Hello Wildcat Parents & Family Members! As I am sure you are well aware, those of us in the Chicago area as well as others throughout the country are experiencing the coldest weather of our lives—Brrrrrrr!!!! The Polar Vortex has not been kind to students, faculty, and staff who must brave the outdoors to get to class and meetings multiple times throughout the day. The excessive snow and artic temperatures has made daily life extremely frustrating for everyone and we are trying our best to muddle through (and hope for an early Spring!) Just as I assured my graduate interns the other day, this is NOT typical Chicago weather. I distinctly remember wearing my spring coat last December! As you may be aware, more extreme cold weather has arrived. Please encourage your students to bundle up more than ever before. The Frostbite Shuttles are running frequently and are available for free with a student I.D. The Frostbite Shuttles run during the academic year on days with a single-digit temperature, wind chill factor below zero, or during blizzard conditions. When in service, they run from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. For schedule information, please go to http://www.northwestern.edu/uservices/transportation/shuttles/evanston/frostbite.html Although the temperatures are challenging, this has not held back all of the amazing things happening on campus—indoors of course! One of the events featured in this edition of the Wildcat Family Focus is the 72nd Annual Dolphin show, Shrek the Musical. I took my family to our first Dolphin Show performance yesterday and was absolutely blown away by the quality of the production. Even my four-year-old son was mesmerized—and that is no easy feat! I encourage your students to check out this entertaining, long standing Northwestern tradition next weekend if they have not already seen it. The students who put on this show are beyond talented and it is very exciting to watch! Best Regards & As Always, Go ’Cats!
Patricia F. Hilkert Director of New Student and Family Programs Northwestern University
New Student and Family Programs 600 Haven St. J230 Evanston, IL 60208 family@northwestern.edu 847-467-6100
NORTHWESTERN NEWS McCORMICK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE GLOBAL FAIR
In November, the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science held the Global McCormick Fair, showcasing study abroad opportunities that work well within the engineering curriculum. McCormick school places high value on interested students to be able to study abroad in a way which does not inhibit their ability to also progress in their engineering coursework. Present at the fair were representatives from all campus study abroad offices, highlighting not only study abroad programs, but also research and internship abroad options available to students. This quarter, Global McCormick will host a student chat forum, where returned study abroad students will be present to answer specific questions related to their individual abroad experiences.
ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT HOUSING FAIR Is your student looking for a place to live off-campus next year? Great news! Our next Associated Student Government (ASG) Housing Fair will be on Friday January 31st, from 12-3pm in the Northwestern Room at the Norris University Center. The ASG Housing Fair will feature local landlords who will discuss available properties, as well as NU and City representatives who will answer questions about students’ rights, responsibilities and resources for living off-campus. For more information about the ASG Housing Fair please go to: https://asg.northwestern.edu/housing-fair or the NU Off-Campus Life webpage for additional resources at: http://www.northwestern.edu/offcampus/
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY WHAT’S YOUR GREEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? Individuals across the Northwestern community have made commitments to improve their environmental footprint in 2014. If you’re looking for a new year’s resolution idea, please consider a green one! Feel free to take the sustainNU Green Pledge for ideas. Northwestern University President, Morton Schapiro: “Lower my carbon footprint by walking not just back and forth to the office all year, but by foregoing all driving anywhere in Evanston.” (Morty already drives a Prius!) Director of Sustainability, Rob Whittier: “Limit eating red meat to once a month; the production of one pound of beef requires 500-5,000 gallons of water!” Diana Armacanqui ‘16: “Walk and bike more; even when a car is an option.” Adam Berman ‘14: “Eat more locally grown food!” Gia Eapen ‘17: ”Take shorter showers.” Danny Ginzburg ‘14: “Become a more sustainable food consumer by purchasing more local produce and cutting down on food waste by canning and preserving my food.” William Grubbe ‘17: “Reduce the amount of energy that I use by effectively managing my electronic devices.” Brenna Ledvora ‘15: “Always bring my own to-go mug to coffee shops.” Elizabeth “Bit” Meehan ‘17: “Recycle all of my plastic bags and switch over to using a reusable bag.” Jenna Perlstein ‘17: “Unplug my electronics when I am not using them.” Carrie Phillips ‘16: “Carry a thermos so I don't use disposable coffee cups!” Nora Richter ‘14: “Reduce my waste by purchasing less, buying more bulk items, and reusing or composting what I can.” Rachel Sholes ‘14: “Skip the dryer and hang my clothes to dry to save energy.” Liz Shrier ‘14: “Not purchase or use any plastic water bottles to cut down on waste.” Raymond Siddiqi ‘17: “Take more digital notes and print double sided to reduce paper waste.” Mark Silberg ‘14: “Carbon offset my travel and invest in clean tech companies.” Isabel Sturla ‘17: “Hang my clothes to dry versus using a drying machine.”
