School of Education & Social Policy

I’ve heard SESP is great and I would like to talk to someone about the possibility of transferring into the School. Where do I go?

Current Northwestern students seeking to transfer to SESP must also attend one of our information sessions, held Monday through Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the SESP Student Affairs Office (first floor of Annenberg Hall). These sessions provide students with an overview of SESP, our programs, the curriculum and the interschool transfer process. It is important to note that our interschool transfer process is unique to SESP. The deadline for filing a request for interschool transfer is always the fourth Friday of the quarter.  No need to register — just come to an Information Session Information sessions take place daily, (Monday through Friday) at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Affairs Office in Annenberg Hall, Room 123.

Where do I get answers about SESP?

SESP Student Affairs is a great resource for both students in SESP and those thinking about SESP.  It’s a place to go to get answers, information and candy!

I’m starting to think about my practicum or student teaching experience that is coming up and I’m concerned about traveling to my site or school. Is there assistance for travel expenses?

Yes!  The SESP Practicum/Student Teaching Need-Based Assistance Fund was created to help students with financial need afford the additional expenses incurred during their experience.  Examples of additional expenses that the fund may help offset include transportation costs (mileage, public transportation), background checks, etc.  The fund is not intended to cover tuition.  More information about the assistance fund is presented at the Practicum and Student Teaching workshops.  However, if you have additional questions can be Practicum students should contact n-frideres@northwestern.edu.  Secondary teaching students should contact Meg Kreuser, Secondary Teaching Advisor, mkreuser@northwestern.edu. 

Can I be paid for my practicum?

Yes!  You just need to report it.

Can I apply for outside scholarships and grants to help cover the costs of my practicum?

Yes!

I’m thinking about attending a conference related to my interests, can SESP help with those costs?

Yes!  The Undergraduate Opportunities Fund (“Opportunities Fund”) was established in 2009 to support academic and community endeavors of undergraduate students in the School of Education and Social Policy (SESP). The fund provides support for (SESP) undergraduates’ special projects.  The project might be under the direction of a faculty member, or might be an endeavor of the student’s own choosing, such as those undertaken by undergraduate student organizations.  Students are eligible for one award from the Opportunities Fund during the course of their undergraduate studies.  Student organizations are eligible for one award annually.  If the project is research oriented, students are encouraged to apply for funding through the Hess Fund or for an undergraduate research grant.  Students may apply for support from the Opportunities Fund for items that support or advance their project.  Examples include but are not limited to expenses associated with an academic conference, travel, or a community initiative.  All interested students are encouraged to apply.  Please direct questions to Susan Olson, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, susan-olson@northwestern.edu

I’m planning to do a research project and am anticipating some expenses. Can SESP help with those costs?

Yes!  The G. Alfred Hess Jr. Undergraduate Research Fellowship Fund (“Hess Fund”) was established in 2005-06 to honor and remember Fred Hess for his service to the School of Education and Social Policy and his generosity in mentoring undergraduate students.  The fund provides support for School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) undergraduates who are working on  The “research project” might be under the direction of a faculty member, or might be a paper or endeavor of the student’s own choosing, such as those undertaken by undergraduates in SESP’s Honors Program.  Students are eligible for one award from the Hess Fund during the course of their undergraduate studies.  Students may apply for support from the Hess Fund for items that support or advance their work.  Examples include but are not limited to expenses associated with data collection or analysis, travel, equipment, research subject costs, and transcription services.  The Hess Fund is not designed to provide living wages for the student researcher.  All interested students are encouraged to apply.  Please direct questions to Susan Olson, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, susan-olson@northwestern.edu

I still have questions.

If you have additional questions about financial assistance options at SESP, please contact Susan Olson, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.