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TGS-Affiliated Student Organizations & Campus Partners
The following graduate student organizations and campus partners provide a community of support for graduate students. Please take a moment to explore the wide range of educational, cultural, and social opportunities to connect with others through meaningful dialogue, activities, and events.
Last updated: September 12, 2024
Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA)
The Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance (ADCA) at Northwestern University unites students pursuing advanced degrees for getting hired in the consulting industry. ADCA comprises two core thrusts: preparation for interviews at consulting firms and networking, both among peers and professionals. Combining rigorous preparation for its members in management and discipline-specific consulting with a relaxed, fun environment of peer interaction, ADCA will bring structure to the recruiting relationship between Northwestern advanced degree graduate students and consulting firms.
Please email adca@u.northwestern.edu with questions.
African Graduate Student Association (AGSA)
AGSA is a community of African graduate students at Northwestern University. Our mission is to provide a space for African graduate students to connect, share experiences, and support each other academically and professionally. Through our events, programs, and initiatives, we aim to promote diversity and inclusion, foster global engagement, and enhance the academic and professional experiences of African graduate students at Northwestern University.
- Email: agsa@northwestern.edu
- Join the AGSA listserv
- Instagram: @agsa_nu
- WhatsApp: Email agsa@northwestern.edu for the WhatsApp link
Alliance of Chicago Minority Students (ACMS)
The mission of ACMS is to establish a comfortable community, support system, and social environment of diverse students on the Northwestern Chicago campus schools. ACMS exists to support students from groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. These include, but are not limited to: race, gender, sexuality, class, and any intersectionalities. We are here to serve students from the following programs on the Chicago campus: the Driskill Graduate Program (DGP), Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN), Biomedical Engineering (BME), Clinical Psychology, Reproductive Science and Medicine Program (MS-RSM), Genetic Counseling, Physical Therapy, Pritzker School of Law JD Programs, Pritzker School of Law MSL Program, Pritzker School of Law LLM Program, Northwestern School of Professional Studies (SPS), Kellogg School of Management and Feinberg School of Medicine.
- Please email acms@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Arab Graduate Student Association (ArGSA)
Arab Graduate Student Association (ArGSA) provides a space for Arab graduate students, regardless of nationality, to connect, share experiences, and support each other academically, professionally, and interpersonally.
Biotech Club @ Northwestern (NUB)
Biotech Group @ NU is a student-led organization supporting Northwestern University graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of biotechnology development, management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and more. We are focused on providing opportunities for our community to develop their knowledge, skills, and networks.
Please email biotechgroup@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA)
The purpose of the BGSA is to support the academic, professional, and social growth of black graduate students. Formed in 1995 by seven Northwestern graduate students, the BGSA membership now includes over 150 students. BGSA holds monthly meetings, discussions, annual barbecues, dinners, and quarterly community service efforts as a means of promoting community amongst black graduate students.
Please email BGSA@northwestern.edu with questions.
- Follow us on Instagram @ bgsa_northwestern
Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA)
The Chicago Graduate Student Association (CGSA) acts as a collective voice for all graduate students in the Chicago campus of Northwestern University, serving their academic, social, outreach, and advocacy needs. CGSA is an all-embracing organization with a widespread agenda for and by the students from various programs and departments.
- (TBD) CGSA Ice Cream Social – Enjoy free ice cream (including dairy-free options), meet your fellow Chicago-campus graduate students, and learn about CGSA! Details forthcoming.
Please email cgsa@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
CSSA promotes Chinese culture and enhances intercultural communication and friendship through educational, cultural, and social activities. They provide support and service to the entire Chinese community at Northwestern.
- Chinese New Student Orientation – Sunday, September 17 from 2:00–5:30 PM
- Email cssa@u.northwestern.edu with any inquiries about the event.
Climate Tech Club
The Climate Tech Club (formerly the Northwestern Energy Technology Group) is a student-led group that promotes sustainable climate technologies and engages with students who share an interest in them. They host quarterly talks on current climate change-related topics, focusing mainly on technology and policy. These are presented by Northwestern faculty, representatives from industry and startups, or others in the local community. The CTC also runs a regularly meeting discussion group on the latest climate technology news, organizes field trips (both professional and social), and performs outreach on campus and beyond.
- Please email climatetechclub@u.northwestern.edu with questions.
- If you would like to stay tuned for CTC events, sign up for one of our listservs here.
Comunidad Latinx (CLX)
Comunidad Latinx (CLX) aims to foster a community-oriented around Latinx identity, culture, and history among graduate students at Northwestern University. Our goal, as a community and a family, is to provide a safe space for our members, to give back to the local Latinx community, and to educate the wider university community and public about Latinx affairs. CLX hopes to foster a sense of community among the Latinx graduate student body by representing and acting upon its academic, cultural, intellectual, social, and political concerns and interests while providing a network of support and resources for Latinx students at Northwestern University.
- Email: northwestern.clx@gmail.com
- Follow us on Twitter (X) and Instagram @clx_nu.
Critical Contexts
Critical Contexts is a group of graduate students primarily in the learning sciences, human development and social policy, and psychology departments. They meet to interrogate critical issues (e.g., the role of race, class, and other oppressive sociohistorical systems in shaping processes of learning, understanding systems of inequality, and paths of resistance and resurgence) in education research.
Please email nikkimcm@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF)
GCF is a community of graduate students that gathers to grow spiritually and to encourage each other as we integrate our faith with what we do in our programs.
GCF is also a safe space for questions about faith and for anyone exploring or seeking to learn more about the Christian faith. Please email gcf@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Graduate International Student Association (G-ISA)
G-ISA is a student organization representing international graduate students at Northwestern University. G-ISA's mission is to foster the graduate International community by virtue of events and activities, networking, and greater cross-cultural understanding through inclusion and engagement.
Please email gisa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions. Follow us on Instagram @nu_gisa
Graduate Out in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (GoSTEM)
GoSTEM strives to empower LGBTQIA+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy. While our primary mission is to create community for LGBTQIA+ individuals, we are also strongly committed to intersectionality as an organizing principle, and therefore aim to actively center those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education due to their gender, gender identity, and racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Please email nu.gostem@gmail.com with any questions.
