Hello Wildcat Parents & Family Members! As I write this, I have my office windows wide open and am enjoying the 49 degree temp– certain that Spring will soon be on it’s way! With the arrival of daylight savings time and spring break on the horizon, our students will soon be embarking upon finals. This edition of The Wildcat Family Focus highlights the array of exam relief activities available for our students during exam week, which takes place March 17—21.Students can soothe away their stress while petting a therapy dog, eating free Dunkin’ Donuts, utilizing a “pop-up” library, or my personal favorite—taking advantage of a free massage. Please encourage your student to take advantage of these and many other free initiatives during this challenging and often stressful time. Often a break from studying is just what they need to get back on track and be more productive in the end. Another sure sign that spring is on it’s way is the arrival of one of Northwestern's longest standing traditions and the largest philanthropic event on NU’s campus, Dance Marathon (NUDM) which took place this past weekend. For 30 hours straight, 1500 plus NU students danced to raise money and awareness for Team Joseph which raises funds to fight Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Even President Obama joined in the excitement by kicking off the festivities with a video of support. This year, participants raised more than 1.3 million dollars—a fitting way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of DM. Turn the page to learn more about the amazing (and often smelly) event that rocked campus this weekend. Some parents will see their students during spring break while other’s may have to live vicariously through texts and snap chats. Whatever your student’s plans are, we hope they have a safe (and warm) Spring Break! 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
NU DANCE MARATHON
Photo: David Zhang, North by Northwestern
This past weekend, more than 1000 dancers, DM staff members, and members of the Northwestern and Evanston community came together for 30 hours of dancing for Team Joseph. Dance Marathon raised over $1.3 million for the organization, which seeks to expand medical research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Dance Marathon celebrated its 40th year as a beloved NU tradition. For more information on DM, visit http://www.northwestern.edu/ newscenter/archives/special/ dance-marathon-2014.html and www.nudm.org
Photos: David Zhang, North by Northwestern
40TH ANNUAL DANCE MARATHON MARCH 7-9TH
NORTHWESTERN STUDY BREAKS FINAL EXAM RELIEF AT THE NORRIS CENTER To help ease the stress of winter quarter finals, the Norris Center will be open 24 hours March 16-20. Exam Relief programming will include nightly study breaks along with free printing and coffee throughout finals week. In addition, Norris will offering the following:
SUNDAY, MARCH 16 Therapy dogs Free ice cream and snacks Free study kits
MONDAY, MARCH 17 Free massages Free healthy snacks & Vitamin Water
TUESDAY, MARCH 18 Free Late Night Breakfast
For more information, visit norris.northwestern.edu/ER.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 Free Dunkin’ Donuts
THURSDAY, MARCH 20 Free pizza
POP-UP LIBRARIES The library has partnered with Residential Academic Initiatives and will be setting up “pop-up libraries” in three residence dining halls March 4-6. Librarians will provide research assistance and answer questions for students who are working on final papers and projects.
LIBRARY STUDY BREAKS From March 10 through the 21st, the university’s main library stays open 24 hours a day for those seeking a place to study. To help students decompress, the library will be providing three different study breaks during the week. There will be free snacks, popcorn, and coffee, a chance to play video games, and even five-minute massages with trained massage therapists.
NU CAREER SERVICES There’s still time for your student to find a summer job or internship! The following funding and career fair opportunities await Northwestern students this spring. We hope your student finds an exciting opportunity at one or more of these events!
THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP GRANT PROGRAM SIGP provides a $2500 stipend to undergraduate students participating in unpaid internships this summer and offers career development support from University Career Services. For qualifications and application instructions, visit: http:// www.northwestern.edu/sigp. Applications are being accepted through Tuesday, April 15 at 12 p.m. Upcoming information tables and sessions: Tuesday, April 1 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and Wednesday, April 2 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Norris, Ground Level and Thursday, April 3 from 12-1 p.m., Norris, Wildcat Room.
