Winter Quarter TGS Activity Fee and U-Pass Access
Due to the ongoing global pandemic and the fact that many courses will be taught remotely this winter, The Graduate School will not charge a Winter Quarter activity fee for full-time students and will not activate any U-Passes for the Winter Quarter unless you choose to opt in.
If you are a full-time student and plan to use your U-Pass transit card during the Winter Quarter, please complete this opt-in form. We will activate your U-Pass, and a Winter Quarter activity fee of $125 will be applied to your student account. Please note, the Winter Quarter begins on Monday, January 11, 2021 and ends on Monday, March 29, 2021.
If you already have a U-Pass, your Winter Quarter U-Pass benefits will be activated on Monday, January 11, 2021 (or on the next business day after you opt in). If you do not already have a U-Pass, one will need to be issued. Please ensure that your photo has been submitted to the Wildcard Office and that your current address is up to date in CAESAR, then fill in the opt-in form. You then will be provided the option to have your U-Pass card mailed to you or to pick up your card by appointment at The Graduate School's Evanston office located in the Rebecca Crown Center. If you choose to pick up your card, appointments will be available after the Winter Quarter Wildcat Wellness period ends on Monday, January 17, 2021.
- In order for your U-Pass to be activated at the start of Winter Quarter on Monday, January 11, 2021, please complete the opt-in form by Monday, December 7, 2020. Students with active Fall Quarter U-Passes are encouraged to opt in by December 7 to avoid any interruption in their U-Pass service.
- If you are unsure of your Winter Quarter plans, you may opt in any time before Thursday, February 18, 2021, but your U-Pass will not be active until the next business day after you complete the form.
Students enrolled in the Online Master of Arts in Counseling Program through The Family Institute, TGS 512 (continuous registration), TGS 514, or a co-op internship are not charged an activity fee and are not eligible for the services it provides.
Depending on how often you plan to use your U-Pass during the Winter Quarter, it may be more affordable to pay the activity fee of $125 for continuous service or to pay out of pocket. Please refer to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) fare chart to help make the decision that is best for you.
Once you choose to opt in and your U-Pass has been activated, you will not be able to change your decision due to our contractual obligations with the CTA/Ventra. In addition, per our contract, we will not be able to honor any new U-Pass activation requests for the Winter Quarter after Thursday, February 18, 2021.
If you do not plan to use your U-Pass during the Winter Quarter, no further action is needed. Your U-Pass will be inactive, and you will not be charged the Winter Quarter activity fee.
If you previously applied for and/or were approved for an activity fee waiver for the Winter Quarter, opting in for the U-Pass will supersede the waiver, and you will be charged the activity fee. Otherwise, you do not need to submit an activity fee waiver request since TGS is only charging an activity fee for the Winter Quarter to those who are using their U-Pass.
All TGS eligible students will retain access to TGS Legal Services, which is also covered by the quarterly activity fee.
The CTA is placing the highest priority on keeping everyone healthy and safe. Please visit the CTA Coronavirus webpage to read more about their safety measures and additional tips for riders.
Please email tgs-u-pass@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lauren-Ashley Buchanan, PhD
Associate Director, Student Life
The Graduate School