WILDCAT
family FOCUS FALL 2016
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CONTENTS SAFETY AND WELLNESS RESOURCES PAGE 4
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE PAGE 16 PANHELLENIC FORMAL RECRUITMENT PAGE 18
BE IN THE KNOW WITH NORTHWESTERN DINING PAGE 5
OFF CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 20
LEAN ON THE LIBRARIES PAGE 7 ACADEMIC SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES PAGE 8
WILDCATHOLICS PAGE 21 STUDENTS TAKE ON SUSTAINABILITY PAGE 22
YOUR STUDENT’S FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE PAGE 9 FALL AT NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT PAGE 10 STUDENT ORGANIZATION OFFICERS WELCOME NEW STUDENTS PAGE 12
ONE BOOK FALL EVENTS PAGE 24 FAMILY WEEKEND SPORTING EVENTS PAGE 25
NORTHWESTERN DANCE MARATHON PAGE 14
NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS 2
DIRECTOR’S NOTE Hello Wildcat Parents & Family Members,
In an effort to support your students (and you), this issue of the Wildcat Family Focus features information about First Year Experience initiatives designed to help our new students continue with their transition to the University and the surrounding area. Valuable resources from University Libraries and the Searle Center for Advanced Learning and Teaching as well as an update from Student Health Insurance and highlights from the Fall Organization Fair are also included, in addition to much more.
We had a productive and successful Wildcat Welcome 2016 as we ushered in our new first-year students, transfer students and family members with more than 120 hours of programming designed to help everyone feel comfortable and confident for the first day of classes. As you know, returning students also moved in and prepared for another chapter in their Northwestern careers. Unfortunately, our campus community experienced a tragic loss during the first week of classes with the passing of first-year student, Chuyuan “Chu” Qiu due to a bike accident. Dean of Students Todd Adams sent a message to students regarding Chu’s passing in hopes that students affected by the loss, would seek support. Many Wildcat parents and family members also sent emails and cards for Chu’s family expressing their condolences. Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support for the Qiu family.
Most students have now completed midterms, participated in Homecoming activities, and are preparing for the weather to turn a bit brisker. Our next major campus event is Family Weekend 2016, which will take place November 4, 5, and 6. We look forward to welcoming our parent and family members back to campus for a weekend packed with activities. You can view the schedule of events at the New Student and Family Programs website. Also be sure to check out the new Northwestern University Parents & Families Facebook page to receive up-to-date information about University happenings.
Many people have inquired about what can be done to lessen the dangers associated with riding bikes along Sheridan Road. We, too, are concerned with pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Sheridan Road and around our campus. After months of planning among state, city and university officials, the finalization of plans for bike lanes on Sheridan Road will be announced soon; history of the project can be found at Evanston Now. The City of Evanston is responsible for the streets adjacent to campus, including Sheridan Road, and Northwestern is working closely with city officials regarding all of the concerns that have been expressed (and we share).
Best Regards and As Always, Go ‘Cats! Patricia F. Hilkert Director of New Student and Family Programs Northwestern University
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SAFETY AND WELLNESS RESOURCES NUHELP: JUST A TAP AWAY Safety is always a top priority at Northwestern. The University has developed campus safety options available right at the fingertips of Northwestern community members. The NUhelp App is a free resource that helps you navigate safety and wellness at Northwestern. The app, available on iOS 7+ iPhones and Android 4.4.+ KitKat phones, is designed to be easy to use even during emergencies.
Students can also quickly report concerns to the University if they notice any concerning behavioral issues regarding other Northwestern students. For reports regarding sexual misconduct, the app gives additional directions on how to file a report, as well as resources for sexual assault victims. The NUhelp website at www.northwestern. edu/nuhelp is available to the Northwestern community, and the NUhelp App enhances the resources found on users’ desktops for access on personal cell phones. These platforms will complement each other in the continuing effort to help keep students safe and supported at Northwestern.
