Hello Wildcat Parents & Family Members!
Happy belated Mother’s Day to all of the women who have provided love and support to our Wildcats through the years! Campus is certainly bustling as we work to wrap up another fantastic year at Northwestern. This issue of The Wildcat Family Focus includes information about all of the end-of-the-year celebrations that will be taking place on campus, including one of NU’s largest traditions, Dillo Day. Information about Baccalaureate, Commencement, and moving out of the residence halls is included as well. This time of year is a big one for many of our family members. Some of you are in gear to watch your student cross the high school graduation stage as they make their steps to becoming fulltime Wildcats while others are preparing to celebrate their student’s Northwestern accomplishments with commencement. However, a majority of you are preparing your student for the summer as we have Wildcats travel across the world for internships, study abroad opportunities, or a retreat to the comforts of home. Regardless of where your student is in the Northwestern process, May and June are exciting months of transition for us all to celebrate, and we could not be more proud of their accomplishments. We, the Office of New Student and Family Programs, is here to support you and your student during these times of transition so do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing those traveling to campus next month to help you celebrate your student. To the family members of the Class of 2018, you’ll be receiving Purple Prep, the start -up guide for incoming students, from us in the coming weeks. Best Regards & As Always, Go ’Cats!
Patricia F. Hilkert Director of New Student and Family Programs Northwestern University
NU COMMENCEMENT COMMENCEMENT 2014 It’s almost here! Commencement will take place on Friday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m. at Northwestern’s Ryan Field; a ticket is required for admission. The two-hour ceremony begins with the procession of graduates, the faculty, and the President's party followed by the awarding of honorary degrees, the President's message to graduates, and the conferring of degrees by school. For more information on dates, visiting campus, other commencement events, and speakers, visit http:// www.northwestern.edu/commencement/.
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE University Chaplain Timothy Stevens and President Morton Schapiro invite graduates, their families, and guests to attend this interfaith service incorporating the principal faith traditions of the University on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive. Prelude begins a half hour before the 90minute service. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates do not wear caps and gowns at this service. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall is fully accessible.
DID YOU KNOW? NU has a mobile app! For an easy-access campus map, download NU’s app. Other features include Northwestern news and the Plan-It Purple calendar of campus events. For more information, visit http://www.it.northwestern.edu/mobility/northwesternmobile/
NU CELEBRATES GRADS LATIN@ CONGRATULATORY Join Hispanic/Latino Student Affairs and Latina and Latino Studies Program for the 2nd Annual Latin@ Congratulatory Celebration. The Latin@ Congratulatory is our way of recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Northwestern's Latin@ graduates. While the event has a special emphasis on our undergraduates, participation is open to any and all graduates who identify with the Hispanic/ Latin@ community. The Latin@ Congratulatory is Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Parkes Hall 122, 1870 Sheridan Road. Additional Information may be found at http://tinyurl.com/LatinaoGrad2014
LAVENDER GRADUATION Join the LGBT Resource Center and NUGALA for the 8th Annual Lavender Graduation ceremony. Lavender Graduation is an annual celebration conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally students and to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the university. Lavender Graduation is June 4 at 4:30 p.m. in the Guild Lounge of Scott Hall. Dr. Michelle M. Wright, Associate Professor of African American Studies, will serve as the keynote speaker.
THE JOY: THE JOURNEY OF OUR YEARS The JOY 2014, NU’s Black graduation celebration, will take place Thursday June 19, 2014 at 1 p.m. in Harris Hall Rm. 107. Sponsored by African American Student Affairs, The Department of African American Studies Department and NU's Black Alumni Association, The JOY is our way of recognizing and celebrating all of NU's Black graduates. While the event has a special emphasis on our undergraduates, participation is open to any and all NU graduates who might want to participate.
RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC INITIATIVES AN AUTHENTIC DESIGN LEARNING EXPERIENCE In a partnership between Residential Academic Initiatives and Professor John Hartman, students in Design 380 are developing concepts for the quirky patio nestled between the dining hall and study lounge of Elder Residential Community. During winter quarter, students did a site visit and returned to conduct focus group discussions with Elder’s students and staff. Then they started generating design and project objectives along with sketches of how this space could enhance life for Elder’s 345 first-year residents. Since this patio has been targeted for renovation, the work by Design 380 students may well shape the actual plans to convert it into usable space. To make the course experience as authentic as possible, we recently gave students an audience of university officials who have experience with student affairs, facilities, budgets, and other relevant domains. After all, if students’ efforts might inform the ultimate renovation of the patio, then this is the point in their design process to be sharing their work for feedback from decision-makers and stakeholders. The event occurred in Elder’s lower-level study lounge, which overlooks the patio in question. Students pitched their design concepts before attendees posed questions and offered feedback. After two and a half hours, everyone was exhilarated by the presentations of bold ideas, which included a greenhouse, terraced stairs, and an aquarium in the shape of an archway. Hartman plans to have students take on a residential design challenge every year. Down the road, we hope to have spaces designed by Northwestern students for Northwestern students as the product of residential academic initiatives like this.
