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New Student Orientation

Welcome to Northwestern!

The Graduate School (TGS) launched a virtual New Student Orientation via Canvas on Monday, August 19, 2024 for you to complete at your own pace. Instructions on accessing the course have been sent to your Northwestern email address. Please access this course with your NetID and password.

Please complete this virtual orientation prior to the start of the Fall Quarter on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Plan approximately 90 minutes to complete all the modules.

Please note that all aspects of TGS New Student Orientation are suggested, not required. 

The virtual orientation features four modules:

  1. Essential information from key campus partners;
  2. Important resources and services provided by TGS; 
  3. Information about graduate student organizations and campus resources;
  4. Tips for living in the Chicago area (for students who will be on campus). 

Please email tgs@northwestern.edu with any questions.

TGS Resource Fair

TGS will host an in-person resource fair on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 2:00–4:00 PM on the second floor of Norris University Center. The purpose of this fair is to connect incoming TGS students with the community of support at Northwestern, including a wide variety of campus partners and graduate student organizations. 

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

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

Download the Resource Fair Map and Participant List Here

Register here for the TGS Resource Fair

TGS Office of Diversity and Inclusion Welcome Reception

A welcome reception for new students from underrepresented populations will be hosted by The Graduate School's Office of Diversity and Inclusion on Tuesday, September 24, from 4:00–6:00 PM in Guild Lounge at Scott Hall. All new and continuing graduate students and postdoctoral scholars of underrepresented and marginalized (URM) populations are invited to enjoy an evening of networking and fellowship in celebration of the start of Fall Quarter. Please save the date and look for registration information in the coming weeks.

 Virtual Q&A Sessions 

As part of your onboarding process, several student leaders and campus partners hosted optional Q&A sessions via Zoom. View the recordings of these Q&A sessions below.

Q&A Session with AccessibleNU

 Tuesday, September 3 from 1:00–2:00 PM Central Time (CT)

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's academic accommodation, determination, and coordination process for students with disabilities.

Please note: Due to camera issues, this recording view only shows the screen of one participating panelist. We apologize for any confusion.

View the ACCESSIBLENU Q&A Recording

Q&A Session with the Office of Fellowships

Wednesday, September 4 from 12:00–1:00 PM CT 

Designed for all graduate students to learn how to seek out and apply for external fellowship awards. 

VIEW THE OFFICE OF FELLOWSHIPS Q&A RECORDING

Q&A Session with TGS Student Funding Team

Wednesday, September 4 from 2:00–3:00 PM CT

Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The funding team is unable to provide tax advice. 

VIEW THE TGS STUDENT FUNDING Q&A RECORDING

Q&A Session with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)

Thursday, September 5 from 9:00–10:00 AM CT

Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The funding team is unable to provide tax advice. 

Please note: The Q&A Session with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will not be recorded.

Q&A Session with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Thursday, September 5 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's mental health clinical services, consultations, and educational workshops. 

VIEW THE CAPS Q&A RECORDING

Q&A Session with NU Health Services, Pharmacy, and NU Student Health Insurance Program (NU-SHIP)

Thursday, September 5 from 1:00–2:00 PM CT

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's health services and student health insurance requirement.

VIEW THE NU HEALTH Q&A RECORDING

Q&A Session with Current Graduate Students

Friday, September 6 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CT

Designed for all incoming graduate students to ask questions of current TGS students. Topics may include the first-year experience, the adviser/advisee relationship, cultivating mentors, strategies for self-care and mental well-being, extracurricular activities and/or student organizations, living in Evanston and Chicago, and more. 

VIEW THE CURRENT STUDENTS Q&A RECORDING

Fall 2024 Welcome Events

 

Several student organizations and campus partners are hosting welcome events this fall quarter. Check the link below for a list of planned events and activities. This list will be updated as event details come in. 

Last updated: September 23, 2024

VIEW THE FALL 2024 WELCOME EVENTS HERE


Human Resources Office Hours

Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.

These office hours are designed to assist students with completing their Form I-9, setting up their direct deposit and W-4 in myHR, and answering any payroll-related questions. HR staff members also can assist students who are foreign nationals with reviewing documentation, completing the I-9 process, and providing FN tax documentation.

Follow the guidelines on the TGS New Student Onboarding webpage to set up your financial information and email askHR@northwestern.edu with any questions. Note: HR staff members can assist with technical questions related to W-4 tax forms, but they are unable to provide tax advice.