Fall 2023 Welcome Events: The Graduate School

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Fall 2023 Welcome Events

Fall 2023 Welcome Events

August 21, 2023

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

Last updated: September 20, 2023

Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff

Thursday, September 14 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Norris University Center

The Searle Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning invites new teaching assistants (TAs) and graduate student instructors to register for the Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff. Attend informative sessions with campus partners and interactive teaching sessions led by experienced graduate students as they help prepare you for your new teaching roles at Northwestern. Please register by Wednesday, August 30 (space is limited).

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion Welcome Reception

Thursday, September 14 from 4:00–6:00 PM at Guild Lounge (Scott Hall)

The Graduate School (TGS) Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) invites all new and continuing graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of underrepresented and marginalized (URM) populations to attend their annual ODI Welcome Reception! Please join ODI for an evening of networking and fellowship to kick off the Fall Quarter.

Graduate Library Orientation and Welcome (GLOW)

Thursday, September 14 from 10:00–11:45 AM CDT via Zoom and Monday, September 18 at University Libraries

The Graduate Library Orientation & Welcome (GLOW) is a two-day conference designed to introduce graduate students to the many resources available to them at Northwestern University Libraries. Students will have the opportunity to meet with librarians and subject specialists who will help guide their research whether on campus or remotely. GLOW is presented in collaboration with the majority of the schools and disciplines university-wide. Attend the virtual session on Thursday, September 14 from 10:00–11:45 AM CDT, and the in-person session on Monday, September 18 from 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM. Please email Steven Adams, Librarian for Graduate and Postdoctoral Initiatives, with any questions.

Theater Delta Presents: Proaction

Friday, September 15 from 1:00–2:30 PM at McCormick Auditorium (Norris University Center)

The Graduate School's Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI) will host an interactive mentor training for new and continuing students in preparation for the new academic year with Theater Delta. This interactive theater performance equips graduate students with strategies to maximize relationships with their mentors. Students will observe three distinct interactions between a graduate student and her mentor over the course of her first year, asking questions of both characters and participating in a facilitated discussion with a nationally-acclaimed researcher and storyteller. Participants will explore how to establish expectations and healthy boundaries, manage time and competing responsibilities, communicate proactively and effectively, address power dynamics, and build strong, meaningful relationships with a mentoring network.

Jewish High Holidays with Hillel

Friday, September 15 through Monday, September 25

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur with Northwestern Hillel – the center for Jewish life on campus!

Register on the events platform – the Northwestern Hillel Hub – to join Northwestern Hillel for songful and soulful High Holiday services, delicious meals, as well as fun and meaningful programming to kick off the year just right. Reform and Conservative Services will all take place at Norris University Center and meals will all be at the Friedman Center for Jewish Life at Fiedler Hillel (AKA Hillel) on Foster Street. Hillel is also seeking volunteers to be part of their High Holiday services. Register here to volunteer.

Chinese New Student Orientation

Sunday, September 17 from 2:00–5:30 PM

Meet with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) on Sunday, September 17 from 2:00–5:30 PM. Please email cssa@u.northwestern.edu for more event details.

Open Democracy Project Fall Welcome Social

Thursday, September 21 from 5:00–6:00 PM

The mission of the Open Democracy Project (ODP) is to train the next generation of social justice activists to get involved in real campaigns in the local community such as Participatory Budgeting (PB Evanston) and on-campus through organizations such as Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) and Northwestern University Graduate Workers (NUGW-UE). Join ODP for a fall welcome social event on Thursday, September 21 from 5:00–6:00 PM to learn how to get involved! Location details forthcoming.

International Student and Scholar Welcome Picnic

Thursday, September 21 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Centennial Park

Join the Northwestern chapter of the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) campus ministry for a welcome picnic open to all international students and scholars. Enjoy BBQ and vegetarian options, yard games, and soccer! Please fill out this registration form to RSVP and indicate if you have any eating restrictions.

Native American and Indigenous Welcome Reception

Friday, September 22 from 12:00–2:00 PM at 515 Clark Street

Attend the Native American and Indigenous Welcome Reception on Friday, September 22 from 12:00–2:00 PM at 515 Clark Street, hosted by the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern (CNAIR). Learn about Indigenous initiatives across campus and meet with CNAIR staff, students, and faculty. Enjoy free lunch and interactive games on the CNAIR lawn. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No registration is required.

Learn More about the CNAIR Welcome Reception.

Northwestern UBF BBQ Cookout

Friday, September 22 at 5:30 PM at 2043 Sherman Avenue

Come and enjoy a BBQ cookout hosted by Northwestern University Bible Fellowship (UBF) at their ministry house to kick off the new school year.

Graduate Christian Fellowship's Welcome Back BBQ

Saturday, September 23 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Clark Street Beach

Join Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF) at Clark Street Beach for a Welcome Back BBQ! Graduate students are invited to savor delicious food and engage in uplifting conversations. Connect with fellow students to kick off the fall quarter together. No registration needed.