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT AFFAIRS
Every year, African American Student Affairs coordinates a campus wide calendar listing the events taking place as a part of Northwestern's Black History Month Celebration. This year's celebration promises to be better than ever, with a variety of speakers, panel discussions, movie viewings, and performances happening all throughout winter quarter. For a full list of events, visit www.bit.ly/nuBHM!
HEALTH PROMOTION & WELLNESS RED WATCH BAND TEACHES LIFE-SAVING SKILLS TO 2000+ NU STUDENTS Most NU students will never personally experience an alcohol -related medical emergency yet may find themselves in a position to help a friend who has over-consumed. At the same time, they may hesitate to act since they are unsure of how to help their friend safely. The Red Watch Band Bystander Intervention training program, coordinated by the office of Health Promotion and Wellness, has been training NU students since spring quarter 2010 in order to help students be prepared for these emergencies. Topics covered during the one-time, two-hour training include the basics of how alcohol progressively affects the body and brain, steps for intervening properly, handling objectors to taking action, practice on placing an intoxicated person in the proper recovery position, the NU Responsible Action Protocol, and group discussions on realistic scenarios students may face. Each participant receives a NU Red Watch Band silicone bracelet, a resource packet, and a certificate of completion, as many of our student leaders are required to complete RWB as part of their positions. Recently, the Red Watch Band (RWB) program reached a significant milestone -- over two thousand NU students have completed this training in how to respond effectively to alcohol-related medical emergencies. This has greatly increased the likelihood that a RWB-trained student will be present any time there is an intoxicated person in need. Each year, 25 to 30 training sessions are held, with 550 to 600 students successfully completing the training. A team of HPaW staff, other Student Affairs staff, and students serve as facilitators. While there is no way to know definitively how many lives have been saved or injuries prevented, HPaW’s ongoing assessment efforts provides evidence that Red Watch Band participants take away increased willingness and confidence to help a friend who is intoxicated. They also retain the knowledge and skills needed to intervene well past the training. Students have also shared many inspiring stories of how their Red Watch Band skills have helped them to aid a friend, which indicates they are playing an active role in keeping the Northwestern community safer. Red Watch Band goes beyond alcohol emergency situations, though. The training emphasizes how important it is that there are nonand low-risk drinkers when students are socializing with alcohol because these are the individuals who will be able to provide help in emergency situations. In the past three and a half years, Red Watch Band has created a supportive identity for those students who might feel uncomfortable telling their peers that they choose not to drink or are choosing to drink low-risk: instead of drawing attention to a student's choices with alcohol, it celebrates a student's decision to strengthen Northwestern's community by keeping "watch" over their friends and fellow Wildcats. The success of Red Watch Band has largely been made possible by the many student groups and departments who embraced and supported the program from the beginning. This includes, but is not limited to, New Student and Family Programs, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, Athletics’ PURPLE Peer Mentors, the Center for Student Involvement, and Catalyst. Health Promotion and Wellness staff look forward to training the next 2,000 students in Red Watch Band. Students should be encouraged to register for the training at www.northwestern.edu/ redwatchband.
