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New Student Orientation

Welcome to Northwestern!

The Graduate School (TGS) will launch a virtual New Student Orientation via Canvas on Monday, August 19, 2024 for you to complete at your own pace. We will email a link to the virtual orientation to your Northwestern email address once the course has launched.

Please complete this virtual orientation prior to the start of the Fall Quarter on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Plan approximately 90 minutes to complete all the modules.

Please note that all aspects of TGS New Student Orientation are suggested, not required. 

The virtual orientation features four modules:

  1. Essential information from key campus partners;
  2. Important resources and services provided by TGS; 
  3. Information about graduate student organizations and campus resources;
  4. Tips for living in the Chicago area (for students who will be on campus). 

Please email tgs@northwestern.edu with any questions.

TGS Resource Fair

TGS will host an in-person resource fair on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 2:00–4:00 PM on the second floor of Norris University Center. The purpose of this fair is to connect incoming TGS students with the community of support at Northwestern, including a wide variety of campus partners and graduate student organizations. 

Giveaways will be provided (while supplies last), and registration is preferred, but not required. Registration details forthcoming.

We also invite you to explore the resources and support available to you from our TGS-affiliated student organizations & campus partners.

TGS Office of Diversity and Inclusion Welcome Reception

A welcome reception for new students from underrepresented populations will be hosted by The Graduate School's Office of Diversity and Inclusion on Tuesday, September 24, from 4:00–6:00 PM in Guild Lounge at Scott Hall. Details forthcoming. 

Q&A Session with the Office of Fellowships

Designed for all graduate students to learn how to seek out and apply for external fellowship awards. 

Dates and details forthcoming.

Q&A Session with Counseling and Psychology Services (CAPS)

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's mental health clinical services, consultations, and educational workshops. 

Dates and details forthcoming.

Q&A Session with TGS Student Funding Team

Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The funding team is unable to provide tax advice. 

Dates and details forthcoming.

Q&A Session with NU Health Services, Pharmacy, and NU-SHIP

Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's health services and student health insurance requirement.

Dates and details forthcoming.

Q&A Session with Current TGS Students

Designed for all incoming graduate students to ask questions of current TGS students. Topics may include the first-year experience, the adviser/advisee relationship, cultivating mentors, strategies for self-care and mental well-being, extracurricular activities and/or student organizations, living in Evanston and Chicago, and more. 

Dates and details forthcoming.

Fall 2024 Welcome Events

Many student organizations and campus partners will be hosting welcome events this fall quarter. Check back here later this summer for a list of planned events and activities.


Human Resources Office Hours

Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.

These office hours are designed to assist students with completing their Form I-9, setting up their direct deposit and W-4 in myHR, and answering any payroll-related questions. HR staff members also can assist students who are foreign nationals with reviewing documentation, completing the I-9 process, and providing FN tax documentation.

Follow the guidelines on the TGS New Student Onboarding webpage to set up your financial information and email askHR@northwestern.edu with any questions. Note: HR staff members can assist with technical questions related to W-4 tax forms, but they are unable to provide tax advice.