2014 BIG TEN CONFERENCE CAREER EXPO Students and alumni of the Big Ten schools are invited to connect with employers in a wide range of industries at the 2014 Big Ten Conference Career Expo. Friday, March 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Union Station, Indianapolis. To register, visit: http://www.bigtencareerexpo.com.
NU PUBLIC INTEREST CAREER DAY Public Interest Career Day offers students the opportunity to connect with employers hiring for civically engaged jobs and internships (nonprofits, government, education and more!) and network with alumni who have found ways to connect their career paths with their interest in making a difference in the world. Cosponsored by University Career Services and The Center for Civic Engagement. Tuesday, April 8, events starting at 12 p.m., Norris, 2nd Floor. Stay tuned for more information on http://www.northwestern.edu/careers and http:// engage.northwestern.edu/cear.
HIRE BIG 10 PLUS VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR Alumni and students of the Big Ten Conference schools are invited to meet recruiters in a wide range of industries live online at the Hire Big 10 Plus Virtual Career Fair. Tuesday, April 8-Thursday, 10, 2014. To register, visit: http:// hirebig10.careereco.net.
NU CUISINE NORTHWESTERN DINING EMPLOYEE EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Northwestern Dining would like to congratulate Tony Stubbs on being awarded the Regional Exceptional Experience Award from Sodexo for the month of January. Tony braved the sub-freezing weather to get to work at Sargent. He took multiple buses and trains in extreme weather conditions in order to make it to campus to work. His dedication to the students deserves such a prestigious award and we are honored to have employees like Tony as members of our team. For all your Northwestern Dining information, visit dining.northwestern.edu
FINAL EXAM TREATS Northwestern Dining is providing Final Exam treats from 9:00 – 11:00 pm, March 17-19 in all dining halls. Plaza Café in the Library will open until 2:00 am. March 16-19.
DID YOU KNOW... NU Cuisine can provide care packages for your student! Visit “Surprise Someone” to see ideas for study break baskets, birthday cakes, and ways to celebrate special occasions.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES OPEN FOR SPRING BREAK! This year, on-campus residents who will be returning for Spring quarter do not need to move out of their rooms and may remain in their rooms during the break period. There is no additional charge. Meal plans are not active but a modified meal plan will be available for an additional charge.
HOUSING CONTRACTING Returning undergraduate students wishing to contract for spaces in the residence halls for the 2014-2015 academic year will have the opportunity to do so beginning on Friday, March 14, 2014, at 5:00pm. Any student desiring to live in a residence hall, residential college, residential community, or exclusive-use house, may accept the terms and conditions of the online housing contract from March 14, 2014, to April 7, 2014 at https:// rms.housing.northwestern.edu/. A student must first contract for a space in University housing before an assignment to a specific room is possible. Students returning to their residential colleges or exclusive use buildings will complete their room selection as part of the established process for their unique building. Students who will be participating in the online self-assignment room selection process will receive their priority numbers on Monday, April 14, 2014, after 5:00pm. Room selection will begin on Monday, April 21, 2014.
INFO FOR STUDENTS MOVING OUT AFTER WINTER QUARTER If your student is not returning to his or her residence hall for the spring quarter, students must: - Complete a cancellation form with Residential Services at 2122 Sheridan Rd. - Remove all items from their room. - Schedule an appointment with a Community Assistant to complete a check out at the time they expect to have their items removed from the room. The CA will collect their keys and inspect the room for any damages. - Update their mail forwarding address. If you have any questions, please contact a CA or Residence Director.
BEST ROOM PHOTO CONTEST See photos from the Best Room Photo Contest on the Residential Services Facebook page! A winning room has been announced for all four categories: best school spirit, best themed, best creative, and best decorated. Residents of the winning rooms each received a $75 Downtown Evanston gift card. Thank you to all who participated and voted!
