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Student Organizations & Campus Partners
The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern University offers a wide range of educational, cultural and social activities for graduate students. Take a moment to explore the opportunities below to combine your unique talents and vision with others in the community.
Black Graduate Student Association 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.
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BGSA Orientation Meet and Greet: Thursday, September 24 at 12:00 PM. Click here to join. Email BGSA@northwestern.edu with any inquiries about this event.
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.
Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA)
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: Friday, September 18 at 7:00 PM. Please follow updates on CSSA's Wechat Subscription Account (NorthwesternCSSA) to join.
- Email cssa@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
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.
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 HeatherMcCambly2021@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.
- Join Mailing List
- GCF Information Session: Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 PM. Click here to join.
- Email n-lauffer@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
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
- Join Mailing List
- Virtual Welcome Event: Monday, September 14 at 7:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email gisa@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
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.
- Join Mailing List
- GLAC Information Session: Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email glac@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
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.
Graduate Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE)
GradSWE is the graduate student faction of the Northwestern University Society of Women Engineers 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: Thursday, September 24 at 5:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email nuswe.grad@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
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.
- Join Mailing List
- Speed Friending with GSA: Thursday, September 10 at 5:00 PM. Click here to RSVP.
- Email yeonjunjeong2021@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
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.
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 abdolghaniebrahimi2021@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Keynotes Graduate Student A Cappella
Keynotes Graduate Student A Cappella originally formed as the Catatonics in 1997. Since then, this group has found a place in the musical community in Evanston. They perform both on and off-campus, at show halls, saloons, street corners, and salons!
Please email sonica@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
McCormick Graduate Leadership Council (MGLC)
MGLC is one of the largest student groups at Northwestern, comprised of master's and PhD students across all McCormick departments. 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, in addition to a variety of networking opportunities.
Please email mglc@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- MGLC Welcome Event: Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email mglc@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
Mental Health Mix & Mingle
The purpose of Mental Health Mix & Mingle is to provide a supportive and relaxing environment for students affiliated with The Family Institute to connect socially on a personal and professional level.
Please email cristianlucas2020@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 "large groups" to speak with and learn from qualified educational professionals and quarterly social events to build the community of graduate students.
Please email nu.morning.mentors@gmail.com with any questions.
Northwestern Energy Technology Group (NETG)
NETG is about current energy technology topics and engages with students who share an interest in them. We host presentations from academia and business pertaining to current energy topics, focusing mainly on the policy and technology side of energy. NETG also runs a biweekly discussion group, organizes field trips, and performs outreach.
Please email netg@u.northwestern.edu 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.
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.
- Welcome Back Speakeasy: Thursday, September 17 at 5:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email nuswingdance@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
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)
SACNAS is a national organization committed to promoting the success of underrepresented individuals in STEM, from college students to professionals. The Northwestern SACNAS chapter primarily serves underrepresented graduate students through professional development, outreach, and cultural activities.
Please email nusacnas@gmail.com with any questions.
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 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 Public Speaking Club Kick-Off Meeting: Friday, September 25 at 5:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email northwesternpublicspeaking@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
NU Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Student Chapter
The aim of the Northwestern Student Chapter of SIAM is to provide a platform for students involved in science to interact with one another. We organize social and scientific events that bring together students from all areas of science as SIAM is a strong promoter of interdisciplinary collaboration. Students that use mathematical, computational, statistical or visualization methods for their research are strongly encouraged to become a member and participate in this organization!
Please email northwestern.siam.group@gmail.com with 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.
Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA)
QPGSA is an award-winning social, advocacy, and academic group for the LGBTQIA+ graduate student community at Northwestern. Founded in 2005, our membership now includes more than 500 graduate students. QPGSA is committed to developing an inclusive, affirming, and justice-oriented sense of community among the LGBTQIA+ graduate students at Northwestern.
QPGSA does this in four primary ways:
- Advocacy: As a campus advocacy group, increasing awareness and action around the interests impacting Northwestern's LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Social: As a social group, providing community building and networking opportunities for graduate and professional students.
- Service & Activism: As a political advocacy group, working in concert with various LGBTQIA+ organizations to advance the interests of and provide services for the broader Chicago LGBTQIA+ community.