Graduate Ski and Board Club
The Graduate Ski and Board club at Northwestern serves as a leisure winter activity club for graduate students to enjoy the great snowy outdoors. Graduate students will be able to sign up to join a snow trip (there are multiple ski hills within a 2–3 hour driving distance of Evanston) to get their ski or snowboard legs on! The intended goal of the club is to build community around a sport people are passionate about (or for those interested in learning!). The club will plan to spend a day on the slopes whenever members are interested with the goal to get graduate students out of their labs and classrooms to enjoy the snow and slopes the United States has to offer!
Graduate Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE)
Northwestern's graduate chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE) seeks to build community through networking, mentorship, social gatherings, and outreach opportunities.
GradSWE Fest is our largest event of the year! Come to meet other women in graduate engineering programs, eat some pizza, and play yard games. More details will be announced later in August. Email nuswe.grad@gmail.com with any inquiries about the event.
- Join Mailing List
- Email: nuswe.grad@gmail.com
- Follow us on Instagram: @nugradswe
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Our goal is to enhance the quality of graduate student life at Northwestern University. We connect graduate students across TGS-affiliated departments and programs by collaborating with TGS administration, the Graduate Leadership and Advocacy Council (GLAC), and other graduate student organizations. We host social and service events that build a diverse graduate student community both on and off campus.
Please email northwestern.gsa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Indian Graduate Students and Scholars Association (IGSSA)
IGSSA serves the Indian and larger South Asian graduate and postdoctoral fellow community at Northwestern. IGSSA promotes community building within this community (and the Northwestern graduate community at large) through social and service events that are often associated with Indian/South Asian customs.
For details about our upcoming welcome event, please join our listserv. The IGSSA will communicate the welcome event details by late September.
Please email igssa@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Japanese Graduate Student Association (JGSA)
Our organization serves to enhance the quality of the graduate student life of all Japanese-identifying graduate students and postdocs under TGS across all disciplines and programs. We accomplish this by holding regular events that functions as social activities in which members of our community can enhance their overall experience in graduate school, find connection, and feel a sense of belonging. Our events are also open to friends and family members of our community. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
- JGSA Fall Welcome – 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 here.
Jewish Graduate Collective
Jewish Grad Collective provides the graduate Jewish community at Northwestern with support, educational opportunities, and a collective voice. We host Shabbat services and dinners, holiday gatherings, and social events to foster a positive experience for Jewish NU graduate students.
Please email hannahjacobson2027@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Keynotes Graduate Student A Cappella
The Keynotes Graduate Student A Capella is Northwestern's only music performance group for graduate students outside of the music school. Originally formed as the Catatonics in 1997, the group continues to bring Northwestern graduate students together to sing music across many genres. We perform both on and off the Evanston campus, at show halls, street corners, and more!
Auditions for the Keynotes are held annually at the start of the school year.
Please email jananhui2025@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
McCormick Graduate Leadership Council (MGLC)
MGLC consists of master's and PhD students across all McCormick departments and is among the largest student organizations at Northwestern. MGLC seeks to create a stronger community among the graduate programs in the McCormick School of Engineering by curating events catered to professional and personal development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and network-building.
- Please email mglc@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Follow us on Instagram: @northwestern_mglc
Mentorship Opportunities for Research and Engagement (MORE)
MORE seeks to provide opportunities for Northwestern graduate students and postdocs to mentor and empower high school students interested in STEM. This mentorship takes a variety of forms, including one-on-one mentoring for independent research projects throughout the year, group discussion panels on STEM careers and research, participating as a judge in science fairs, and MORE! These are hosted virtually or on site at local Chicago high schools such as Niles West, ETHS, and CMSA. We would love to have you on board with us to participate in outreach activities and help inspire the next generation of STEM students!
- Email: more@u.northwestern.edu
Morning Mentors
Morning Mentors is an organization of graduate students and postdoctoral trainees that facilitates pre-school tutoring sessions three times a week for students at a local middle school. They aim to develop communication and professional development skills and create a community of graduate students from different departments that have similar interests. Morning Mentors holds quarterly social events to build the community of graduate students around common interests and goals and works to build networking with qualified teachers in the local school districts.
Please email nu.morning.mentors@gmail.com with any questions.
Northwestern Iranian Students Association (NU-IRSA)
NU-IRSA is a student group dedicated to promoting social, intellectual, and cultural activities for Iranian students and scholars at Northwestern, as well as interested members of the University community. Besides cultural and social activities, NU-IRSA strives to provide opportunities and benefits for its members, such as information and support for incoming students, organizing networking events, and connecting current Northwestern students with Iranian alumni.
- Please email Ramin@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Connect with us on Telegram
Northwestern Public Health Review (NPHR)
The Northwestern Public Health Review (NPHR) stimulates the exchange and cross-pollination of public health ideas through three core outlets: their blog, print issue, and campus-wide events. We seek to build our own skills, while bringing accessible public health information to the greater Northwestern and Chicago communities, through the utilization of design, art, and thoughtful writing.
Please email nphr@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Subscribe to our online newsletter
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter: @theNPHR
Northwestern University Brain Awareness Outreach (NUBAO)
NUBAO is a graduate student-led public outreach initiative dedicated to educating, exciting, and inspiring the Chicago community about the brain. Founded in 2010 as part of the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience PhD Program, NUBAO consists of a diverse group of mostly graduate students, in addition to several undergraduate students, postdoctoral trainees, faculty, and research staff from various departments and scientific disciplines at Northwestern University. Through collaborations with public schools and science education programs in the Chicago area, NUBAO organizes a number of hands-on lectures, workshops, and open house-style events in an effort to teach a variety of neuroscience topics to students of all ages.
Please email nubrainawareness@gmail.com with any questions.
NU Curling
NU Curling's mission is to promote the sport of curling to the graduate school community, to build awareness of college curling, and to encourage camaraderie between our members. The club seeks to fulfill this mission by actively publicizing the sport of curling within the Northwestern community, providing instruction for those new to the sport, holding weekly curling sessions for our members to develop and hone skills, maintaining an active presence within the college curling circuit by both participating in and assisting with the planning of regional and national college curling competitions, and providing regular and structured social opportunities for our members both locally and regionally.