NEW FACULTY MASTER FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE Provost Daniel Linzer and Vice President for Students Affairs Patricia Telles-Irvin recently appointed Professor Michelle Wright to be the faculty master of Women’s Residential College beginning this summer. Professor Wright comes to the position with a distinguished scholarly record and a history of commitment to undergraduate education. She is currently Director of Undergraduate Studies in African American Studies and teaches popular courses, including Introduction to African American Studies. Professor Wright follows Jeanne Herrick (Writing Program), who steps down as master after leading WRC since 2008. The students and fellows of WRC have benefited tremendously from her devotion and advocacy in that time. Jeanne Herrick was recently recognized as a 'Charles Deering McCormick University Distinguished Lecturer', a prestigious teaching award here at NU in recognition for her work in the classroom, in addition to her service as a RC Master. The Office of Residential Academic Initiatives is grateful for Professor Herrick’s service and excited to welcome Professor Wright into the cohort of residential college masters. The eleven residential colleges offer students an alternative to traditional residence halls in that engagement with peers and faculty members is sustained over multiple years. The sense of community with continuity fosters traditions and relationships that endure beyond a student’s time at Northwestern. Members of the Class of 2018 are encouraged to apply to live in a residential college. For more information, please contact the Office of Residential Academic Initiatives (ResAcademicInitiatives@northwestern.edu, 847-467-1362) or find us on Twitter (@NorthwesternRAI) or Facebook (NU Residential Academic Initiatives).
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES RESIDENCE HALL CLOSING All residence halls, residential colleges, and residential communities close at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014, for all students (except for approved graduating seniors, commencement volunteers, students participating in approved academic programs, and siblings of graduating students). Students granted late stay extensions by Residential Services from the groups listed above will move out of current assignments by 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014. Residents must sign-up for a traditional check out appointment with a Community Assistant (CA) or an express check out at least 24 hours in advance of their departure time. All residents will receive a checklist of items to complete prior to checking out that will be posted on each room door. At the departure time, the resident will meet with the CA to complete a room inspection (if a traditional check-out appointment is desired) or turn in the room key at the neighborhood desk for the inspection to occur in his or her absence (an express check out). Residents may be billed for room damages that occurred over the course of the year.
MOVE-OUT INFORMATION Does your student have items he or she no longer needs? Boxes for "Take it or Leave It" will be placed in the lobby/entry of each location - one for clothing/linens/small household items and one for nonperishable food. Boxes will be emptied throughout the program and items will be donated to local charities. Off-campus students can bring their donations to the Take It or Leave It locations or work with Move In Move Out (MIMO), a Kellogg student initiative, which will coordinate pick up unwanted, usable items and resell them back to NU students in the fall. This is a new project that is working to end the cycle of students buying new household items every year. For more information for students on donating items and other move-out, visit NU Facilities Management’s Sustainability page.
NORRIS UNIVERSITY CENTER NORRIS CENTER RENOVATION After a lengthy national search, Ennead Architects of New York has been chosen as the architects for the major renovation and expansion of the Norris Center. This renovation will include greater student leadership and learning experiences through enriched student organization and performance spaces, a larger multipurpose room and more meeting areas. Visit the Norris site for more details regarding the initiative.
COOKING CLASSES Is your student making the move off-campus soon? Make sure they learn a few simple recipes so they aren't ordering take out every night! Each quarter, the Norris Mini Course program offers a variety of mini workshops on anything from truffle making to perfecting a guacamole recipe. For a complete schedule and registration information, visit norris.northwestern.edu/ minicourses.
A GIFT FROM THE CLASS OF 2014 Parents, did you know your senior can designate their Class of 2014 gift towards a new university center? If the Norris University Center has shaped your student's college experience, encourage them to consider donating their $20.14 to Norris. Donate today!
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Each year Northwestern University’s Office of Undergraduate Research runs an extraordinary event called the Undergraduate Research & Arts Exposition. The Expo is a lively inhouse conference in Norris University Center where undergraduates present their original work through poster presentations and curated student speaker panels. Student projects cross all schools and disciplines and show the variety of interests and accomplishments that NU undergraduates represent. All sessions are free and open to the public. In the evening, the Expo includes a Creative Arts Festival of students performing and screening their original creative works (because not all research is done in a lab!). All of the Expo events allow students to interact with faculty judges and potentially win prizes for their work. Students gain experience communicating their research to a wide audience. President Schapiro and other NU leaders embrace this event and gain first-hand knowledge of what topics capture undergraduates’ imaginations. This year the Undergraduate Research & Arts Exposition is Monday, June 2. Please come experience this event and encourage your student to take the lead in their education by exploring research as an undergraduate. Find the Expo home page: http:// undergradresearch.northwestern.edu/expo
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY EARTH WEEK 2014 During Earth Week, NU offered an array of opportunities for students to learn more about alternative transportation, water, waste, food, and climate change. This year, NU had its most successful Earth Week yet, with more than 400 students participating in a dozen events from panel discussions to art exhibitions. A few notable events included a screening of “Last Call to the Oasis,” a documentary highStudents planting trees for Arbor Day. lighting the global water crisis hosted by Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW). A program that really got the students engaged was the Roosevelt Policy Institute’s “No Impact Challenge” competition, which asks participants to record the daily waste they generate for two weeks. To educate the NU community about how much waste the University generates as a whole, the students participated in Mount Trashmore, which is a visual representation of what just seven hours of activity can create. And to encourage students to think about sustainable (and healthy) methods of transportation, NU competed in Bike2Campus, logging 550 rides, the most of any University in the Chicagoland area!