HARAMBEE JANUARY 24, 2014 NU KICKS OFF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS During Black History Month, NU comes together to celebrate Black culture from around the diaspora. It's a time to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. Each year, we kick off BHM with Harambee, a festival-like event featuring free food, music, and cultural celebration. Approximately 300 people attended this year's Harambee, helping to bring in a month that serves as a constant reminder of the importance to not only reflect, but also educate.
STUDENT LIFE LGBT RESOURCE CENTER CELEBRATES 10 YEARS! The LGBT Resource Center turns 10-years old in 2014! Please join us for a celebratory reception on May 19, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. The 10-Year Anniversary Reception will be held at the LGBT Resource Center located in the Norris Center at Northwestern University. President Morton Schapiro and Vice-president Patricia Telles-Irvin will join us of this momentous occasion. In 2000, the first Safe Space Ally Workshop was offered by the LGBT Support Network (currently known as the LGBTQA Campus Advisory Network). Later this group collaborated with students to advocate for an LGBT Resource Center and a staff position. As a result of these efforts and with the support of Student Affairs administration, the LGBT Resource Center opened its doors on May 19, 2004 with two co-coordinators who worked six hours a week. Since then, the role has developed into a full-time position, working to support our LGBT community and making sure our Northwestern students have a rich experience.
CESAR CHAVEZ COMMEMORATIVE DAY OF SERVICE Join Omega Delta Phi on April 5th for a day of service. The event is part of a week long commemoration of Cesar Chavez sponsored by Multicultural Student Affair’s Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs. To sign up, visit http://www.nuodphi.com/. For more details about the week, visit the H/LSA website.
ALTERNATIVE STUDENT BREAKS Alternative Student Breaks is going to nine different cities this spring break to engage in service-learning experiences! Students will visit sites in New York, Minnesota, Indiana, Alabama, North Carolina, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Some of the areas of service-learning that will be explored on the ASB trips are homelessness, immigration issues, Habitat for Humanity, and HIV/ AIDS. Additionally, ASB will be putting on three class trips, where students who have learned about an issue in a classroom setting for the last quarter will go to Arizona, Colorado, or Costa Rica to engage in service-learning related to immigration reform, sustainable conservation for wolves, and sea turtle rescue. ASB is excited to be sending more than 150 students on incredible trips!
3RD ANNUAL AAA CONNECT
On January 16, 2014, students and alumni attended the 3rd annual AAA Connect: Asian/Asian American Student Affairs & NU-A5 Student Alumni Networking Reception to share current experiences, success stories and practical advice. Alumni from a wide range of industries encouraged students to develop relationships with professionals in their field as well as to build capacity in the understanding the experiences of not only alum but of their peers. The event was a great success that fostered a strong connection between students and alumni. We look forward to hosting the annual reception next year!
ONE BOOK ONE NORTHWESTERN
One Book One Northwestern hosted by the Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies sponsored the following programs at the beginning of the Winter Quarter:
HUNGER BANQUET One in seven people goes hungry every day, a matter not of scarcity, but of power. January 23 One Book One Northwestern and Oxfam America served a free dinner at the Northwestern Hunger Banquet, with Oxfam guest speaker Adam Olson. The students were able to see hunger in a whole new way. Over 80 students drew tickets at the event to determine their seating and a meal, corresponding with three income classes in the same proportion as food is distributed in the world. Half the students sat on the floor with ½ cup of rice, 30% had rice and beans and 10% had a multicourse meal of plenty. This demonstration was accompanied by a discussion of hunger in the world.
ONE BOOK KEY NOTE February 5 Author and journalist Roger Thurow gave the One Book Keynote on this year’s common read, The Last Hunger Season; A Year in an African Farm Community on the Brink of Change. In addition to the keynote, Mr. Thurow participated in five different classes ranging from Journalism, writing for social change, Politics and Culture of Food, Environmental issues, and International Development.
WEST AFRICAN DANCE February 13 Idy Ciss, member of the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago taught a class in West African Dance. Over 40 students attended and many wore authentic African grass skirts provided by the Program of African Studies.