Please email nucurling@gmail.com with any questions.
NU Photonics (SPIE)
NU Photonics is a student chapter of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). We promote the science of light at Northwestern and provide social and professional interaction to students and faculty in engineering and science.
SPIE brings together graduate students from a variety of STEM fields to share research and connect on a social level. Our primary function as a student organization is curating bi-weekly seminars given by Northwestern graduate students, which are a great venue at which to meet new friends and learn about different work in STEM at Northwestern. Keep an eye out for our upcoming seminars!
Please email nu.spie@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- Click here and select the Northwestern University Student Chapter to become a student member of SPIE.
NU Public Speaking Club
NU Public Speaking Club provides a unique opportunity to help members develop their speaking, listening, and leadership skills. Members learn techniques for overcoming stage anxiety, connecting with the audience, assimilating verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and achieving a commanding executive presence.
Please email northwesternpublicspeaking@gmail.com with any questions.
NU Tango
NU Tango strives to bring the beauty of Argentine Tango to NU communities at no cost. We provide 16 classes (2 classes beginner/intermediate per week) every quarter, taught by world renowned Chicago-based instructors. It is all free to graduate students. No experience is required! We also provide transportation to weekly Chicago tango milonga (dance party) at zero cost.
- NU Tango Welcoming Event: Thursday, October 4. Details to be announced on our Facebook page.
- Email nutango.northwestern@gmail.com for more information.
Plant-it Purple Graduate Gardens
Plant-it Purple is dedicated to gardening and fostering a sense of community. Most of our activities involve working together to prepare, plant, harvest, and maintain the Graduate Student Garden on the Evanston campus. Almost all graduate students live in apartments and thus the opportunity to garden is widely-appreciated. Gardening presents the opportunity to participate in a relaxing and fulfilling activity while building relationships with students from a wide variety of disciplines.
Please email d5q3c8@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Public Humanities Research Workshop
Through events and project support, the Graduate Public Humanities Research Workshop of the Kaplan Humanities Institute provides participants with opportunities to develop professional skills and networks to make their scholarship more relevant, legible, and meaningful to publics across and beyond the university.
We explore what constitutes publicly engaged scholarship while developing more grounded communication and translational skills that can help participants pursue a diverse set of careers within and outside of the academy. Following an application process, student participants meet twice a quarter in workshop and are also given support and training to produce their own public humanities projects. `
For more information, please contact Negar Razavi at nrazavi@northwestern.edu.
Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA)
The Northwestern Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA) focuses on social events and advocacy to increase connections and support across the LGBTQ+ community in the Graduate School.
Please email nuqpgsa@gmail.com with any questions.
Science Policy Outreach Taskforce (SPOT)
The Science Policy Outreach Task Force (SPOT) is a non-partisan organization of Northwestern University researchers focused on advocating for science, evidence-based reasoning, and scientifically-sound policy to the voting-aged public and policymakers. Members have the opportunity to learn and put effective science advocacy into political action through events to educate voters, meetings to educate and collaborate with policymakers, educational seminars to learn about the interface of science and policy, and activities with external science policy entities. As a group, our combined efforts allow for a greater impact toward the advocacy of science in politics than any one of us acting alone.
Please email spotforcenu@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Mailing List
- Follow us on Twitter: @SPOTforceNU
Society for Ecological Restoration (Chapter at Northwestern)
Our purpose as a graduate group is to create and participate in ecological restoration projects and to facilitate opportunities for organization members to build essential skills in the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration. Our organization will leverage existing partnerships with organizations committed to restoration and conservation (e.g., Chicago Botanic Garden, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Chicago Park District, and the Illinois Native Plant Society) to foster a local restoration network within Northwestern University that delivers positive impacts in our communities. We are committed to fostering a diverse, empathetic, and inclusive network that works together to deliver positive impacts to nature and our communities.
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (Student Chapter)
The Northwestern chapter of Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) hosts events for students in applied mathematics and adjacent fields. We organize networking, outreach, academic and social events through the year to connect students with each other and facilitate academic collaboration.
Please email motter@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (NU-SACNAS)
Northwestern University’s SACNAS Chapter (NU-SACNAS) is a graduate-student-led organization that is dedicated to fostering the success of Latinx, Native Americans, and other underrepresented communities in STEM. NU-SACNAS was designed to cultivate community among students by providing professional development, networking, and mentoring opportunities both at Northwestern and at institutions abroad. To that end, we are also proud to be connected to the broader national SACNAS organization and are united in our efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace in STEM.
Please email nusacnas@gmail.com with any questions.
- Join Our Mailing List
- Follow us on Twitter: @sacnasnu
Student Counselors for Social Justice
The mission of Student Counselors for Social Justice is to provide community, connection, training, and empowerment for student counselors across Northwestern who are interested in social justice and advocacy action. SCSJ members are advocates for increasing diversity and acceptance in the world and with their clients in accordance with the ACA Code of Ethics and the mission for Counselors for Social Justice. SCSJ members work to become aware of power and privilege and how it is embedded into systems of bias. They make space to support, inspire, motivate, and encourage each other to find ways to make both small and large changes in their spheres of influence, and to become more culturally sensitive and compassionate in their work with their counseling clients.
Please email studentcounselorssocialjustice@gmail.com with questions.
TGS Child and Family Resources Student Advisory Board
The TGS Child and Family Resources Student Advisory Board is comprised of graduate students associated with The Graduate School (TGS) who are parents or planning to become parents whether through childbirth or adoption.
The Open Democracy Project
The Open Democracy Project, formerly Indivisible Northwestern, provides students with action-oriented opportunities to develop organizing and leadership skills and to meet and work with other people who are interested in addressing social issues like climate change and social justice. This year, we are focusing on supporting the nonprofit organization "Open Democracy Evanston" on the monitoring of 2023 Participatory Budgeting winning proposals implementation plans and the lobbying for the future Participatory Budgeting in Evanston.
- Email cwmorgan@u.northwestern.edu for more information.