Launched three years ago, the NUhelp website was created by the Dean of Students Office, with support from Associated Student Government, to give community members quick access to campus resources and services. The new NUhelp app, launched in September 2015, seeks to build on the original website, where users can find contact info for various campus resources like Safe Ride, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and 24/7 Neighborhood Desks right at their fingertips. The NUhelp App also introduces SafeWalk, a feature through which users can set an alert that will notify a friend if they do not reach their destination in a certain amount of time. The selected contact is encouraged to check in on the friend if this occurs, or call NUPD in case of emergency. The goal of this feature is for students to help keep each other safe while commuting between locations. (Watch an informational video on the SafeWalk feature.) The NUhelp App’s interactive map feature also gives users walking-time estimates between campus buildings, the neighborhoods adjacent to the Evanston campus or to find Wildcard Advantage Discounts.
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BE IN THE KNOW WITH NORTHWESTERN DINING Northwestern Dining is committed to your health and wellness on campus and want to be sure you are kept in the communication loop. Here are some things to know about dining. Holiday/Break hours are listed as follows. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information regarding breaks. Thanksgiving
Winter Break
All halls, except Foster-Walker West, will be closed after dinner on Wednesday November 23 thru Saturday November 26, 2016.
December 12 thru December 16, 2016 Foster-Walker West and C-Store Retail only 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Foster-Walker will be open for lunch on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), Friday, and Saturday.
Paws & Go, Tech Express 8 a.m.-3 p.m. December 19, 2016 thru December 21, 2016
Simply To Go will be unavailable during this time. Meals resume Sunday November 27, 2016 at dinner.
Paws & Go, Tech Express 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Spring Break March 20, 2017 thru March 24, 2017 Paws & Go w/SBX brewed 8 a.m.-5 p.m. North Shore Pizza Co 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cat Shack Grill 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tech Express 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Senior Week Spring meal plans for seniors will be accepted in Foster Walker West. Saturday June 10 thru Friday June 17, 2017 Lunch: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Does your student have food sensitivities and allergy questions?
from the Hugs from Home collection. Visit dining. northwestern.edu to send your student a care package that will brighten their day and let them know you are thinking about them.
Northwestern Dining has them covered with Campus Dietitian Karen Sechowski, My Zone, Simple Servings, and Mindful. Our chef designed solutions make daily menu-planning easier. Our campus dietitian Karen Sechowski is available to discuss nutrition and tailored dietary menus and help students find Gluten-Friendly zones in all 5 dining halls. Simply call 847-491-DIET(3438) or send an e-mail to Karen at: diet-food@northwestern.edu.
MyDtxt With MyDtxt, you can stay in the know. You can leave a comment, ask a question, give us feedback, and share suggestions. Simply text 82257 with keywords (see below) to connect with us. • Receive valuable information • See current promotions • Receive incentives to check out events or locations • Give us feedback • Ask questions • Find out what’s going on in dining on campus
In addition, Simple Servings by Sodexo is now available in both Sargent Hall and Allison Hall. To learn more and about how Mindful, My Zone, and Simple Servings by Sodexo can help, please visit dining.northwestern.edu.
Did you have an exceptional experience that you want to share or one that you think needs attention? When visiting campus, did you taste an amazing dish and want to let us know? We want to hear from you! This is your opportunity to influence change within the dining program.
Download bite by Sodexo. Rate your food choices and view Hours of Operations, menus, and nutritional facts all on your smartphone. Find bite by Sodexo in your iTunes or google play store. Enter unit id 587Z2 and scroll to your location of choice.
• Text keyword #gotfeedback
Interactive Map
Get exclusive promotions, coupons, and deals in our grab and go C-stores and retail locations. Using MyDtxt has never been easier to stay upto-date with flash sales, sampling events, and contests to win prizes like tablets, Beats, Fitbits, smartwatches, and Cat Cash. Text 82257 to sign up today. You can opt-out at any time.
The easiest way to see what’s open and how to get there. It is easy to find all of our 20 locations by visiting Northwestern Dining’s interactive map to see what’s open and how to get there. You want to spend your time experiencing Northwestern University, not getting lost on campus!
• Text keyword #gocats
Hugs from Home
Don’t forget! We are happy to help. It’s easy to reach Northwestern Dining’s team by texting 82257 #gotfeedback, calling 847.419.2020, or by emailing food@northwestern.edu. Happy Eating!