- Academic: As an academic group, promoting and encouraging intellectual debate over the issues that impact LGBTQIA+ communities broadly. QPGSA does this primarily through its annual Queertopia conference.
In addition to various quarterly and monthly social events, QPGSA also works collaboratively with NU's Rainbow Alliance, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, Pride@Kellogg, Northwestern Law's OUTLaw group, the Women’s Center, and Northwestern Medical School's Out Network. Further, QPGSA regularly collaborates with other TGS graduate associations, including the Black Graduate Student Association, Comunidad Latinx, and Graduate Women Across Northwestern. QPGSA has also teamed up with various Chicagoland LGBTQIA+ organizations, such as the Transformative Justice Law Project, Equality Illinois, and Howard Brown Health.
Please email nuqpgsa@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- QPGSA Fall Welcome Event: Monday, September 21 at 5:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email nuqpgsa@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT)
SPOT is a non-partisan organization of Northwestern researchers focused on advocating for science, evidence-based reasoning, and scientifically-sound policy to the voting-aged public and policymakers. Members have the opportunity to learn and put effective science advocacy into political action through events to educate voters, meetings to educate and collaborate with policymakers, educational seminars to learn about the interface of science and policy, and activities with external science policy entities. 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
- SPOT Kickoff: Friday, October 2 at 12:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email spotforcenu@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
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.
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.
- Join Mailing List
- TGS Students with Children Virtual Social Hour & New Student Welcome Event: Friday, September 25 at 4:00 PM. Click here to join.
- Email christopher.dinkel@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
Werewolves Club
Werewolves Club is a strategic game-based organization aiming to improve critical thinking and public speaking skills. "Werewolf" is basically poker, plus rationalization, minus cards and betting. During the game, each player needs to logically come up with convincing speeches and reasonable deductions within a very short period of time. Many have found that they have become better at critical thinking and making impromptu speeches after participating. More importantly, they develop strong bonds among themselves while having great fun. Players of any experience level are welcome, and members are ready and able to teach the game to any new players. At this stage, we mainly focus on Werewolves using Chinese, but ultimately we would like to include players from all over the world and introduce more strategic board games.
Please email bingjiexu2023@northwestern.edu 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
- WISER Fall Welcome Social: Wednesday, October 14 at 4:00 PM. Click here to RSVP. Email wisernorthwestern@gmail.com with any inquiries about this event.
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.
Canterbury Northwestern
As the Episcopal campus ministry at Northwestern, Canterbury Northwestern strives to pray without ceasing, to think through our faith, to live justly, to love mercy, and to create rich and meaningful friendships along the way. If you are looking for a place where you can connect and pray with other students, ask hard questions, think deep thoughts, dream big dreams, strive for social justice, and laugh until you snort, or if you just need a quiet place to go, be safe, and escape the frenzy of university life for a little while, Canterbury House is waiting for you.
Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE)
The mission of CARE is to create a culture of healthy sexuality at Northwestern University where sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking are not tolerated. CARE is a confidential space for students impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking, including friends or partners of survivors. CARE can provide a space to process, ask questions, safety plan, and learn more about the impact of trauma. CARE can be an adviser through the Title IX process and can assist with academic, housing, or other accommodations and support. CARE can connect with legal and medical advocacy, free counseling, and support groups on and off-campus.
Center for Civic Engagement
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) helps close the gap between academic expertise and real-world impact through opportunities for graduate students to apply their skills and knowledge to issues they care about, learn through hands-on practice, and develop collaborations with local partners. In our signature practicum programs, the GEO Community Practicum (GEO) and Northwestern Chicago Humanities Initiative (CHI), students work with community organizations while taking a credit-bearing seminar on public scholarship. CCE also offers periodic workshops for graduate students in everything from writing policy briefs to facilitating civic reflection. Graduate students interested in upcoming opportunities should sign up for our bi-monthly bulletin.
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.
CLIMB - Professional Development and Coaching
The CLIMB Program is a professional development program that guides a diverse group of bioscience PhD students to develop advanced skills for collaborating, communicating, and conducting research across disciplines, and to accelerate their scientific careers. This is accomplished through a two-year sequence of program activities that supplement their training in their primary PhD programs.