The Subcontinent Project (TSP)
The Subcontinent Project (TSP) is a graduate student organization at Northwestern University that aims to foster meaningful dialogue around South Asian politics and culture. We hope to create a space that is: cognizant of years of anti-caste work by Dalit and Bahujan people across the South Asian subcontinent and its diasporas; intolerant towards religious hate and prejudice, especially resurgent forms of Hindu nationalism; foregrounds a feminist and queer approach in understanding the history and political present of the subcontinent.
Please email tsp@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
- Follow us on Instagram: @thesubcontinentproject
Transportation Club (NTC)
Northwestern Transportation Club (NTC) is a platform for all students interested in transportation at Northwestern. We connect communities, generate interest, and create space for transportation enthusiasts and career-seeking students to collaborate and celebrate their shared passion. We organize seminars, workshops, field trips, and networking events. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Please email nutransportationclub@gmail.com with any questions.
Turkish Graduate Student Association (TGSA)
The purpose of our organization, Turkish Graduate Student Association (TGSA), is to bring the large population of Turkish graduate students, Turkish faculty, and the general graduate community together to create a safe, inclusive, social, and connective environment. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, Turkish and NU graduate community, to share their ideas, build a network, and enrich the graduate community through cultural, educational, and professional events. Along with contributing to the Turkish community at NU, our organization aims to hold outreach events in both U.S. and Turkey to promote and encourage networking and collaborations between the strong Turkish graduate research community.
- Email: tgsanu2023@gmail.com
University Bible Fellowship
We are a non-denominational Christian student group at Northwestern University that is directly affiliated with a global-wide campus ministry called University Bible Fellowship. We offer student group bible study, one-on-one mentorship, church services, fellowship, and fun!
Please email ubf@u.northwestern.edu with any questions.
Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)
Women in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) is a graduate student organization at Northwestern University. We work towards building community among graduate women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, promoting & advancing women’s leadership in STEM, and sponsoring workshops & seminars focused on professional skills development for early-career women in the sciences.
AccessibleNU
AccessibleNU is the center that oversees the implementation of academic and programmatic accommodations for students with disabilities. Through ANU, students can make arrangements for testing accommodations, books in alternate format, assistive technology, Sign Language interpreting, and other accommodations as determined appropriate through the interactive process.
- Q&A Session with AccessibleNU: Friday, September 8, 2023 from 2:00–3:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Thursday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
The Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs advances research and teaching about the world beyond the borders of the United States. We support cutting-edge international scholarship and global engagement across Northwestern’s twelve undergraduate, graduate and professional schools together with the three offices under our umbrella: the Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Office of Global Safety & Security and Global Learning Office.
For graduate students who work on international and global topics, the Buffett Institute is an intellectual community. At our events, you’ll meet new colleagues and learn about pioneering international scholarship across the disciplines. We also offer a range of funding opportunities—including fellowships and grants for international research, conference travel and foreign language acquisition—for doctoral students whose research focuses on the world outside the contiguous or continental United States.
- Buffett Institute Open House: This event will tentatively take place on Tuesday, October 1. This would be a fantastic opportunity for all graduate students to learn about all the opportunities available at the Buffett Institute this academic year—of which there will be many!
- Join our mailing list here.
- Please email buffettinstitute@northwestern.edu with any questions.
Canterbury Northwestern
Canterbury is the Episcopal campus ministry. Through communion and community, they offer students a place to explore issues of vocation, social justice, and spirituality—where the life of the mind meets the concerns of the soul and the needs of the world.
The Canterbury Ministry meets weekly to worship God and enjoy each other's company and participates in Diocesan Conventions and weekend retreats. Using the traditions of the Christian faith in contemporary language, they seek to support each other to meet the challenges of campus and society. They invite all seekers—Episcopal, Anglican, or of any faith—to join in these conversations and fellowship.
- Weekly services (during the academic quarters): Sundays at 5:00 PM at 2010 Orrington Avenue. They also host book studies and social events throughout the quarter!
- Canterbury House Fall Welcome and Worship: Sunday, September 24 at 5:00 PM at 2010 Orrington Avenue.
- Click here to RSVP or join our communications list!
Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE)
CARE is a confidential space for students impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and other kinds of interpersonal harm at any point in their lives. This includes students who have been directly harmed, as well as students seeking support around responding to harm (including friends and partners of survivors).
We run support groups and offer individual services focused on:
- Confidential Support: Process impact, explore coping, and learn more about trauma
- Confidential Advising for NU Reporting Processes: Information, emotional support, and accompaniment
- Confidential Advocacy: Information about and assistance accessing on- and off-campus resources (academic, legal, health, housing, financial, etc.)
Another part of our mission is to promote healthy sexuality. We offer sexual health consults to any student who wants to learn about and explore their sexual wellness. We always have free safer sex and menstruation supplies available (Searle Hall, 3rd Floor).
Student groups can request education around a variety of topics including consent, supporting survivors, sexual health and pleasure, healthy masculinity, and bystander intervention. Other programming and events are held throughout the school year.
Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) helps graduate students close the gap between academic expertise and real-world impact by supporting opportunities for ethical, mutually beneficial community engagement. Whether mentoring young people in local schools or detention centers, supporting NU’s nationally-recognized voter engagement initiative, or partnering with a local organization through one of our practicum programs or graduate assistantships, students can integrate community engagement into their graduate studies and build a civically-active life.
- Graduate students interested in upcoming opportunities should sign up for our bi-monthly bulletin.
- Incoming and returning students can also schedule a one-on-one virtual appointment with Dr. Ruth Curry, director of CCE’s graduate programs.
Center for Leadership (CFL)
The CFL exists to provide students of all backgrounds with leadership development opportunities that enhance their own involvements, roles and responsibilities, and personal goals. TGS students are invited to receive one-on-one free leadership coaching and apply for the intensive Fellowship in Leadership.
- TGS Student Programing Virtual Info Session: Tuesday, August 16 at 12:00 PM CDT via Zoom. Click here to RSVP.
Chicago Field Studies
Chicago Field Studies (CFS) allows students to link an internship experience with a dynamic, full-quarter course in our program. In collaboration with the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) and TGS, CFS offers two practicum programs for graduate students, the GEO Community Practicum and NU Chicago Humanities Initiative, which combine experiential learning with a credit-bearing seminar on public scholarship. Additionally, CFS has a small number of graduate assistantships annually to offer graduate instructors of our undergraduate internship courses, especially on topics in public health, social justice, political theory of labor, and more.