NU CAREER SERVICES COMPANY-SPONSORED INFO SESSIONS & ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING Company-sponsored Information Sessions: Companies of all different industries and sizes — from local businesses to global leaders — are visiting Northwestern to speak to students about future opportunities starting the week of Monday, January 6 through winter quarter. Open to all Northwestern students. Learn more in CareerCat > Events > Info Sessions. (http://bit.ly/ ucscareercat) Your Competitive Edge: On-Campus Recruitment: Gain insider knowledge about our online job/internship search system CareerCat, on-campus recruitment, and interviews from the Executive Director and the Director of Employer Recruiting and Engagement at University Career Services. Choose from two event times: Tuesday, January 14 at 1 p.m. or Thursday, January 16 at 4 p.m. at The Lincoln Interview Center at 630 Lincoln St. RSVP requested in CareerCat > Events > Workshops. (http://bit.ly/ucscareercat) On-Campus Recruiting: Begins Tuesday, January 21 at The Lincoln Interview Center at 630 Lincoln St. Learn more about on-campus recruiting. (http://bit.ly/NBaQWg)
JOB SHADOWING Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT): Connect with Northwestern alumni in a variety of fields for an inside look at today’s careers through this one-day job shadowing program sponsored by UCS and the Northwestern Alumni Association. Alumni host students between Monday, March 24 and Friday, April 25. Registration is open Monday, January 20 through Monday, February 10. (http://alumni.northwestern.edu/next)
CAREER DEVELOPMENT ON-THE-GO Our 55-page Career Guide is available as an e-book! Your student can immediately access resume and cover letter samples, interview tips, career development resources and more on a smartphone or other device. And if your student has an iPad, make sure the UCS Career Guide resides on the home screen for easy access anywhere, anytime! (http://issuu.com/ northwesternucs/docs/ucs12_final)
NORRIS UNIVERSITY CENTER
RETURN OF THE NORRIS ICE RINK The Norris Ice Rink is back and open to the public. The ice rink is open from 12:30 - 9:00 PM everyday and students can rent ice skates from Norris Outdoors for only $3. Visit norris.northwestern.edu/norrisoutdoors for more information on equipment rentals.
MINI COURSES. BIG LEARNING. Each quarter, the Norris Mini Course program offers a variety of six-week courses and mini workshops. Registration for the mini workshops such as Photo Art, Basic Sewing and Truffle Making are still open! Students and other members of the NU community receive discounts on these learning opportunities. For a complete schedule and registration information, visit norris.northwestern.edu/minicourses.
US BANK AT THE NORRIS CENTER Did you know your student can link his/her student ID card to a new U.S. Bank Student Checking account? Students can visit the U.S. Bank branch located in the Norris University Center to open a student checking account and get their cards connected. Or visit usbank.com/ northwestern.
NU CUISINE
SUBWAY NOW OPEN AT THE NORRIS CENTER In November, we celebrated the arrival of Subway to our campus community. At the grand opening celebration, there was a prize wheel, where students could win everything from Subway t-shirts, to free sandwiches. The grand opening also featured a ceremonial 12 foot sandwich cutting by administration and members of Associated Student Government (ASG). Students are excited to have one of the strongest and most recognizable brands in the world on campus, adding to a wide array of variety and healthy dining choices. What makes this Subway unique? It accepts Munch Money, so students can “eat fresh” without needing to carry around cash or credit cards.
DID YOU KNOW... Did you know Northwestern University has the only Frontera Fresco on a college campus? Frontera Fresco is a casual, gourmet Mexican restaurant created by Top Chef Masters winner and critically-acclaimed Chef Rick Bayless, offers fresh, hand-crafted food inspired by the markets of Central Mexico, utilizes fresh, all-natural ingredients, and supports local farmers by purchasing local products when possible. Students have the ability to use Munch Money, allowing them to pay using their WildCARD.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DINING OPTIONS, MEAL PLAN MANAGEMENT, NUTRITION, AND HOURS OF OPERATION, VISIT NU CUISINE AT WWW.NUCUISINE.COM
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 5TH ANNUAL “HOST AN INTERNATIONAL” FOR THANKSGIVING SUCCESS STORY
This past Fall Quarter, the International Office celebrated their 5 th annual “Host an International for Thanksgiving,” with a tremendous turn out of local hosts, and NU international student participants. The International Office (IO) staff were able to match 101 Student and their guests with the help and support of 26 local host families from Evanston and the surrounding areas. We were able to successfully match every student who signed up with a local host family for this memorable experience. We were never expecting such great support from all over Northwestern and the local community. After matching every student with their respective hosts, the IO staff asked any willing participants and hosts to send the office any photos or feedback. A follow up survey had also been sent out to all international student participants and hosts. The IO received feedback from the host families stating, “Our two young ladies from China could not have been more kind, understanding and warm with our family. We all enjoyed each other’s company, especially the diversity within my family alone.” And other great feedback from a family stating, “We had the most wonderful group of students. All so bright and friendly and willing to give Trivial Pursuit a go! My young adult children truly enjoyed the chance to spend time with peers from around the globe. My husband and I are grateful for the lovely notes and gifts from our guests as well. A great night together!” The Northwestern International Student participants also gave raving reviews of their experience: “The host family was extraordinarily friendly and welcoming. The food was amazing as well. The host family also invited family friends over who were equally warm and great to get to know.” Without the support of the local community, the City of Evanston, and numerous Northwestern University Listservs helping us advertise for Thanksgiving hosts, we would not have had such a fantastic 5 th anniversary of “Host an International for Thanksgiving.” Currently, the IO staff are gearing up for another great year of programming for our international student, visitor, employee and family populations. If you are interested in getting involved with Northwestern University’s International population, please feel free to contact the IO Staff by emailing, intoff@northwestern.edu.