Send Hugs from Home, an easy and convenient way to connect with your student on campus. Missing someone? Northwestern Dining understands and we want to make it easy to show them you care. Celebrate birthdays, send a vote of confidence or encouragement, and even wish your special someone well with a gift basket
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LEAN ON THE LIBRARIES HOW LIBRARIANS HELP STUDENTS SAVE TIME, GET BETTER GRADES • We also offer comprehensive research guides written by our librarians as a way for students to discover the most commonly used sources for research. From sociology to classics to engineering, these guides pull together recommended resources that can give students an instant jump start on their topic of choice.
As the end of the quarter races closer, Northwestern students will find themselves laden with papers and projects — meaning there’s no better time for them to discover how their library can help them not just survive, but flourish. Northwestern University Libraries have a multitude of ways to connect students to the right resources they need to succeed:
• Sometimes the residential hall just isn’t the right environment to study. The library has many quiet places for dropping in and getting work done, of course, but if students need something more — more room to spread out, sufficient lighting, power outlets, and even a place to do some group collaboration — they can reserve a study room to get the work done, even into the wee hours!
• We have librarians for every subject who specialize in knowing how to find scholarly resources for students’ papers and projects. Doing a literature review about biomedical research? Try Steve Adams. Need to study a particular musical score? Patrick Sifuentes can track it down. • Even if students haven’t chosen their major yet or are not sure which librarian matches their research topic, every class year has its own dedicated librarian. For the Class of 2020, it’s Sue Oldenburg, and she can provide a first point of reference to get students pointed in the right direction.
• University Library is also home to The Writing Place, a peer writing consultation service operated through Northwestern’s Writing Program. When all the research is done and the task of getting it all on paper looks daunting, the experts at The Writing Place can give students the guidance they need to proceed with confidence.
• Even though we have a librarian “for every class and every subject,” as we like to say, sometimes a student doesn’t know where to begin. That’s not unusual —beginning the search can often be the most difficult part. No problem: Students can set up a research consultation or just stop by our Ask Us to get the guidance they need. Setting up an appointment now will save a lot of time and alleviate a lot of frustration, so students can focus on reading, understanding, and writing their papers.
However students choose to use their libraries, staff is on hand, eager to show them just the right solutions they need to carry themselves across the finish line.
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES For students looking for a little extra help with a course, or guidance with college learning and studying generally, Northwestern offers a range of resources. From small-group study programs in STEM and social sciences, to drop-in tutoring for a wide range of courses, to workshops on time management and communicating effectively with faculty, students can find support options at the Academic Resource Portal. Some programs, such as the Academic Mentoring Program and Gateway Science Workshop, require registration during the first week of classes, so students should be sure to sign up early (and will receive information about how to register in the first few days of classes).
For more information, contact the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, (847) 4672338 or teach@northwestern.edu. Academic Support Programs: www.northwestern.edu/nuhelp/academic/index. html
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YOUR STUDENT’S FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE For first-year students, it isn’t just the jumpstart to Northwestern that matters, it is the continued support and learning that truly impacts a student’s undergraduate career. You may be most familiar with New Student and Family Programs (NSFP) through their work in helping to connect incoming students (and their families) with the University and providing orientation to students through the Wildcat Welcome program. However, the office continues to provide transition support for the entirety of the first-year experience.
email delivered weekly for the first six weeks to make students aware of certain programs, events, and support programs that are most relevant to them, the True Northwestern Dialogue series held twice per quarter to continue supporting students in ongoing development, and even simple pop-up programs aimed to surprise students with fun and energizing breaks from their work and study schedules.
Wildcat Welcome serves as a starter to support and dialogue regarding issues prevalent to today’s college students, such as diversity and inclusion, managing wellness, and understanding self. To support students in the continued discovery, reflection, and learning on these topics, New Student and Family Programs hosts programs and communication pieces throughout the year for your students. This includes the Wildcat Weekends
If your student is not quite sure where to go or how to formulate the right question that reflects their intended need, do not hesitate to send them to NSFP, that is the exact reason they exist. The consortium of buildings, departments, and people on this campus can sometimes seem a bit confusing to navigate for a new students; NSFP exists to help make all of that more accessible for Northwestern’s newest community members. New Student and Family Programs is located at 600 Haven Street, Suite J100 and can be contacted by phone at 847.467.3988 or by email at: orientation@northwestern.edu
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FALL AT NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT New Career Interests in CareerCat
Fall at Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) has been busy with on-campus recruiting, employer visits, workshops and more. Take a look at what’s in store for your student throughout the remainder of the quarter.