Community Council for International Students (CCIS)
The Community Council for International Students (CCIS) is an all-volunteer group dedicated to making international students at Northwestern University feel welcome in this country and at the University.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, serves as the primary mental health service at Northwestern University with offices on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. CAPS provides a set of core services, including clinical services (individual & group counseling, medication management, tailored referrals to local providers), educational workshops, and consultation with faculty, staff, and parents.
There is no charge for CAPS services. CAPS is based on a short-term model. All full-time matriculated students who come to CAPS will receive a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs. Care plan meetings will be used to determine the best fit between students’ needs and all available CAPS and community resources to ensure the best possible treatment outcome.
Visit Getting Started at CAPS for information on booking same-day appointments and initial assessments.
- For 24-hour crisis services or to talk to a counselor urgently, please call (847) 491-2151.
- Q&A Session with Counseling and Psychology Services: Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 11:00–12:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Tuesday, September 5 at 5:00 PM CDT.
English Language Programs (ELP)
Northwestern University brings students and scholars from around the world to engage in research, graduate study, teaching, and intellectual exchange. A partnership between The Graduate School and the Department of Linguistics, English Language Programs (ELP) provides English language training, orientation, and testing for international graduate students and scholars, helping them improve their ability to communicate in the classroom and beyond.
Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid
The Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid processes federal and private student loans for current and incoming students. We also provide federal student loan repayment information and debt management services.
Graduate Writing Place
The Graduate Writing Place serves graduate students from across Northwestern’s many schools, departments, and programs, as well as postdoctoral fellows and Northwestern faculty. Clients may book appointments for individual writing consultations with Graduate Writing Fellows (PhD candidates at Northwestern) to review a variety of writing, including papers for coursework; conference papers and presentations; journal articles and manuscripts for publication; dissertation proposals and chapters; and materials pertaining to the academic and non-academic job markets.
Health Promotion and Wellness (HPaW)
Health Promotion and Wellness (HPaW) is the primary provider of health education, prevention, and harm reduction services related to wellness, alcohol, and other drug issues for Northwestern University students. HPaW operates within an Eight Dimensions of Wellness model to provide holistic support for students and guidance for the campus community.
Health Service - Chicago
Northwestern Medicine's Department of General Internal Medicine serves Northwestern students enrolled in an NU graduate or professional program on the Chicago campus. A broad array of outpatient medical services are provided.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 1:00–2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 6 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Health Service - Evanston
Evanston's Health Service provides primary medical care, including general medical, sports medicine, women's medicine, radiology, and laboratory services, vaccinations, allergy shots, and STD testing. After-hours urgent care is also available.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 1:00–2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 6 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Kaplan Humanities Institute
The Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities is committed to disseminating humanities research and providing opportunities for faculty, students, and the broader community to explore issues, examine beliefs, and engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue about human thought and culture. As a site for exchange and connection across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences at Northwestern, we are dedicated to fostering critical, creative, and scholarly discussions about what it means to be human, across time and space.
Graduate student opportunities at the Kaplan Institute focus on professional preparation for careers within academia and the public and private sectors:
- Graduate Public Humanities Research Workshop
- Digital Humanities Pedagogy Workshop
- Franke Graduate Fellowships
- Kaplan Co-Sponsorship for graduate student-led events
- The Predoctoral Career Diversity Summer Workshop, sponsored by Humanities Without Walls
- Teaching in The Odyssey Project, sponsored by Illinois Humanities
Lutheran Campus Ministry at Northwestern University (LCMNU)
LCMNU is a welcoming community experiencing, living, and sharing the love of God through scholarship, service, and faith.
Fall 2023 Quarter:
- Worship with Holy Communion – Sundays at 11:00 AM on the Evanston campus
- Supper Worship – Wednesdays from 6:00–6:45 PM on the Evanston campus
For more information about LCMNU programming, email Pastor Deanna Langle or explore the ministry website.
Norris Mini Courses
The Norris Mini Courses program offers a wide variety of non-credit, recreational classes for adults four times a year (October, January, April, and July). Established in 1973, the program continues to offer over 30 recreational courses. The classes offer intense individual attention while operating in a relaxed, informal environment. Registration is open to the Northwestern community and the public.
Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA)
The NAA seeks to inspire Northwestern alumni intellectually, socially, and professionally through programs that spark lifelong curiosity, connection, and growth. NAA fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between and among Northwestern University and its alumni through meaningful, diverse engagement opportunities worldwide.
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) supports graduate students through all stages of the career development process, from career exploration to applying to opportunities. For students unsure of their next step, dedicated TGS staff help graduate students reflect on their professional skills and values and help connect that reflection to targeted career fields of interest. Beyond exploration, we are here to help students develop a job search strategy, assemble application materials, navigate the interview process, and enter into the negotiation process. NCA supports students throughout their time at Northwestern and provides expert consultation for students considering a wide range of careers, including (but not limited to) careers in academia, consulting, research & development, and policy. To learn more about upcoming events and to schedule an appointment with our team, please visit Handshake, NCA’s career portal.
Northwestern Dining
Northwestern Dining provides dining halls and campus convenience stores. Each of the residential dining commons features an all-you-care-to-eat menu with a wide range of choices. Meals are planned with students’ preferences and suggestions in mind and include a diverse range of healthy choices, traditional heartland entrees, ethnic selections, and vegetarian and vegan options. In addition to the main dining commons, other on-campus dining options include residential cafes, two convenience stores ("c-stores"), and the Norris University Center.
Northwestern Hillel
Northwestern Hillel works to inspire Jewish students to make a meaningful and enduring commitment to Jewish life so that they may enhance the Jewish community, the campus, and the world.
- 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.
Northwestern Information Technology: Research Computing and Data Services
The Research Computing and Data Services team supports student, postdoc, faculty, and staff researchers across all disciplines by providing access to computing resources and consulting services. We support researchers with computing, software, data storage, data management, data science, statistics, data visualization, and more.
Free workshops for learning new computing and data skills such as R, Python, bash, and high-performance computing are available throughout the year. Free consultations are also available when you need help with:
Subscribe to the NUIT-RESEARCH listserv to learn about upcoming workshops and services.