NU CAPS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is the primary mental health service for NU students on the Evanston and Chicago Campuses. In addition to offering individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and consultation, CAPS offers numerous free, unlimited workshops focused on a variety of essential academic and life skills. Workshops focus primarily on stress management, peak performance training, sleep health, healthy relationships, positive body image, and suicide prevention. A Drop-In Stress Management Resource Center (http://www.northwestern.edu/counseling/ about-us/services/stress-management-clinic/index.html) is available for students to walk-in, consult with a stress management specialist, and use resources such as the stress reduction egg chairs or biofeedback equipment. Additionally, during February of each year, CAPS hosts several interactive and informative events related to healthy body image during Body Acceptance Week, the theme this year being, “Love the Skin You’re In.” More information about CAPS workshops can be found at https://go.dosa.northwestern.edu/caps_workshops/ and a list of Winter Quarter 2014 events is listed below:
EVANSTON CAPS STRESS MANAGEMENT CLINIC Several workshop series and drop-in hours offered weekly during the afternoon: Introduction to Mindfulness Mindfulness for Attention Problems Drop-In Meditation Group Success Strategies Relaxation Techniques Biofeedback Drop-In Stress Management and Peak Performance Training
BODY ACCEPTANCE WEEK 2014: LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN! Events Held February 10th-12th The Quest for the Perfect Selfie: One Asian-American Woman’s Journey Mindful Snacking Yoga for Your Best Health! The Body Affirmation Station
SLEEP FOR HEALTH & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP January 30th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
PEAK PERFORMANCE TRAINING February 27th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC INITIATIVES Cold winter days can make it hard for even the most dedicated student to gear up for a trek to an academic building. To make life easier, the new Office of Residential Academic Initiatives is bringing academic support to students right where they live. During the week before fall finals, the office partnered with the Library and Writing Place to provide research and writing support as students worked on term papers. During this initiative, which was called “Fall Quarter Finish Line,” librarians set up pop-up reference desks in high-traffic residential spaces over three days (11am7pm). Writing consultants were also available in residential spaces for one-on-one appointments for eight hours over four days. ORAI is continuing its partnership with Math and Chemistry to offer tutoring for popular course sequences two nights a week throughout winter quarter in Allison Hall. Now students living on the south part of campus do not need to head north to McCormick for assistance with problem sets or pre-exam reviews. If your student tells you that academic help is too far away during the next polar vortex, please mention that tutors might be located somewhere nearby—maybe even downstairs from his or her room!
BEST ROOM PHOTO CONTEST Northwestern University Residential Services is putting on a Best Room Photo Contest for all students living on campus! Students can submit their room photos through Thursday, January 30. Winners will receive a $75 Downtown Evanston gift card. There will be one winning room for each category. Winners will be determined by the number of “Likes” each room receives on Facebook. To cast your vote and to stay informed of what is happening in the residence halls, be sure to ”Like” Northwestern University Residential Services on Facebook. For contest details visit www.bit.ly/NU-BestRoom!
NEW PACKAGE CENTERS Residential Services is excited to have two full package centers up and running! The FosterWalker package center will continue to serve the residents of south campus, and the new Kemper package center was created to provide a location closer to our north campus residents. With the addition of Kemper, north campus students’ average travel distance to pick up packages has been reduced from 0.7 mile to less than 0.1 mile. For more details, please visit our Mail Services website, which includes information on how to correctly label the mail and packages you send to your student. Note that all packages arriving over the weekend will not be delivered to the Kemper package center until Monday morning.