We’ve expanded and refined our list of career interests in CareerCat (NCA’s central platform for career activity) to ensure that your student receives relevant opportunities and communications from NCA. Students should log into CareerCat to update their profiles and career interests so that they can continue to receive the opportunities and events that they care about most. Learn more about how your student can set up a personalized career search on the NCA website.
What’s New? Introduction to NCA Is your student new to Northwestern or the Northwestern Career Advancement office? Get an overview of our services, events and programs in this quick guide to NCA (PDF).
On the Blog
NCA’s New Director of Employer Recruitment and Engagement
NCA’s Career Advancements blog continues to feature new content from our staff, students and employer partners that focuses on student internship experiences, on-campus recruiting tips and more. We encourage your student to check back often for new posts that can help guide them in their career development or job/ internship search.
NCA welcomes its newest staff member Geni Harclerode, Director of Employer Recruitment and Engagement. Geni joined NCA in July to lead employer development strategy and oversee the Employer and Strategic Outreach Team. She brings more than a decade of career services and employer relations management experience to Northwestern. We’re thrilled to have her on the team!
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Fall Happenings
Workshops, Graduate School Visits and Employer Information Sessions
Fall Internship and Job Fair Recap (+ Winter Internship and Job Fair coming soon!)
Although fall is wrapping up, there are still a few remaining career development workshops, employer information sessions, and visits from graduate and professional school programs, with more programs on the way in winter quarter. All programming is listed in CareerCat under the Events tab (select either ‘Workshops’ for career development programs and graduate school visits or ‘Information Sessions’ for employer visits).
NCA welcomed 160+ employers in a range of industries to campus for its annual two-day Fall Internship and Job Fair on September 27 and 28. Beyond the Fall Fair, there are still many opportunities for your student to connect with companies and organizations: Employers continue to post internship and full-time positions in CareerCat throughout the year, new (and returning) employers will attend NCA’s two-day Winter Internship and Job Fair on January 11 and 12, and other industry-specific career fairs either co-sponsored by NCA or sponsored by other career offices on campus (Medill, School of Communication, McCormick) will occur throughout the year.
Pre-Law Advising Students considering or applying to law school can meet with NCA’s pre-law adviser, Lynn Galowich Page, for guidance on the application process, personal statements, legal careers, and law school selection. Students can log into CareerCat to schedule an appointment with Lynn. Saturday, October 1, 2016: Deadline to confirm or waive NU-SHIP is
We’re Here to Help Recruiting Timelines: Internships and Full-Time Positions A greater understanding of industries’ hiring cycles can help your student effectively plan for the job or internship search. This timeline (PDF) reflects key application/hiring periods for both internships and full-time positions for various career fields. It’s important to note that employers use different methods for recruitment, depending on the industry. Some employers, such as those in finance and consulting, participate in on-campus recruiting (information sessions, career fairs and interviews at Northwestern). Others, such as those in the arts and culture, nonprofit and communication fields, are more likely to recruit through networking or posting opportunities in CareerCat. We encourage Northwestern students to prepare for recruiting well in advance of their industry’s hiring cycle and meet with their career adviser to develop a job or internship search strategy.
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STUDENT ORGANIZATION OFFICERS WELCOME NEW STUDENTS Student Organizations & Activities sponsored the largest ever Fall Organization Fair on the first two days of classes. This was the first time the number of club tables exceeded venue capacity and resulted in two days for new students to learn about opportunities to get involved in over 300 undergraduate student organizations. Over 2,500 new and returning students attended each day of the fair on average.
win Northwestern apparel and tickets to A&O Blowout featuring Young Thug. Students could also nominate a recognized organization to receive a donation to its Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO) account. With the guidance of Northwestern’s Office of Sustainability, student representatives from Engineers for a Sustainable World sponsored a table where they discussed energy saved by taking stairs instead of the elevator car. Over 100 interested students signed a pledge that they would be conscious of the environment in their decisions regarding stairs and elevator use on campus.