Northwestern Information Technology: Teaching & Learning Technologies
The Teaching and Learning Technologies team supports graduate student and faculty instructors in their use of the Canvas Learning Management System through individual consultations and teaching technology workshops as well as expert course development guidance. Our workshops are open to graduate student instructors.
We promote innovation and collaborate with other units to support digital accessibility initiatives and inclusive teaching and active learning practices. We also host the annual TEACHx conference to showcase academic excellence and experiments in teaching with technology.
- Click here to learn more about our ongoing programming.
Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP)
Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP) provides a liberal arts education to incarcerated students. Graduate students and other volunteers contribute as tutors, leading workshops or teaching short courses (advanced graduate students and postdoctoral scholars), or providing program support and development.
Watch the video below to learn more:
Link to article: Northwestern Prison Education Program students first incarcerated people to graduate from a top 10 university, Accessed July 22, 2024.
Northwestern University Health Service Pharmacy
The NUHS Pharmacy is here to serve your prescription drug and over-the-counter medication needs. The pharmacy accepts most major prescription benefit plans. Patients who use NUHS may have their prescriptions filled at the pharmacy of their own choice. A valid Northwestern Wildcard is necessary to use the Pharmacy. Prescriptions from licensed physicians are filled by our registered pharmacist at a reasonable cost and are frequently below the cost charged at local retail pharmacies when not using insurance.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 1:00–2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 6 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Northwestern University Police
University Police works closely with students, faculty, and staff to create a safe living, learning, and research environment on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. We work to provide professional, courteous, and effective law enforcement service to our community. We provide a full range of services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department has the primary responsibility for crime prevention, law enforcement, parking control, emergency preparedness/response, and security at special events. We also house the Office of Emergency Management and the Residential Security Program.
Northwestern University Women’s Center
The Northwestern Women’s Center is committed to gender equality and inclusion at Northwestern University. The center serves as a space for support, community, advocacy, and affirmation for women and other people who may be navigating marginalization on campus and in society. The Women's Center is committed to advancing women, gender equity, and inclusion through engaging the Northwestern University community.
NUGuardian
NUGuardian is a free mobile app that turns your smartphone into a personal safety device. The app allows users to designate their phone contacts as “guardians” who walk with them, virtually, wherever they’re going — on campus or off — to help them arrive safely at their destination.
NU Recreation
NU Recreation provides a variety of recreation, fitness, and sport activities designed to foster individual development, enrich University life, and engage the University community in positive lifestyle choices.
NU Votes
NU Votes is a campus-wide voter engagement initiative designed to help students get registered, get educated, and get to the polls. We offer year-round services to help eligible students participate in federal, state, and local elections. NU Votes staff can help you register to vote, check or update your registration, or request or return an absentee ballot for all 50 states, access printing, mailing, and other resources, and get all of your voting questions answered.
NU Votes also organizes voter education and turnout efforts and works with campus partners to offer political and democratic engagement-related programming throughout the year. During major election seasons, grad students can join our team as Ambassadors to organize their peers and promote voter engagement on campus.
Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is a partner to anyone at Northwestern who is navigating harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct, as a target, bystander, or leader.
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is available to serve graduate students who have experienced harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct, by providing resources, options, and support services.
Our office implements Northwestern’s policies on harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct by providing ongoing education for students, staff, and faculty in each of these areas. Have questions about where or how to report misconduct? Wondering about reporting obligations as a teaching or graduate assistant? Need assistance connecting with supportive resources on campus? We are here to help.
Office of Fellowships
The Office of Fellowships consists of a team of specialists who match students with awards and serve as coaches and mentors throughout the application process. We can help you find fellowships in a wide variety of areas, from preliminary research through dissertation research and completion. To see a full list of our services, visit our services page. If you are interested in learning more, make an appointment or come to our drop-in hours.
- Q&A Session with the Office of Fellowships: Friday, September 9 from 12:00–1:00 PM CDT. This Q&A session is optional. Register for this session here. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form.
Office of Global Safety & Security (OGSS)
Northwestern cares about its students, particularly when traveling internationally for University-sponsored activities.
To provide the best service, all graduate and professional students are required to register their travel with OGSS. The information in the travel registry will be used to share health and safety resources and allow OGSS to reach out to travelers in an emergency abroad.
Before traveling internationally, please visit the OGSS website for advice on handling emergencies abroad, travel policies for graduate students, health, safety and security information, links to resources, and how to contact OGSS.
If you have any questions or would like to have a virtual or in-person appointment, please email Beth Osterlund, Assistant Director, OGSS.
Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI)
The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion (OIDI) supports Northwestern’s twelve schools and colleges across three campuses – Evanston, Chicago, and Qatar. We are committed to advancing an institutional infrastructure that values inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) as fundamental principles. We work towards dismantling barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented and marginalized communities at the enterprise level. Through educational resources, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships we utilize evidence-based practices to further cultivate a university climate where every member of the Northwestern community can thrive.
Office of International Student and Scholar Services
At Northwestern University's Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISS) within the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, our mission is to create an inclusive environment that honors international students' and scholars' diverse experiences, cultures, and aspirations. We believe in the power of education to transform perspectives globally. We aim to equip our international community with the tools to navigate immigration compliance in the U.S. OISS plays a vital role in cultivating a dynamic, intercultural atmosphere on campus for international students, scholars, faculty, and staff through immigration sponsorship, ensuring seamless integration for those admitted, appointed, or hired by the university.
- Q&A Session with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 9:00–10:00 AM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Monday, September 4 at 5:00 PM CDT.
Office of the Ombudsperson
The Office of the Ombudsperson is a confidential, impartial, informal and independent resource here to provide the Northwestern University community with the opportunity to work through issues and concerns outside of formal channels. Services include but are not limited to conflict resolution consultation, facilitated communication, mediation, leadership development and coaching, and confidential review of letters and documents. When facing a challenge or uncertainty about where to go or which university policy or procedure applies in your situation, the University Ombudsperson is available to assist in clarifying issues and to help you identify options to move forward.