Students dressed up as “Green Man” and trees, standing in front of Mount Trashmore.
NU MARCHING BAND JOIN NUMB!
A unique experience that encompasses all corners of campus is the Northwestern University Wildcat Marching Band (NUMB). Made up of predominately non-music majors, this organization provides an incredible opportunity for students to get away from the daily grind and work with students from all parts of campus. Big Ten football, a great musical experience, lifelong friends, an opportunity to contribute to and become an important part of Northwestern are just a few of the things enjoyed by membership. NUMB is also active in the Chicagoland area having performed at Soldier Field (Chicago Bears), United Center (Chicago Blackhawks) and Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs and NU Women's Lacrosse) just in the past year. For more information on how to participate, visit NUMB's web site at numb.northwesternbands.org or contact Director of Athletic Bands Dan Farris at dfarris@northwestern.edu or 847-491-4751.
DILLO DAY
SATURDAY, MAY 31ST Armadillo Day (aka Dillo Day), a longstanding Northwestern tradition, started in the early 1970s by a group of students from Texas with a tongue-in-cheek homage to the state’s famous rodent - the Armadillo. Early versions of Dillo Day included such events as a talent show, film screenings and, eventually, live music. Over the last four decades, Dillo Day has come to symbolize the completion of a long school year and serve as an annual celebration of Northwestern students and culture. During the 2000s, Dillo Day has played host to a rapidly growing all-day music festival, among the largest of its kind in the country. Dillo Day is attended by nearly all students, many of whom bring guests from other schools to join them in the celebration. Recent performers include Wiz Khalifa, Walk The Moon, Steve Aoki, Cold War Kids, Regina Spektor, Smash Mouth and many more. Its location on the Northwestern Lakefill, right next to the shores of Lake Michigan, gives Dillo Day a striking backdrop for an outdoor music festival. The Dillo Day music festival is put on by Mayfest, a group consisting of about 70 students who work alongside NU staff, administrators, and outside vendors. With its strong foundation and widespread support among the student body, Dillo Day is a great Northwestern tradition that is sure to continue proudly for years to come. This year’s policy limits access to the festival grounds on the NU Lakefill to NU students/ faculty/staff and their personal guests as well as Evanston residents. Anyone who wishes to attend Dillo Day, including current NU students, must first register online at dillo.mine.nu prior to picking up a physical wristband in person. Non-student guests under the age of 19 must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times. If the guest is not registered with a student, the chaperone must be at least 25 years old. For more information on guest attendance, visit http://www.dilloday.com/wristbands
CAMPUS EVENTS PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS STEP UP
Northwestern Panhellenic Association posed for a photo using the hashtag #NU2018 on social media accounts. This hashtag is part of a joint effort initiated by New Student and Family Programs to welcome future Wildcats. The photo was taken after this quarter’s Grand Chapter, a quarterly event hosted by PHA in which a renowned speaker addresses sorority women on a hot topic of particular interest to college-aged women. This quarter welcomed Northwestern’s Sexual Health Education and Violence Prevention Coordinator Laura Anne Stuart, MPH to facilitate Step Up, NU’s bystander intervention training.
CAREER SERVICES SENIOR EVENT Graduating seniors: Get ready to “Face the World”! Is your student a graduating senior? For 1 day only on Tuesday, May 20, Procter & Gamble brands Aussie, COVERGIRL, Gillette and Olay Fresh Effects with the support of the world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn, are coming to Northwestern’s Norris Center to help soon-to-be grads develop an online brand that appeals to recruiters. Seniors will get free beauty and grooming services, a professional headshot and valuable advice to help them refresh their LinkedIn profiles. Registration required. Find full details in the announcements section of the Northwestern UCS homepage: http://northwestern.edu/ careers
PEAK PERFORMANCE TRAINING NU Counseling and Psychological Services will host a training workshop on techniques for enhancing concentration, focus, and relaxation on Thursday, May 22 from 12-1 p.m. For ore information and registration, visit https://go.dosa.northwestern.edu/caps_workshops/ workshops/25.
UPCOMING EVENTS MONDAY, MAY 26 MEMORIAL DAY - NO CLASSES SATURDAY, MAY 31 DILLO DAY
TUESDAY, JUNE 3 - SUNDAY, JUNE 8 WEINBERG COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES READING PERIOD MONDAY, JUNE 9 - FRIDAY, JUNE 13 SPRING EXAMS
FRIDAY, JUNE 20 COMMENCEMENT
View Plan-It Purple for upcoming events at NU!
New Student and Family Programs 600 Haven St. J230 Evanston, IL 60208 family@northwestern.edu