In addition to organization representatives meeting interested potential members, Student Organizations & Activities collaborated with several registered student groups to enhance the event. Northwestern’s Happiness Club sponsored a prize wheel that included opportunities to
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Although the Fall Org. Fair has come to a close, students are always encouraged to look for events and opportunities on and off campus through student organizations and campus departments using Wildcat Connection. Access is free and available to any student with a valid netID. There are over 200 upcoming events on the site including info sessions about joining organizations, performing arts events, visiting speaker series events, identity-based workshops, social justice education, volunteer opportunities, open dance classes, club sports events, varsity athletics events, and a whole lot more. On-air talent and music scenesters from WNUR and A&O provided tunes for event goers in both the Louis Ballroom and on Norris East Lawn. Presenters representing areas such as Club Sports, Social Justice Education, the Office of Sustainability, Fraternity & Sorority Life, The Garage, Religious & Spiritual Life, Leadership & Community Engagement, Alpha Phi Omega, Norris Event Management, the Registrar’s Office, and Northwestern Career Advancement offered an introduction to how their offices enhance student organizational involvement. Representatives of Student Organizations & Activities also used the opportunity to talk to interested students about the Student Activities Scholarship Fund (SASF), an application-based award meant to support student involvement in fraternity/sorority chapters and registered student organizations. Whether it’s support for membership dues, traveling with a competitive club sport, or purchasing the equipment necessary for an activity, the SASF application is live through the SOA website.
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NORTHWESTERN DANCE MARATHON Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) is one of the largest entirely studentrun philanthropies in the nation with over 1,000 dancers and committee members that come together to put on the annual event. Every year in early March, Northwestern undergraduate students gather in a giant tent outside the Norris University Center to dance for 30 hours straight. Since 1975, NUDM has raised more than $17 million dollars for over 30 charitable organizations. NUDM is excited to be partnering with GiGi’s Playhouse as its primary beneficiary for NUDM 2017. GiGi’s Playhouse is the only nationwide network of Down syndrome achievement centers for children and adults, offering free educational and therapeutic programs that unleash confidence and promote continuous improvement. Through these programs, campaigns and community engagement
opportunities, GiGi’s aims to change the world’s outdated perception of individuals with Down syndrome in a movement toward global acceptance for people of all abilities. NUDM’s long-standing secondary beneficiary is the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF). NUDM 2017 will be the 20th consecutive year of the partnership.
Important Dates November 6, 2016: NUDM ECF Day of Service November 11, 2016: Northwestern University Dance Marathon Alumni Gala November 29, 2016: #Giving Tuesday Global Day of Giving
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their Step Up For Recovery event, organizing and sort supplies with the Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, and volunteering with Edible Evanston. On November 11, NUDM will hold its fifth annual Northwestern Alumni Gala at the Floating World Gallery in Chicago. If you are interested in buying a ticket or making a donation, visit: fundraise.nudm.org/gala2017. In the fall, NUDM and Special Olympics hosted a Wildcat Welcome field day event, with fun games and food, to introduce the class of 2020 and transfer students to NUDM and GiGi’s Playhouse. Coming up on November 6, NUDM will have its first ECF Day of Service, giving students the opportunity to give back to the Evanston Community through working with PEER Services during
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Finally, on November 29, NUDM will be participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. For the second year, we ask you to join us in celebrating and supporting philanthropy, by donating to NUDM to help us #PlayForChange with GiGi’s Playhouse and ECF.
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE At Northwestern, Fraternity & Sorority Life is one of three entities housed under the umbrella of Campus Life. The Fraternity & Sorority Life staff members spend time advising undergraduate student leaders within each council on chapter and community operations, as well as provide opportunities for students to hone critical thinking and leadership development skills during their time at Northwestern. The staff also work with chapter alumni advisors and inter/national headquarters staff of each organization in order to ensure accountability and longevity of chapters on campus at Northwestern. The Interfraternity Council (IFC) consists of inter/ nationally recognized fraternities with chapters at Northwestern. For the past 150 years, IFC fraternities have enriched the lives of young men at Northwestern through educational programs and activities. Today, more than 1,200 men are members of IFC fraternities at Northwestern, sharing the bonds of brotherhood IFC and community to build long-lasting bonds and unbreakable friendships.