STUDENT NEWS DANCE MARATHON 2014 Dance Marathon (DM) is one of the largest entirely student-run philanthropies in the nation. This year, students will be dancing for 30 straight hours to raise funds and awareness for finding a cure or treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Though fundraising and service are a yearlong effort, the event itself will take place on March 7-9. NUDM is the largest student event at Northwestern University, drawing more than 1,000 participants and countless donors and supporters from across the nation. It is now in its 40th year and has raised over $1 million each of the past three years. To contribute or learn more, visit www.nudm.org.
PANHELLENIC & INTERFRATERNITY COUNCIL RECRUITMENT
The Panhellenic Association, one of Northwestern's four Greek councils, gained approximately 425 new members on January 14, at the culmination of Formal Recruitment 2014. Interfraternity Council added 370 new members. The average new member class size is 23. Northwestern's Greek community is comprised of 48 values-based organizations within the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic Association. Fraternity and sorority life has been a part of Northwestern since 1859, and offers members unique leadership, philanthropic, and service opportunities. The Panhellenic Association Executive Board is pictured above.
THE 72ND ANNUAL DOLPHIN SHOW
The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University is one of the longest running student traditions on campus with 2014 marking the 72nd year and is also the largest student-produced musical in America. Over 150 students from each of Northwestern's diverse schools are involved in The Dolphin Show as team, cast, or artistic members every year. The student production has amassed a large alumni base, which includes notable Northwestern alumni such as David Schwimmer and Warren Beatty among many other successful contemporary artists. The original intent of the production was to raise revenue for Northwestern's swim teams before moving away from its aquatic roots to the modern musical revival tradition it is now in Cahn Auditorium. The Dolphin Show is featured annually on several professional theatrical websites, press releases, and publications ranging from student-run to large scale media outlets. The production allows for students all across campus to explore and expand their skills in business, management, art, performance, design, and leadership in an effort to sustain a yearly tradition that brings the Northwestern and Chicago/Evanston communities together through the American tradition of musical theatre. This year, The Dolphin Show, produced by Rachel Marchant and Brandon Johnston and directed by Marlee Rich, proudly presents The 72nd Annual Dolphin Show Shrek: The Musical. The Dolphin Show fosters and maintains connections with the local Evanston community, the larger Chicago area, as well as its alumni base on a national scale through outreach events, newsletters, and fundraising initiatives. This year's Dolphin Show will run in Cahn Auditorium from January 24th - February 1st. Please visit www.nudolphinshow.org for more information and to purchase your ticket!
UPCOMING EVENTS View PlanIt Purple for upcoming events and details at NU!
JANUARY 25TH TO FEBRUARY 14TH ART FROM THE HEART Make personalized Valentines’ crafts in ARTica for that special someone. Options include: decorate glassware, paint frames, make a special bin button, or glaze a heart shaped mug or plate. Prices range from $3 – $10. For more information, visit http:// www.norris.northwestern.edu/recreation/artica/
MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH 6-7 PM MLK JR. COMMEMORATION SPEAKER Join us in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall for the University’s official observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, with a keynote address delivered by civil rights activist, author, and former chairperson of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams. She is also the widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, and the first laywoman to give an invocation at a presidential inauguration. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, including a full list of events celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., visit www.northwestern.edu/mlk
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30TH 6:30-9 PM THE TRIALS OF MUHAMMAD ALI: FILM SCREEN & TALKBACK Inspire Media is teaming up with FMO to screen this unconventional sports documentary exploring Ali’s life outside the ring. It focuses on his humanitarian work, refusal to serve in the Vietnam War, and joining the National Islam. There will be a talkback with one of the directors immediately following the film. Held at the Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH 6-7 PM BLACK HISTORY MONTH: ITS RELEVANCE TO YOU Is Black History Month still relevant? Why should it matter for people who don’t identify as Black? Join us for a discussion with Dr. Aldon Morris, Northwestern’s Leon Forrest Professor of Sociology and affiliated faculty member in the department of African-American Studies, who will address these questions and more in the Elder 1st Floor Lounge.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH 7 PM ALICE MILLAR 50TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Alice Millar Chapel with this memorable concert featuring the glorious strains of Louis Vierne’s Marche Triomphale, Joseph Schwantner’s stirring composition New Morning for the World, based on texts of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the world premiere of Schwantner’s Chapel Music: Five Diverse Songs for Chorus and Orchestra. This event is free and open to the public.