Fall Welcome and Worship

Sunday, September 24 from 5:00–7:00 PM at 2010 Orrington Avenue

Hosted by Canterbury Northwestern, this open-house event invites students to gather for dinner and evening prayer at their newly renovated house at 2010 Orrington Avenue. Please fill out this registration form to RSVP and indicate if you have any eating restrictions.

Casual Worship Welcome BBQ

Sunday, September 24 from 5:00–7:00 PM at 1834 Chicago Avenue

University Christian Ministry (United Methodist and Presbyterian) hosts casual worship for students on Sundays at 5:00 PM in the ministry living room at 1834 Chicago Avenue. UCM promotes an authentic community of radical inclusivity. First worship will be followed by a Kick-Off BBQ. No registration is necessary.

CGSA Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, September 27 from 3:00–6:00 PM at the Method Atrium (Tarry Research & Education Building)

Join the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) for a free ice cream social (including dairy-free options). Meet your fellow Chicago-campus graduate students, and learn about CGSA! Please fill out this registration form to RSVP and indicate if you have any eating restrictions.

SPOT Evanston Campus Kick-Off

Thursday, September 28 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Evanston Lakefill Firepit

Join Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) for their 2023 Evanston Campus kick-off! Come meet other graduate students who are passionate about advocating for science and scientifically-sound public policy while you enjoy a bonfire and free food (including s'mores)! Open to all academic disciplines; no RSVP required.

Back to School with SPIE

Friday, September 29 from 3:30–4:30 PM at the Francis Searle Building 3220

Join NU Photonics, the student chapter of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), to build your own back-to-school study snack pack! Connect with current and prospective members of SPIE, grab some snacks, and learn about Northwestern's chapter of the International Society for Optics and Photonics.

Northwestern UBF Student Welcome

Friday, September 29 at 7:00 PM at Annenberg Hall Room G15

Northwestern University Bible Fellowship (UBF) is hosting a welcome meeting for all interested students to learn more about their ministry. Enjoy delicious food and singing performances with their praise team, and connect with current members to learn what worship services and events UBF has planned throughout the academic year.

Keynotes A Capella Auditions

Sunday, October 1 at 2:00 PM at Parkes Hall Choir Room (Room 34 in Alice Millar Chapel)

The audition date for Keynotes A Cappella is on Sunday, October 1 at 2:00 PM at the Parkes Hall Choir Room (Room 34) in Alice Millar Chapel. Please email Janan or fill out this interest form to sign up for an audition.

Ombuds Day Open House

Thursday, October 12 from 9:30–11:30 AM at 555 Clark Street - Suite 209

The Office of the Ombudsperson invites the Northwestern University community to celebrate Annual Ombuds Day. Breakfast will be served at 9:30 AM followed by a short presentation about ombuds services. Feel free to come by anytime. You do not need to stay for the full duration or arrive at the beginning of the event.

Highlights of this event will:

Educate the public about the role of ombuds
Explain the wide variety of services that ombuds provide
Encourage greater use of ombuds programs and services

Learn more about the services of the Office of the Ombudsperson here and reach out to ombuds@northwestern.edu with any questions.

CTC Fall Quarterly Event

Thursday, October 12 from 12:00–1:30 PM at Ryan Hall 4003

Climate Tech Club (CTC) hosts a range of quarterly events, including guest lectures from NU faculty and researchers at climate tech start-ups, field trips to local R&D and climate tech companies, Power Hours featuring research from fellow NU graduate students, a book club, and a climate discussion group where we talk about current events in all things climate change and sustainability. Attend our Fall Quarterly Event on Thursday, October 12 from 12:30–1:30 PM in Ryan Hall 4003. The event will begin with a presentation explaining what the CTC is about and outlining future events. We will conclude with a few rounds of climate change trivia. Lunch will be provided for the first 30 people to register here.

JGSA Fall Welcome

Friday, October 13 from 5:00–8:00 PM

The Japanese Graduate Student Association (JGSA) invites any individuals interested in connecting with the Japanese graduate and postdoctoral community at Northwestern to attend our Fall Welcome Event on Friday, October 13 from 5:00–8:00 PM. We will have plenty of food and drinks to enjoy while you meet other club members at this introductory event. Location and RSVP forms will be forthcoming on our website.

Native Seed and Plant Swap Social

Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00–8:00 PM at TGS Commons (2122 Sheridan Road)

The Northwestern Graduate Student Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration wants to help you begin or expand your own native plant garden! Everyone in attendance will leave with plant seeds but consider bringing native plant seeds to the swap. We will also screen a 60-minute documentary titled “Native Seeds: Supplying Restoration.” All are welcome regardless of whether you are an experienced native plant gardener, or brand new to native plant conservation. Light refreshments will be served. Please register here by Tuesday, October 10. Please email ser.nu.studentchapter@gmail.com for more event details.

GradSWE Fest

Details forthcoming

Hosted by Northwestern's graduate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE). Come meet other women in graduate engineering programs, eat some pizza, and play yard games! Please email nuswe.grad@gmail.com for more event details.

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