The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) at Northwestern University consists of chapters from the “Divine Nine� historically African-American fraternities and sororities. Each organization evolved during a period when African Americans were denied essential rights and privileges afforded to other college students. NPHC organizations maintain high positive standards for member organizations and ensure the perpetuation of responsibility through engaging in service to the African American community at Northwestern and the community at large.
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is a strong community that is constantly growing at Northwestern. Founded in 2002, the council is composed of culturally-based service-social organizations with Latina/o, Asian, South Asian, and multicultural emphasis. These organizations are dedicated to service both on and off campus, social advocacy and cultural awareness, as well as the development of a more unified campus-wide support network. In addition, they strive for and maintain a standard of academic distinction. MGC offers several leadership opportunities for its members and helps build long-lasting relationships throughout the council.
The Northwestern Panhellenic Association (PHA) consists of 12 inter/nationally recognized chapters. Each sorority has a chapter house on the south end of Northwestern’s campus. All of the organizations have a long-standing history and traditions, as many of these chapters have been on campus for more than 100 years. Women of all backgrounds and interests are members of PHA sororities.
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Panhellenic women are leaders and participants in campus organizations, serve in the Northwestern and Evanston communities, and excel in the classroom.
contact the chapter president for additional information. If a student is interested in joining a chapter within the Panhellenic Association or Interfraternity Council, students can participate in recruitment hosted by these councils in early January. To learn more about our councils and the intake and recruitment processes or to obtain contact information for our staff and for chapter presidents, please visit northwestern.edu/fsl.
The process to join a chapter within the Multicultural Greek Council and National Panhellenic Council is called intake, and is conducted on timelines specific to each chapter. If a student is interested in joining one of these chapters, they can
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PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION FORMAL RECRUITMENT The Northwestern Panhellenic Association holds a deferred recruitment during the first week of winter quarter (January 5-10, 2017). Throughout the week, potential new members (PNMs) will be given the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with active women from (and learn a little bit more about) each of our 12 chapters on campus. To facilitate these values-based conversations, potential new members will complete a Personal Values Assessment (PVA) beforehand to reflect on their personal values and the kind of values they’re looking for in a chapter. PNMs will also be assigned a Recruitment Counselor (RC) that will help guide and support them through the process. RCs are upperclass women that can mentor and address any questions/concerns women may have leading up to and throughout the week of recruitment. Sororities have been enriching Northwestern’s undergraduate experience since 1881. As selfgoverning, values-based organizations, they inspire students to greater intellectual, civic, social, and personal accountability. Sororities offer opportunities for leadership development, provide both educational and social programming and foster lifelong friendships, ultimately instilling each woman with a stronger sense of purpose and community.
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To register to go through Formal Recruitment 2017, visit northwestern.mycampusdirector2.com. All women must be registered by Saturday, December 31, 2016 in order to participate.
To learn more about the unique Panhellenic experience, visit our website at: northwesternpha.com. For information about Northwestern’s Greek community as a whole, please visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life website at www.northwestern.edu/fsl.
If your student has any questions about recruitment or about joining the Panhellenic community at Northwestern, please email us at nu.pha.recruitment@gmail.com. Other inquiries about what PHA is up to should be directed to nuphavppr@gmail.com.
Important Dates December 31, 2016: Deadline to register for Formal Recruitment January 5-10, 2017: Formal Recruitment 2017
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OFF-CAMPUS LIFE WEBSITE, EVENTS, AND RESOURCES With the academic year in full swing, Northwestern’s Off-Campus Life office is pleased to offer several resources to help your student succeed off-campus, or to begin thinking about living off-campus next year.
fun activities throughout the year including a hot chocolate/ice cream social, cooking demonstrations, advanced movie premieres, housing fairs and a spring barbecue. For more details about Off-Campus Life events, please visit our events page.
