Our Mission
The Graduate School enhances Northwestern University’s academic excellence and reputation by providing centralized support and services across the graduate community.
We advocate for excellence and disciplinary variety in graduate and postdoctoral training, cultivate resources and support that promote distinction in interdisciplinary scholarship, and connect students and postdocs with supportive communities and global opportunities.
Strategic approach
In order to achieve our mission, our strategic approach at The Graduate School is to:
Advocate
For:
- Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
- An equal opportunity experience for graduate students across Northwestern
- A clearly defined postdoctoral experience across Northwestern
- Mentorship for all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
- Comprehensive academic and professional development for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
Cultivate
- Recruitment and retention of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
- Clear processes and empathetic support systems
- Resources and support for excellence in interdisciplinary scholarship and research
- A comprehensive approach to graduate student and postdoctoral wellness and engagement in collaboration with campus partners
- The global leadership abilities of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
Connect
Current and prospective graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, graduate faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni with:
- Each other, facilitating collaboration and fostering community
- Information, centrally gathered and shared
- Supportive communities and global opportunities
- Experts and resources within and beyond Northwestern
- Partners in recruitment, engagement, and academic and professional development