Dear colleagues,

Fall is always filled with events across our campuses that remind me of the many aspects of Northwestern that make it so exceptional. The Office of the Provost is involved with many of these fantastic events and programs, and I want to thank everyone who makes them possible.

Two recent events stand out because they are so closely linked to our University Guiding Principles of championing access, diversity and belonging and strengthening our community: the Native American and Indigenous Strategic Plan Kick-Off event on Oct. 2 and the One Book One Northwestern Keynote on Oct. 15.

These events brought diverse members of the Northwestern community (and our surrounding community) together in a spirit of learning, sharing and fun. They also demonstrated Northwestern's commitment to honoring Native and Indigenous voices and fostering an inclusive campus environment. Thank you again to the organizers and to all who participated.

Shown above: One Book Co-chair Professor Megan Bang, author Louise Erdrich, Provost Kathleen Hagerty, One Book Co-chair Dean Bryan Brayboy and One Book Director Nancy Cunniff at the One Book Keynote

The truth is, every event I attend at Northwestern elicits a similar feeling of pride in our academic community and, in particular, the Office of the Provost, which plays such a major role in fostering the engaged culture of this University. I am proud of the fact that Northwestern people show up, and we care — about one another and the University.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost and First Chicago Professor

All about the staff

Meet Julia Jenkins

My family’s business was the subject of a reality TV show. It only lasted for a season, but it featured my grandmother, mom and sister and the business, The Perfect Thing in Wheaton, Illinois, which they have owned for 40 years. My grandmother has since passed away, but I love that I can find clips of the show online to hear her voice and her laughter whenever I want. My mom and sister still do some TV work from time to time and appear as guest appraisers on a show called "Collector’s Call" (with the actress Lisa Whelchel who played Blair Warner on "The Facts of Life").

Staff who started roles in September

Block Museum

• Madeleine Giaconia, Communications Coordinator  

Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching

• Laura Ferdinand, Assistant Director of Content and Communications

Undergraduate Admission

• Vivica Lewis, Assistant Director of Admission

News, notes and need to know

Voting Information from the Center for Civic Engagement

Voting for the 2024 presidential election is already underway and will end on Election Day (Nov. 5). The NU Votes website has helpful information. Here are some key points for in-person voting:

• Evanston and suburban Cook County voters can vote early at the Evanston Civic Center through Nov. 4; see early voting hours here. 
• Chicago voters can vote early at any of 51 locations throughout the city. 
• On Election Day (Nov. 5), you must vote at your local polling place. In Illinois, polling places are open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. 
• Still need to register? In Illinois, you can still register and vote at the same time with two forms of ID (one to establish identity, one proof of Illinois address). 

NU Votes will be offer Voter Services Stations at the main entrance of Norris through Nov. 1 from noon-4 p.m. Staff will be available to provide mailing resources, notary services, in-person voter information and more. Additional questions? Email nuvotes@northwestern.edu.

CatalystNU: Conversations That Transform is Accepting Applications

CatalystNU is year-long series in which participants will learn the how of dialogue and build practical skills for having more meaningful conversations. Led by internal and external experts across disciplines, each session will weave together a topical theme — leadership, emotions, equity and inclusion — with skill-building in an interactive format. After completing the series, participants will have gained new knowledge and expanded skill sets to use in their working, learning and living environments. Open to all Northwestern University faculty, staff and students. Deadline to apply is Nov. 29.

Buffett Friday Lunches

Buffett Institute will host a new lunchtime talk series on the first Friday of every month. Faculty members will give a half-hour talk intended for a broad, multidisciplinary audience of Northwestern students, faculty and staff followed by a conversational Q&A. Lunch will be provided. All talks will take place at the Buffett Institute's new home base on campus, 720 University Place, at 12:30 p.m. Explore the lineup and register. Buffett also hosts an array of terrific events and speakers over the course of year. Check the events calendar for details.

Your Health and Wellness

Human Resources is partnering with CVS to provide on-campus flu and COVID shots. In Chicago, Oct. 30 is the last day; in Evanston, Nov. 4 is the last day. The registration process will be new this year and health insurance information will need to be entered when scheduling your appointment. Learn more. 

Senior and Adult Caregiver Support

The Northwestern Senior and Adult Caregiver Support Group, facilitated by Care.com senior care social workers, focuses on a different topic each month. The next session, "Paying for Care," will be held Nov. 13, noon-1 p.m. Learn more about Northwestern's Senior and Adult Care resources.

In case you missed it

• Northwestern will hold its 167th Commencement ceremony June 15, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago.
• The Department of Safety and Security shared safety reminders and quick links to resources to save or “favorite” for easy access in case they are needed.
• Northwestern Libraries now offer direct access to the New York Times to the Northwestern community
• View more news from around the University.

Mark your calendar

Events  

• Oct. 31 noon- 4 p.m.: Women's Center and Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion's Halloween Open House at the Women's Center on the Evanston campus
• Through Dec. 1: At the Block Museum of Art: Dissident Sisters: Bev Grant and Feminist Activism, 1968-72 

Key dates 

• Through Nov. 8: HR Benefits Open Enrollment
• Nov. 5: Election Day
• Nov. 28-29: Thanksgiving holiday. University closed.

More resources

• University Events
• Academic Calendars
• Past Newsletters

Help us build future newsletters! If your unit is working on a project that is relevant to the entire Office of the Provost, or if you have awards, honors or accomplishments to share, send an email to officeoftheprovost@northwestern.edu.