- Ombuds Day Open House – The Office of the Ombudsperson invites the Northwestern University community to celebrate Annual Ombuds Day on Thursday, October 12 from 9:30–11:30 AM at 555 Clark Street - Suite 209. Learn about the role of ombuds and the wide variety of services that ombuds provide. 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.
- Reach out to ombuds@northwestern.edu or (847) 467-2430 to schedule an appointment.
One Book One Northwestern
One Book One Northwestern is a community‐wide reading program hosted by the Office of the President. It aims to engage the campus in a common conversation centered on a carefully chosen, thought-provoking book. This year's selection will be Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. Best known as the singer and guitarist who creates dreamy, shoegaze-inspired indie pop under the name Japanese Breakfast, Zauner became a bestselling author in 2021 when her book about the loss of her mother, their shared love for Korean food, and being biracial as an Asian American rocketed to the top of the New York Times Bestsellers list.
Throughout the year, events like lectures, films, and discussion groups provide an opportunity for individuals to gather and talk about the issues presented in the book. Many of these events are open to the public and the entire community is invited to participate.
Religious & Spiritual Life
Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) provides programs, staff, and spaces to help students explore meaning and purpose, grow in their religious or spiritual traditions, practice social justice, and create community.
Research Communication Training Program (RCTP)
With so much groundbreaking research taking place here at Northwestern, it is increasingly important to convey the results of that research clearly and concisely to a broad variety of audiences—from expert to general. Not only are such communication skills a vital component of conveying one’s message, but they also require diligent practice in order to become second nature.
The goals of the RCTP are to increase awareness for the urgent need for excellent research communicators and to coach graduate and postdoctoral researchers to improve their own presentation skills. The program focuses on three important and basic components of communication: building confidence in all communication roles, enhancing the clarity of the message, and forming a connection with any audience.
Residential Services - Operations and Services
Residential Services offers three residence halls for graduate students: Engelhart Hall, Garrett Place Apartments, and McManus Center. Engelhart Hall and the Garrett Place Apartments are available to all graduate students; McManus Center units are available to Kellogg graduate students only. In order to apply for housing, you must be accepted into your specific program.
Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching
The Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching has been a hub of innovative, inclusive, and evidence-informed pedagogical practices for over 30 years. We offer comprehensive programming for graduate students to develop as educators, ensuring every Northwestern student has access to well-trained, confident TAs and graduate student instructors. Our curated programming is designed to complement Northwestern’s rigorous graduate degree requirements, with flexible offerings that enhance the critical reflection, professional development, and well-being of students across all disciplines and experience levels.
Each fall, our Academic Kickoff prepares TAs and graduate student instructors for the first day of class with interactive sessions grounded in evidence-driven practices and Northwestern’s Principles of Inclusive Teaching. The Reflective & Effective Teaching certificate program offers an in-depth exploration of pedagogical frameworks, inclusive course design, and meaningful assessments to enhance instruction, with guided mentorship and feedback on authentic artifacts including teaching statements and e-portfolios. Our Graduate Teaching Fellows Program provides a vibrant learning community and a supplemental stipend to advanced graduate students seeking to contribute to the culture of learning and teaching at Northwestern.
- Register for the 2024 Fall Quarter Academic Kickoff on Monday, September 16 from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM in Norris University Center. First-time graduate student TAs and instructors are invited; the event is free to attend, but registration is required by Monday, September 9 (space is limited). Click here to register.
- If capacity for the Fall Kickoff is reached or you prefer to attend a later session, a Spring Quarter Kickoff registration will open in February.
- Click here to view our digital brochure to explore all our opportunities.
Sheil Catholic Center
The Sheil Catholic Center is Northwestern's Newman Center and is open to all graduate students. Our graduate students and young adults (GYA) come from different places on their spiritual journey. We welcome you wherever you are on yours. GYA is built around social, spiritual, service, and educational initiatives and gathers regularly for a variety of events built on these cornerstones.
Student Finance
Student Finance helps students navigate questions concerning student accounts, billing and payments, financial aid, and student loans. It is the hub of student financial information and transactions.
Student Health Insurance Office
The Student Health Insurance Office at Northwestern can help yousuccessfully navigate University insurance policies and annual requirements, learn about insurance options, choices, and how to determine the best fit for your personal healthcare needs, and resolve insurance billing and claims issues, irrespective of whether you are covered through the student insurance plan (NU-SHIP) or an alternate plan.
Northwestern requires all degree-seeking students to have comprehensive health insurance coverage. Therefore, all students are defaulted annually into the NU-SHIP. If you intend on utilizing the NU-SHIP coverage we encourage you to confirm your enrollment via the online coverage selection form in CAESAR. You may waive your NU-SHIP enrollment by affirming that you have alternate health insurance that meets the university's comparable coverage requirements via the online coverage selection form in CAESAR.
The deadline to confirm or waive your NU-SHIP enrollment this year is Saturday, October 1, 2022.
- Q&A Session with Health Services, NU-SHIP, and NU Pharmacy: Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
sustainNU
sustainNU is a University-wide program that engages students, faculty, and staff in reducing Northwestern’s impact on the environment, leading the way toward a more sustainable future. The program supports the execution of the University’s Strategic Sustainability Plan and commitment to cultivating an ecologically sound, socially just, and economically sustainable culture at Northwestern. sustainNU spearheads programs and cross-institutional initiatives to realize these goals, encouraging our entrepreneurial students, industry-leading researchers, world-class faculty, and dedicated staff to integrate sustainability into all their endeavors.
sustainNU hosts events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including a month of programming for our campus community each April in celebration of Earth Month. Follow the department on Instagram and Twitter (X) at @sustainNU and learn more about the resources available and sign up for our newsletter at sustainNU's website.
TGS Graduate Student Funding
The Graduate Student Funding team is here to support all PhDs and MFA students and their home programs with any financial inquiries you may have during your academic career at Northwestern. We oversee and advise on graduate student funding policies and procedures which include your monthly stipend, quarterly tuition scholarship, and health insurance subsidy.
- Q&A Session with TGS Student Funding Team: Wednesday, August 31 at 1:00 – 2:00 PM CDT. Click here to register. To pre-submit questions for this Q&A, please complete this form by Wednesday, September 7 at 5:00 PM CDT.