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 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, 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 and Postdoctoral Learning, 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 center's Graduate and Postdoctoral Learning Program 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.
Graduate Writing Place
The Graduate Writing Place serves graduate students from across Northwestern’s many schools, departments, and programs, as well as postdoctoral students 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
Health Promotion and Wellness 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. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer telemedicine appointments.
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. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer telemedicine appointments.
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.
Norris Mini Courses
The Norris Mini Course program offers a wide variety of non-credit, recreational classes for adults four times a year, beginning in 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.
Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA)
The Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between and among Northwestern University and its alumni through meaningful, diverse engagement opportunities worldwide.
Northwestern Athletics - Ticket Office
Northwestern Athletics hosts numerous events. When Northwestern hosts conference tournaments or NCAA competitions, there will likely be an admission charge.
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
The mission of Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) is to foster excellence in career development, preparation, and professional opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and alumni by providing comprehensive services and programming and by promoting strong partnerships with employers, academic departments, and the University community.
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. Every meal includes a choice of fresh fruit and beverages; lunch and dinner offer extensive salad and deli bars. 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.
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 Student Health Insurance Program (NU-SHIP)
The Student Health Insurance Office at Northwestern can help you successfully 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 students to maintain health insurance coverage while registered at the University. Registered TGS students will be enrolled each year in NU-SHIP. You may waive NU-SHIP enrollment by affirming that you have alternate, active health insurance that meets NU's comparable coverage requirements.
The deadline to waive or confirm your NU-SHIP enrollment this year is October 1, 2020.
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.
Office of Equity
The Office of Equity works to create a culture of access, belonging, and accountability for all Northwestern community members. This includes supporting those impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
Office of Fellowships
The Office of Fellowships consists of a team of specialists that matches students with awards and serves as coaches and mentors throughout the application process. We can help you find fellowships in a wide variety of areas, from teaching English abroad to working in government at home. 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.
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 Work/Life & Family Resources
The Office of Work/Life & Family Resources, in partnership with TGS 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 contact Lesley Lundeen, Family Resource Liaison, with questions about Northwestern benefits for students who are parents, as well as to set up a one-on-one consultation.
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. The 2020-21 selection of Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy challenges us to examine and confront the systemic racism, inequities, and moral failures of the United States criminal justice system. 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 seeks to support and challenge students in the exploration of making meaning and value of their life experience. Our signature programs, Fall Faith Fest, 40 Days of Spirituality, and Baccalaureate, celebrate the religious and spiritual diversity of Northwestern.
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.
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.
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.
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 Child and Family Resources
Northwestern’s Office of Work/Life & Family Resources, in partnership with The Graduate School 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.
TGS provides 12 weeks of parental accommodation for students of all gender identities and gender expressions who become new parents (whether by childbirth or adoption). Funding may continue (for funded students) and TGS milestone deadlines will be extended (for all parents). This policy is separate from any student absences that are medically necessary due to pregnancy or childbirth.
TGS provides financial assistance for childcare. Portable childcare grants for eligible graduate students for daycare or an in-home provider are available through TGS Graduate Student Childcare Grants. TGS Dependent Care Grants provide taxable funds to assist PhD and MFA students with dependents so that they may participate in professional development meetings and research-related opportunities.
The University offers students the option of enrolling dependents in the student health insurance plan.
TGS 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 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. The Graduate School collaborates 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 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.
TGS 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. U-Pass is a personalized Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) card that enables eligible students to ride CTA buses and trains year-round as part of The Graduate School quarterly activity fee. 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 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 prepared to help you with all of your banking needs while you are at Northwestern University. As the only bank conveniently located on campus, U.S. Bank is available to offer guidance and assistance throughout your time here.
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. UCM offers worship, study, retreats, service projects, and engagement with social justice issues. Whatever your faith or doubts, you are welcome here!
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.
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 card and your all-purpose card on campus. Use it at the library, recreational facilities, student elections, Norris University Center, and at campus events. To visit the Wildcard Office, appointments will be required to honor physical distancing and the health and safety of staff.