In addition to our website, Off-Campus Life provides a series of step-by-step, downloadable guides based on common situations that Northwestern students may face while moving into a new residence or living off-campus. These guides include: How to Move Off-Campus, How to Move In, How to Live with Roommates, How to Be a Good Neighbor, How to Budget, and more. While these resources are targeted specifically to the off-campus student population, this information can also beneficial for students thinking about moving off-campus at some point in the future.
If you have any questions or would like more information about off-campus living, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Off-Campus Life at offcampuslife@northwestern.edu or 847-491-8430.
These “How To’s” are designed to give students a brief overview. However, for more detailed information about student rights, responsibilities, and the many resources provided by the municipalities of Evanston/ Chicago-metro and Northwestern, please refer to Off-Campus Life’s website -- where you can find links and information about topics such as signing a lease and social hosting tips, as well as details about upcoming Off-Campus Life events. To help students stay connected with the campus community and encourage positive relations with their neighbors, Off-Campus Life coordinates
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WILDCATHOLICS START THE YEAR IN STYLE The 2016-17 year got off to a great start with more than 40 students gathering for First Night - the preorientation program for incoming students by returning sophomores and upperclassmen. It was followed by a wildly successful Ice Cream on the Go with homemade brownies. 15 gallons of ice cream and 100 brownies (plus toppings, crushed oreos, and other goodies) were devoured by PA groups and individuals passing by on their way to other programs. The Catholic Students Association (CaSA) had their kick off event and are meeting weekly, most recently to play Catholic Jeopardy and enjoy a nacho bar. Activities for students this fall include small faith groups, bible studies, retreats, Sunday mass, and the ever popular Cheap Lunch. The Catholic Scholars Program admitted nine new students for a two-year certificate, bringing the total number in the program to 23. Fr. Kevin continues to pray, make puns, and lead us well. We are looking forward to more adventures in the weeks ahead. As always, parents and visitors are welcome.
Upcoming Events Sunday, November 6: Family Continental Breakfast following mass 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Nicaragua Fundraising Dinner 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 7-Sunday, October 9: Advent prayer of Lessons and Carols and Reception 7:00 p.m.
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STUDENT GROUPS TAKE ON SUSTAINABILITY Associated Student Government Sustainability Committee (ASG SusCom) plans to take on three major projects this year: an academics project to increase the amount and quality of environmental sustainability curriculum offered at Northwestern; a sustainable advertising project to limit or completely ban ground flyering; and a project to reduce waste generated at Ryan Field.
Student organizations make important contributions to campus life at Northwestern. More than a dozen organizations focus on issues of the environment and sustainability. They take on challenges that range from building a solar powered car to expanding access to healthy, sustainably produced food. Even student groups that aren’t specifically focused on sustainability get involved by volunteering as Trash Tacklers to promote recycling at football games.
Eco-Reps work to promote sustainable behavior on campus, particularly in student housing. Goals for the year include reducing waste in residence “munchies,” reducing food waste, and supporting special events.
The staff of sustainNU, Northwestern’s schoolwide sustainability program, works with student groups to support their efforts. The sustainNU team recently surveyed group leaders about their plans for the year. They shared the following examples of how student organizations are promoting sustainability on campus and beyond.
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Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) is an action-based group, mobilizing students through education, training, and hands-on projects related to environmental stustainability. This year they plan to build membership and hold events including Wildcat Blackout (a race to turn off lights).
Real Food at NU (NURF) teaches about the values of real food that is sustainably and ethically produced. They are working with the Northwestern dining system to achieve a goal of 20 percent real food on campus by 2020. Students for Ecological and Environmental Development (SEED)’s mission is to pioneer, teach, and model environmental stewardship. Projects and events for the year include helping to organize Green Cup, (a month long competition to reduce electricity and water consumption) and putting on a sustainable music festival called Philfest. Wildroots works to promote and spread knowledge regarding sustainable gardening. They maintain a garden adjacent to Norris University Center.
