Fall 2024 Welcome Events: The Graduate School

Fall 2024 Welcome Events

Several student-led 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 26, 2024

Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff – Monday, September 16 – AT CAPACITY

First-time graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) and instructors are invited to register for the Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff to be held in person on Monday, September 16 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Norris University Center on the Evanston campus. Event sessions will feature campus partners and interactive teaching sessions led by experienced graduate students. To attend the Fall Kickoff, please register here by Monday, September 9 (space is limited). If capacity is reached or you prefer to attend a later session, registration for the 2025 Spring Quarter Kickoff will open in February.

Ignite, a Welcome Event for New Catholic Students – Monday, September 16

Meet other new students and the Catholic community at Northwestern on Monday, September 16 from 2:00–9:00 PM at the Sheil Catholic Center on the Evanston campus. This event includes Mass, activities, and dinner. If your family member(s) is bringing you to campus, they are welcome to register for the family portion from 5:00–9:00 PM. Can't make the entire event? Come for what you can! Please sign up in advance.

Voter Services with NU Votes – Thursday, September 19

NU Votes offers comprehensive voter services for graduate students. They can help you register to vote, update your voter registration (to your local address in Illinois or a permanent address anywhere in the U.S.), or request an absentee ballot. Visit the voter services stations at the TGS Resource Fair on Thursday, September 19 from 2:00–4:00 PM in the Rock Room at Norris University Center (second floor) on the Evanston campus. Bring your current address, a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID if you have one, and your social security number.

Graduate Library Orientation and Welcome (GLOW) – Friday, September 20 (in-person) and Monday, September 23 (virtual)

Hosted by the Northwestern University Libraries, GLOW prepares incoming graduate students for their first year of library research at Northwestern. Students will have the opportunity to meet with librarians and subject specialists who will help guide their research whether on campus or remotely. Attend the in-person session on Friday, September 20 from 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM in the Main University Library on the Evanston campus or the virtual session on Monday, September 23 from 10:00 AM – 1:45 PM CT via Zoom.

View the GLOW 2024 schedule here

Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) Ice Cream Social – Friday, September 20

Join CGSA on Friday, September 20th from 3:00–5:00 PM in the Ryan Atrium of the Lurie Medical Research Center on the Chicago campus for paletas and to learn more about our organization! Dairy and non-dairy options available! No registration is required.

You are also invited to attend our upcoming Welcome Back to School events to meet with our current students:

Monthly Craft Night – Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00–7:00 PM in the Gray Seminar Room (Lurie 1-165) in the Lurie Medical Research Center. Learn a new craft and make new connections! Snacks and crafting supplies (including a sewing machine) will be provided. Learn more and register here.
Board Game Night – Friday, September 27 from 5:00–7:00 PM in the Gray Seminar Room (Lurie 1-165) in the Lurie Medical Research Center. Play board games while enjoying snacks with your fellow students! Learn more and register here.

CGSA acts as a collective voice for all graduate students on the Chicago campus of Northwestern through programming focused on students' academic, social, outreach, and advocacy needs. We are always looking for new members to help host events such as Graduate Student Appreciation Week (GSAW), academic and professional programming like alumni panels, outreach events like Beach Day Cleanup, and advocacy initiatives like our free menstrual and sexual health products.

TGS Office of Diversity and Inclusion Welcome Reception – Tuesday, September 24

A welcome reception for new students from underrepresented populations will be hosted by The Graduate School's Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) on Tuesday, September 24, from 4:00–6:00 PM in Guild Lounge at Scott Hall on the Evanston campus. 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.

NU-SACNAS Loteria Night – Tuesday, September 24

Join the Northwestern University Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (NU-SACNAS) for a Loteria Night on Tuesday, September 24 from 5:30–6:30 PM in TGS Commons on the Evanston campus. Enjoy snacks and games and meet the SACNAS community at Northwestern. No registration is required.

Open Democracy Project 2024 Fall Social – Thursday, September 26

The Open Democracy Project invites you to attend our 2024 Fall Social on Thursday, September 26 from 3:00–4:00 PM in Annenberg Hall on the Evanston campus. This low-key gathering is open to everyone—no prior experience or involvement needed. Together, we’ll be making Daifukumochi, a delicious Japanese confection consisting of soft, round mochi stuffed with sweet red bean paste and strawberry.

While we enjoy crafting these tasty treats, we’ll also engage in a thoughtful conversation about what citizenship means to each of us. Come for the mochi, stay for the discussion! We hope you'll join us for this fun and relaxing event.

Native American & Indigenous Welcome Reception – Thursday, September 26

Attend the Native American and Indigenous Welcome Reception on Thursday, September 26 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) House at 515 Clark Street on the Evanston campus.

Hosted by the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI), this annual gathering is a great opportunity to meet new and continuing students, faculty, staff, check out the CNAIR space, and learn about how to remain connected with the Indigenous community throughout the year.

The Suite Spot: Meet & Greet and Intention Setting with Religious and Spiritual Life – Thursday, September 26

Come meet the Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) staff and campus partners as we set intentions for the new academic year on Thursday, September 26 from 3:30–5:00 PM in Parkes Hall 120. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be served. Explore more RSL programming here.