ONE BOOK ONE NORTHWESTERN
DEVELOPMENT & HUMAN RIGHTS February 11 Sponsored by The Buffett Center, Amherst Professor Peter Uvin talked to a standing room only crowd about the tensions between human rights and development in Africa and the difficulties of putting a priority on human right in the pursuit of international development.
HABIB KOITÉ February 27 With his band of brilliant West African musicians, Habib Koité showcases the rich and diverse sounds of Mali, blended seamlessly with AfroCuban, flamenco, and blues influences. The vibrant evening of music showcasing songs from Koité's new album Soô, presented in conjunction with One Book One Northwestern—this year featuring The Last Hunger Season by Roger Thurow.
CABARET Winter is a particularly hard time for families in need and this season is certainly no exception. The Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University partnered with One Book One Northwestern for a food drive during the run of the production of Cabaret (February 14 – March 2). All proceeds were donated to Hillside Food Pantry in Evanston.
FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
Multicultural Greek Council event with fraternal hand-signs
This was a philanthropic month for Northwestern sororities and fraternities. Chapters hosted late night food events, daytime bake sales, and even manicure stations to help raise money for their philanthropies. For many chapters, fundraising efforts are an integral part of preparing for the Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM). Dance Marathon's proceeds benefit an organization battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Greeks are proud to team up and undergo the intense preparation, fundraising and eventually dancing that the tradition entails. In addition to fundraising, Northwestern's Multicultural Greek Council welcomed guest speaker Alejandro Magana from Multicultural Student Affairs to speak on unity at its annual banquet this month. This event was a chance for community bonding and celebrating the past year's successes.
Alpha Phi’s annual Red Dress Gala philanthropy event
ATHLETICS STUDENT ATHLETES HOLD FUNDRAISER
On Monday, March 3, Northwestern's incredible student-athletes came together to show that their skills extend well beyond their respective playing fields, all for a great cause. The Wildcats Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C) raised over $3,150 for the Dance Marathon beneficiary - Team Joseph. To view the recorded talent show or learn more, visit http://www.nusports.com/sports/.giveback/spec-rel/030414aac.html
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON CLOSES AT BIG TEN March 6th - Northwestern played Ohio State close for the entire 40 minutes in the first round of the 2014 Big Ten Tournament. After 12 ties and seven lead changes, the Buckeyes emerged the 86-77 victors. With a 15-15 record, the Wildcats are eligible for postseason play. NU will find out its postseason possibilities in the coming days as the WNIT makes its selections on Monday, March 17.
MEN’S BASKETBALL HOLDS SENIOR NIGHT March 6th - Senior Night didn't play out as Nikola Cerina, Drew Crawford and James Montgomery III had hoped, with Northwestern falling to Penn State, 5932. But the disappointing finish didn't belittle the careers those three seniors enjoyed at Welsh Ryan Arena. For more information and pictures from Senior Night , visit http://www.nusports.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030614aaa.html The Big 10 Tournament begins for the NU men’s team this Thursday, March 13th against Iowa. Visit www.nusports.com for a full schedule.
UPCOMING EVENTS View PlanIt Purple for upcoming events and details at NU!
SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH WINTER CLASSES END TUESDAY, MARCH 11TH - SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH WEINBERG COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES READING PERIOD Your student can take advantage of this time to study and prepare for finals. Check out “Northwestern Study Breaks” in this issue for opportunities to destress!
MONDAY, MARCH 17TH - FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST FINAL EXAMS SPRING BREAK OFFICIALLY BEGINS 6 PM ON FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST SATURDAY, MARCH 22ND— SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH SPRING BREAK MONDAY, MARCH 31ST SPRING QUARTER CLASSES BEGIN MONDAY, APRIL 7TH, 14TH, & 21ST WILDCAT DAYS New Wildcats will be checking out campus this spring! Wildcat Days are Northwestern’s campus preview days for admitted undergraduate students. For more information or to register, visit http://ugadm.northwestern.edu/