Fossil Free NU is calling on Northwestern University to remove its investments in coal and move toward divestment from all fossil fuels. They aim to build a sustainable endowment that refuses to fund climate change, pollution, or injustice. GREEN House is a residential community with a mission of extending classroom learning to living-learning in ways that engender exploration, discovery, and critical thinking about environmental problems. In Our Nature is an online publication that covers all aspects of the environment, nature and sustainability. Northwestern Energy and Sustainability Consortium (NESC) facilitates collaboration between organizations and organizes seminars on the business of energy and technology. NUsolar promotes alternative energy by demonstrating the feasibility of solar power and provides hands-on project management, design, and manufacturing experience. This year they intend to finish building their seventh generation solar vehicle and race it in summer 2017.
To learn more about sustainability at Northwestern, go to www.northwestern.edu/sustainNU.
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ONE BOOK FALL EVENTS One Book One Northwestern is off to a busy start with the creation of an online prediction game, NUpredicts, to accompany this year’s One Book One Northwestern selection, The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver. It was made available to first year students in conjunction with the Northwestern Wildcats vs the Duke Blue Devils football game on September 17. The top five winners in the NUpredicts debut during the Wildcat weekend game were: #1 Deborah Turetsky (2733 pts),#2 Virginia Arguelles (2281 pts),#3 Lauren Bagshaw (2231 pts),#4 Samuel Rubin (2215 pts), and #5 Tyler Rodgers (2125 pts). The winning peer advisory team was: Group 129 with 802 avg. pts.
Honorable Mention went to Gina Johnson, from Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, for her essay "My Shattered Prediction."
On October 8, students enjoyed a sunny afternoon with friends solving eight puzzles on the Evanston campus. Clues were hidden among the buildings, shrubbery, and signage. The all-campus Puzzlehunt had over 120 students on 30 teams playing the game. The final use of NUpredicts for the fall will start on Oct. 25- Nov. 7, when the Northwestern community will predict the next President of the United States and see if students are smarter than the pundits. The game is fun and has relevant academic significance. Assistant Professor Thomas Ogorzalek in Political Science will use the information for his academic research.
On October 6, One Book One Northwestern welcomed the author, Nate Silver, to campus for the One Book keynote event. As founder of FiveThirtyEight.com, Silver has become today’s leading statistician through his innovative analyses of political polling. In addition to the keynote and book signing by Silver, the winner of the One Book essay contest was announced. The winner was Victoria Wu, from the McCormick School of Engineering, for her essay "The Silence of the Hedgehog." She won a $500 prize and One Book t-shirt.
Go to: nupredicts.northwestern.edu to access the app. Please note: players must have a Northwestern netid to play. Prizes will be awarded to top winners.
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FAMILY WEEKEND SPORTS
Join Coach Fitz and Northwestern Football at Ryan Field as they host Wisconsin Saturday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. on Family Weekend. Tickets are available at nusports.com. Also, be sure to join Coach Collins and Northwestern Men’s Basketball at WelshRyan Arena Friday night as they host IllinoisSpringfield Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in an exhibition game. The Wildcats look to sustain their success from last year, where they won a school record of 20 games.
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IMPORTANT DATES November
Mon., Nov. 14 Registration for Winter Quarter begins Wed., Nov. 23 Thanksgiving vacation begins 6 p.m. (Residence Hall remain open) Thu., Nov. 24 Thanksgiving day Sun., Nov. 27 Dining Services Open Mon., Nov. 28 Fall Classes resume 8 a.m. December Thu., Dec. 1 Last day to file undergraduate financial aid applications for Winter Quarter Sat., Dec. 3 Fall classes end Mon., Dec. 5 Fall examinations begin Fri., Dec. 9 Winter Break begins 6 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10 Fall examinations end (Residence Halls Close at 12 p.m.) Thu., Dec. 15 Undergraduate petition to graduate due for Spring 2017 Fri., Dec. 16 Fall degrees conferred January Sun., Jan. 1 Mon., Jan. 2 Tue., Jan. 3
Winter Tuition due Residence Halls open at 12 p.m. Winter Break Ends Winter Classes begin 8 a.m.
Winter Classes begin at 8 a.m. CDT - Evanston classes scheduled for Mondays meet on this day (This change applies to all classes on the Evanston campus except those in the Kellogg School of Management and the School of Professional Studies)
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CONTACT US NEW STUDENT AND FAMILY PROGRAMS 600 Haven St., J100 Evanston, IL 60208 family@northwestern.edu (847) 467-3988 Visit our website