TGS Office of Diversity & Inclusion
The Graduate School’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) focuses on the recruitment and support of underrepresented populations to foster an inclusive environment and facilitate community engagement. We are committed to the personal and intellectual growth of our diverse student population.
TGS Office of Student Life
The Graduate School's Office of Student Life attends to various aspects of the campus environment to ensure your success at Northwestern. Student Life does this by identifying and informing TGS students of campus-wide, graduate student-specific resources, advocating for TGS students across Northwestern University by speaking on behalf of our student body, championing graduate students' interest with campus partners, and providing opportunities for graduate students to communicate with the Northwestern administration directly.
Student Life provides resources to TGS students, including U-Pass, funding for graduate student organizations and associations, legal services, and TGS Commons. CTA University Pass (U-Pass) is a discounted fare card that replaces cash/other transit cards for all CTA fares. It does not require a transfer or surcharge for unlimited rides all day, every day. It is offered as part of the Activity Fee charged to full-time enrolled students. In order for your U-Pass to be activated for the Fall 2022 Quarter, you need to indicate that you intend to use the U-Pass and will pay the $125 activity fee by submitting this opt-in form by Sunday, October 23.
TGS funds and supports a number of graduate student associations and organizations of all types. All currently enrolled, full-time TGS students are eligible to receive free legal consultation via TGS Legal Services. TGS Commons is a space reserved for TGS students and affiliated constituents that is accessible by Wildcard.
Please email TGS Associate Director of Student Life Lauren-Ashley Buchanan with any questions or to schedule a consultation appointment.
TGS Professional Development
Graduate school is more than just research and coursework. No matter your professional goals, your graduate experience can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of careers. The Graduate School is here to help you develop competencies to excel at Northwestern and beyond.
We collaborate with University and program partners to support graduate student professional development. TGS promotes interdepartmental, interdisciplinary, and interinstitutional programming to meet the needs of master’s and doctoral graduate students. The programs and resources developed by TGS can be found in our professional development tool.
TGS Student Services
Transportation & Parking Services
Transportation & Parking Services, a part of the Department of Safety & Security at Northwestern, manages the parking, commuting, and travel needs of our campus community. Our services include shuttles, parking, and commuter options.
U.S. Bank at Norris University Center
U.S. Bank is proud to be your campus banking partner.
Make your Wildcard the only card on and off campus!
You have enough to worry about in college without having to stress out about your finances. U.S. Bank makes it simple. Open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and link it to your Wildcard, making it your Campus ID and ATM/Debit Card -- all in one. We've made it convenient for you to manage your money with a great checking account for students. Learn more about U.S. Bank!
Enroll in the U.S. Bank Financial Wellness Program
Are you a university employee, faculty, or staff member? Northwestern University has partnered with the U.S. Bank Financial Wellness Program to give you added benefits to our suite of products and services. Schedule an appointment with a banker for more details on how to connect your account to your workplace banking benefit.
- For your convenience, U.S. Bank has an on-site branch located in the Norris University Center:
- U.S. Bank Northwestern University – Norris University Center
847.475.3025
- U.S. Bank Northwestern University – Norris University Center
- U.S. Bank also has 7 ATMs located throughout the Evanston and Chicago campuses.
All regular account opening procedures apply. $25 minimum deposit is required to open a U.S. Bank checking account. Fees for non-routine transactions may apply. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2023 U.S. Bank.
Your school chose U.S. Bank as its partner to offer students, faculty, and staff the option to add banking functionality to the campus ID card. Your school may receive financial support from U.S. Bank in the form of marketing funds, royalties, card stock, or other compensation to offset costs otherwise incurred by the school. Students, faculty, and staff are not required to open an account with U.S. Bank to receive or use the campus ID card for other campus services.
University Christian Ministry (UCM)
UCM is an ecumenical campus ministry sponsored by the United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches composed of undergraduate and graduate students. We strive to live our motto "Open Hearts, Open Minds" by encouraging an authentic community of open dialogue. At UCM, we worship God, follow Jesus, seek justice, love one another, and serve our neighbor. Whatever your faith or doubts, you are welcome here!
Offering informal Sunday worship, off-campus retreats, contemplative spiritual practice, interfaith collaboration, service projects, and social justice advocacy, UCM is queer-inclusive and open to all.
University Libraries
Northwestern Libraries provide large collections of books, databases, journals, unique materials, primary sources, and more to support the research needs of graduate students.
The Libraries also have subject librarians who offer information and research support to all of the departments and programs on campus. No matter what department you are in, there is a librarian you can reach out to. Your personal librarian can answer your questions about the many library services and resources, help you navigate the large amount of online and print collections in your subject area, and assist you through the research process.
In addition to subject-based research support, librarians offer specialized services to assist you with citation management software, geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis, digital publishing, and more.
- Graduate Library Orientation and Welcome (GLOW): Thursday, September 14 and Monday, September 18. Please save these dates and look for details and registration information in the TGS Wire e-newsletters.
- Please email Steven Adams, librarian for graduate and postdoctoral initiatives, with any questions.
Via (SafeRide)
Safe Ride has partnered with Via on-demand transportation service to provide a safe and free alternative to walking alone at night.
Wildcard Office
A Northwestern University identification card (Wildcard) is issued to each student by the Wildcard Office.
Your Wildcard is your photo identification/all-purpose card on campus that allows you to enter University facilities and use various services around campus. Use it at the library, recreational facilities, student elections, Norris University Center, and campus events.
All students must submit their photo for their Wildcard online. To obtain your Wildcard, appointments are highly recommended, but not required. Visit the Wildcard website to learn more.
Work/Life & Family Resources
Northwestern supports the healthy integration of students’ personal, academic, and professional priorities and is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students. The Graduate School (TGS), in partnership with Northwestern's Talent Development & Well-being team and other University partners, offers a wide range of resources to support the needs of Northwestern students who are parents, as they navigate the competing demands of academic and family life.
Please email wellbeing@northwestern.edu with questions about Northwestern benefits for students who are parents, as well as to set up a one-on-one consultation.
Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.
- Evanston Campus:
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1-100- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Chicago Campus:
710 N Lake Shore Drive, Room 150- Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM