, from preliminary research through dissertation research and completion. To see a full list of our services, visit our services page. If you are interested in learning more, make an appointment or come to our drop-in hours.
- Q&A Session with the Office of Fellowships: Friday, September 9 from 12:00–1:00 PM CDT. This Q&A session is optional. Register for this session here. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form.
Office of Global Safety & Security (OGSS)
Northwestern cares about its students, particularly when traveling internationally for University-sponsored activities.
To provide the best service, all graduate and professional students are required to register their travel with OGSS. The information in the travel registry will be used to share health and safety resources and allow OGSS to reach out to travelers in an emergency abroad.
Before traveling internationally, please visit the OGSS website for advice on handling emergencies abroad, travel policies for graduate students, health, safety and security information, links to resources, and how to contact OGSS.
If you have any questions or would like to have a virtual or in-person appointment, please email Beth Osterlund, Assistant Director, OGSS.
Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI)
OIDI works across the University to identify and develop solutions to persistent and uneven access, retention, and advancement of underrepresented and marginalized faculty, staff, and students.
Office of International Student and Scholar Services
The mission of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) is to enrich the academic, research, and cultural experience of Northwestern's international students, visitors, employees, and families. OISS provides advising services and supportive programs to Northwestern’s international students and scholars.
Office of the Ombudsperson
The Office of the Ombudsperson is a confidential, impartial, informal and independent resource here to provide the Northwestern University community with the opportunity to work through issues and concerns outside of formal channels. Services include but are not limited to conflict resolution consultation, facilitated communication, mediation, leadership development and coaching, and confidential review of letters and documents. When facing a challenge or uncertainty about where to go or which university policy or procedure applies in your situation, the University Ombudsperson is available to assist in clarifying issues and to help you identify options to move forward.
- Learn more about service here and reach out to ombuds@northwestern.edu or (847) 467-2430 to schedule an appointment.
Office of Work/Life & Family Resources
The Office of Work/Life & Family Resources, in partnership with TGS, HR WELL, and other University partners, offers a wide range of resources to support the needs of Northwestern students who are parents, as they navigate the competing demands of academic and family life. Please email wellbeing@northwestern.edu with questions about Northwestern benefits for students who are parents, as well as to set up a one-on-one consultation.
Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment necessary.
- Evanston Campus:
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1-100- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Chicago Campus:
710 N Lake Shore Drive, Room 150- Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
One Book One Northwestern
One Book One Northwestern is a community‐wide reading program hosted by the Office of the President. It aims to engage the campus in a common conversation centered on a carefully chosen, thought-provoking book. This year's selection How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with The History of Slavery Across America, by renowned poet and journalist Clint Smith. Smith presents both historical research and interviews with ordinary people at historic sites, thus painting a picture both of history and a variety of people’s contemporary — and often inaccurate — understandings of it.
Throughout the year, events like lectures, films, and discussion groups provide an opportunity for individuals to gather and talk about the issues presented in the book. Many of these events are open to the public and the entire community is invited to participate.
Religious & Spiritual Life
The Office of Religious & Spiritual Life (RSL) provides programs, staff, and spaces to help students explore meaning and purpose, grow in their religious or spiritual traditions, practice social justice, and create community. They welcome all people, regardless of religious, spiritual, or secular background. RSL is here for you if are seeking resources in a particular faith tradition, craving more depth in your daily life, or needing a caring presence in a difficult moment.
Research Communication Training Program (RCTP)
With so much groundbreaking research taking place here at Northwestern, it is increasingly important to convey the results of that research clearly and concisely to a broad variety of audiences—from expert to general. Not only are such communication skills a vital component of conveying one’s message, but they also require diligent practice in order to become second nature.
The goals of the RCTP are to increase awareness for the urgent need for excellent research communicators and to coach graduate and postdoctoral researchers to improve their own presentation skills. The program focuses on three important and basic components of communication: building confidence in all communication roles, enhancing the clarity of the message, and forming a connection with any audience.
Residential Services - Operations and Services
Residential Services offers three residence halls for graduate students: Engelhart Hall, Garrett Place Apartments, and McManus Center. Engelhart Hall and the Garrett Place Apartments are available to all graduate students; McManus Center units are available to Kellogg graduate students only. In order to apply for housing, you must be accepted into your specific program.
Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching
Whether you are a new TA or an experienced instructor, the Searle Center has an array of programs and events to help develop skills and connect with instructors across disciplines. The Searle Center offers assistance in preparing for teaching responsibilities and course development, creating engaging learning environments for students in the classroom, developing materials, and preparing for the job market.
- 2022 Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff: Thursday, August 25 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM in Norris Center. First time TAs and instructors are invited; event is free to attend, but registration is required by Monday, August 15. Click here to register.
Sheil Catholic Center
The Sheil Catholic Center is the Roman Catholic campus ministry for the Northwestern University campus. At Sheil, you will find a Chapel and gathering space to meet for worship, religious education, and community activities, as well as a haven for personal prayer, meditation, study, spiritual direction, and pastoral counseling.
- Graduate Students & Young Adults (GYA) Mass and Cookout: Sunday, September 18, cookout after 5:00 PM mass.
- See our upcoming events
- Join Mailing List
Student Finance
Student Finance helps students navigate questions concerning student accounts, billing and payments, financial aid, and student loans. It is the hub of student financial information and transactions.
Student Health Insurance Office
The Student Health Insurance Office at Northwestern can help yousuccessfully navigate University insurance policies and annual requirements, learn about insurance options, choices, and how to determine the best fit for your personal healthcare needs, and resolve insurance billing and claims issues, irrespective of whether you are covered through the student insurance plan (NU-SHIP) or an alternate plan.
Northwestern requires all degree-seeking students to have comprehensive health insurance coverage. Therefore, all students are defaulted annually into the NU-SHIP. If you intend on utilizing the NU-SHIP coverage we encourage you to confirm your enrollment via the online coverage selection form in CAESAR. You may waive your NU-SHIP enrollment by affirming that you have alternate health insurance that meets the university's comparable coverage requirements via the online coverage selection form in CAESAR.
The deadline to confirm or waive your NU-SHIP enrollment this year is Saturday, October 1, 2022.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
sustainNU
sustainNU is a University-wide program that engages students, faculty, and staff in reducing Northwestern’s impact on the environment, leading the way toward a more sustainable future. The program supports the execution of the University’s Strategic Sustainability Plan and commitment to cultivating an ecologically sound, socially just, and economically sustainable culture at Northwestern. sustainNU spearheads programs and cross-institutional initiatives to realize these goals, encouraging our entrepreneurial students, industry-leading researchers, world-class faculty, and dedicated staff to integrate sustainability into all their endeavors.
TGS Graduate Student Funding
The Graduate Student Funding team is here to support all PhDs and MFA students and their home programs with any financial inquiries you may have during your academic career at Northwestern. We oversee and advise on graduate student funding policies and procedures which include your monthly stipend, quarterly tuition scholarship, and health insurance subsidy.
- Q&A Session with TGS Student Funding Team: Wednesday, August 31 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
TGS Office of Diversity & Inclusion
The Graduate School’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) focuses on the recruitment and support of underrepresented populations to foster an inclusive environment and facilitate community engagement. We are committed to the personal and intellectual growth of our diverse student population.
TGS Office of Student Life
The Graduate School's Office of Student Life attends to various aspects of the campus environment to ensure your success at Northwestern. Student Life does this by identifying and informing TGS students of campus-wide, graduate student-specific resources, advocating for TGS students across Northwestern University by speaking on behalf of our student body, championing graduate students' interest with campus partners, and providing opportunities for graduate students to communicate with the Northwestern administration directly.
Student Life provides resources to TGS students, including U-Pass, funding for graduate student organizations and associations, legal services, and TGS Commons. CTA University Pass (U-Pass) is a discounted fare card that replaces cash/other transit cards for all CTA fares. It does not require a transfer or surcharge for unlimited rides all day, every day. It is offered as part of the Activity Fee charged to full-time enrolled students. In order for your U-Pass to be activated for the Fall 2022 Quarter, you need to indicate that you intend to use the U-Pass and will pay the $125 activity fee by submitting this opt-in form by Sunday, October 23.
TGS funds and supports a number of graduate student associations and organizations of all types. All currently enrolled, full-time TGS students are eligible to receive free legal consultation via TGS Legal Services. TGS Commons is a space reserved for TGS students and affiliated constituents that is accessible by Wildcard.
Please email TGS Associate Director of Student Life Lauren-Ashley Buchanan with any questions or to schedule a consultation appointment.
TGS Professional Development
Graduate school is more than just research and coursework. No matter your professional goals, your graduate experience can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of careers. The Graduate School is here to help you develop competencies to excel at Northwestern and beyond.
We collaborate with University and program partners to support graduate student professional development. TGS promotes interdepartmental, interdisciplinary, and interinstitutional programming to meet the needs of master’s and doctoral graduate students. The programs and resources developed by TGS can be found in our professional development tool.
TGS Student Services
Transportation & Parking Services
Transportation & Parking Services, a part of the Department of Safety & Security at Northwestern, manages the parking, commuting, and travel needs of our campus community. Our services include shuttles, parking, and commuter options.
U.S. Bank at Norris University Center
U.S. Bank is proud to be your campus banking partner.
Boost your financial wellness and enter to win a scholarship.*
To help you manage your money throughout your college experience and beyond, U.S. Bank offers financial resources, webinars and even a scholarship opportunity. When you visit the Financial IQ Student Center, you can start building smart financial habits and learn more about the scholarship. Educational videos and interactive tools help improve your money management skills, plus you can sign up to watch live or previous webinars on budgeting, avoiding student debt, investing and more. And discover how the short online financial lessons set you up for a chance to win a scholarship.
*Scholarship only available at select times throughout the year.
Banking convenience
Open a U.S. Bank Checking Account* and link it to your Wild Card – making it your all-in-one campus ID and ATM/debit card. We’ve made it convenient for you to manage your money with a great checking account for students.
- U.S. Bank Northwestern University - Norris University Center
- 847.475.3025
- All regular account opening procedures apply. $25 minimum deposit is required to open a U.S. Bank Checking Account. Fees for non-routine transaction may apply. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2022 U.S. Bank.
- Your school chose U.S. Bank to add optional banking functionality to the campus ID card and may receive financial support from U.S. Bank to offset costs otherwise incurred by the school. Students, faculty, and staff are not required to open an account with U.S. Bank to receive or use the campus ID card for other campus services.
University Christian Ministry (UCM)
UCM is an ecumenical campus ministry sponsored by the United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches composed of undergraduate and graduate students. We strive to live our motto "Open Hearts, Open Minds" by encouraging an authentic community of open dialogue. At UCM, we worship God, follow Jesus, love one another and serve our neighbor. Whatever your faith or doubts, you are welcome here!
- UCM Ice Cream Social: Monday, September 19 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 1834 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. No RSVP is required.
University Libraries
Northwestern Libraries provide large collections of books, databases, journals, unique materials, primary sources, and more to support the research needs of graduate students. The Libraries also have subject librarians who offer information and research support to all of the departments and programs on campus. No matter what department you are in, there is a librarian you can reach out to. Your personal librarian can answer your questions about the many library services and resources, help you navigate the large amount of online and print collections in your subject area, and assist you through the research process. In addition to subject-based research support, librarians offer specialized services to assist you with citation management software, geographic information system (GIS), data analysis, digital publishing, and more. Please email Steven Adams, librarian for graduate and postdoctoral initiatives, with any questions.
- The University Libraries’ 2022 Research Resources Forum (RRF): Wednesday, September 14 (in-person) and Monday, September 19 (in-person). Look for details and registration information in the TGS Wire e-newsletter next month.
Via (SafeRide)
Safe Ride has partnered with Via on-demand transportation service to provide a safe and free alternative to walking alone at night.
Wildcard Office
A Northwestern University identification card (Wildcard) is issued to each student by the Wildcard Office.
Your Wildcard is your photo identification/all-purpose card on campus. Use it at the library, recreational facilities, student elections, Norris University Center, and campus events.
All students must submit their photo for their Wildcard online (in-person photos are no longer an option). To learn how your Wildcard will be distributed, please check with your program.
An appointment is required to visit the Wildcard Office due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To schedule an appointment and view current hours of operation, please visit the Wildcard Office website.