International Student and Scholar Welcome Picnic – Thursday, September 26

Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) would like to invite all international students and scholars to a welcome picnic on Thursday, September 26 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Lighthouse Landing Park (immediately north of Evanston campus). There will be yard games and BBQ with vegetarian options available. RSVP and place your BBQ order below:

2024 GradSWE Fest – Friday, September 27

Join the Graduate Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE) for 2024 GradSWE Fest on Friday, September 27 from 4:00–6:00 PM in the Silverman Courtyard! Please join GradSWE for an afternoon of food, drinks and games (vegan and gluten free options will be provided). This event aims to bring everyone interested in and affiliated with GradSWE, celebrate the start of another academic year, and officially welcome new board and members!

This event is open to all graduate students, including allies, friends, labmates, etc!

Although RSVP is not required to attend the event, filling out the RSVP form will help GradSWE get enough food and supplies for everyone.

RSVP Here for GradSWE Fest

Keynotes A Capella Auditions – Saturday, September 28

Keynotes A Cappella is excited to host our auditions for new members on Saturday, September 28 from 1:00–4:00 PM. Students in any graduate program are welcome to sing with us! Please refer to our website for more details. or fill out the survey linked below!

African Graduate Student Association (AGSA) Annual Fall Welcome Party – Saturday, September 28

African Graduate Student Association (AGSA) is hosting an Annual Fall Welcome Party for newly admitted and returning African graduate students on Saturday, September 28 at 4:00 PM in TGS Commons on the Evanston campus. This event offers a great opportunity for African graduate students to come together, socialize, and build new connections. The event will feature food, non-alcoholic drinks, games, music, dancing, and plenty of opportunities for interaction and networking.

RSVP for the AGSA Fall Welcome Party

Ice Cream Social with Off-Campus Life – Tuesday, October 1

Northwestern Off-Campus Life invites students and non-student neighbors to gather for ice cream to start building community for the 2024–25 academic year on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:30–7:00 PM in Firefighter's Park. Ice cream will be provided by C&W Market and Ice Cream Parlor to the first 300 participants! We hope to see you there!

View/download the full poster here.

SPIE-ghetti Night – Tuesday, October 1

Attend the annual SPIE Fall welcome social on Tuesday, October 1 from 5:00–7:00 PM in TGS Commons at 2122 Sheridan Road on the Evanston campus, hosted by NU Photonics (SPIE, Student Chapter at Northwestern) for our newly joined and current wildcats! The event is meant to introduce new folks to SPIE and for them to get a chance to interact with the broader community of SPIE at Northwestern! Reach out to nu.spie@gmail.com or join our mailing list by filling this form.

Queer Graduate Coffee Hour – Wednesday, October 2 and Tuesday, October 8

Join the Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA) and Northwestern's Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) for a Queer Graduate Coffee Hour on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. All LGBTQIA+ graduate students are invited to connect with each other and find out how to get involved and shape queer graduate social events through QPGSA involvement.

Attend the following coffee hours:

Chicago: Wednesday, October 2 from 2:30–3:30 PM in the Trienens Conference Room in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center (1M-209)
Evanston: Tuesday, October 8 from 9:30–10:30 AM in the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center in the Foster-Walker Residential Complex (House 5)

Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) Campus Kickoff Events – Wednesday, October 2 and Friday, October 11

Join the Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT) for their fall kickoff events on the Chicago and Evanston campuses!

Chicago Campus Kickoff: Wednesday, October 2 from 10:00–11:30 AM in the Ryan Atrium of the Lurie Medical Research Center. Enjoy free coffee and bagels with SPOT and the Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)!
Evanston Campus Kickoff: Friday, October 11 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Lakefill (near Arts Circle Drive.) Enjoy a bonfire and free dinner!

Graduate Out in STEM (GoSTEM) Fall Welcome Social – Thursday, October 3

Graduate Out in STEM (GoSTEM) invites all to attend their Fall Welcome Social on Thursday, October 3 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Lakefill Bonfire Pit. Join GoSTEM for bonfire treats and kicking off the new school year!

GoSTEM is a student organization that empowers and provides a network of support for LGBTQ+ graduate students in STEM. Learn more here.

Ombuds Open House – Thursday, October 10

The Office of the Ombudsperson invites the Northwestern University community to celebrate to their 3rd annual Ombuds Day Open House on Thursday, October 10, 2024 between 9:30 –11:30 AM at 555 Clark Street, Suite 209, Evanston, IL 60208. This event is a great opportunity to meet University Ombudsperson, Sarah Klaper, Associate Ombudsperson, Kamaria Porter, and Program Coordinator, Carrie Thomas. Enjoy breakfast while learning more about the valuable services they offer. For questions, please reach out to the Office of the Ombudsperson at ombuds@northwestern.edu or (847) 467-2430.

Dancing Across Borders with NU Tango and G-ISA – Thursday, October 10

Join NU Tango and Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA) on Thursday, October 10 from 6:00–9:30 PM in Parkes Hall on the Evanston campus for an exciting evening filled with free food, performances, tango classes, and an opportunity to connect with fellow students. It promises to be a fun and engaging experience with plenty of dancing!

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Social gathering with food and club introductions (registration required for this portion)
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Beginner Tango Class
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Intermediate Tango Class
9:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Practica (dance practice)

To stay updated on the event and receive registration details, students are encouraged to join our mailing list:

Join the NU Tango Mailing List

Climate Tech Club Fall Welcome Event – Tuesday, October 15

Join the Climate Tech Club (CTC) on Tuesday, October 15 from 12:00–1:00 PM in Ryan Hall 4003 on the Evanston campus. CTC will introduce itself to interested members, discuss the kinds of events we put together throughout the year, and play a few rounds of climate tech trivia! Lunch will be provided for the first 20 to RSVP.