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Organizations and Groups

Northwestern offers a variety of opportunities for connection, support and involvement. Explore the options available to you. 

University Resources

AccessibleNU
Northwestern University and AccessibleNU are committed to providing a supportive and challenging environment for all undergraduate, graduate, professional school, and continuing studies students with disabilities who attend the University.  Additionally, the University and AccessibleNU work to provide students with disabilities a learning and community environment that affords them full participation, equal access and reasonable accommodation of their disabilities.

Campus Inclusion and Community
The mission of Campus Inclusion and Community is to work collaboratively with the entire University community to create opportunities for dialogue, experiential learning, leadership development, multicultural education, social justice training and advocacy aimed at fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Center for Awareness, Response & Education (CARE)
CARE is a central location for students, survivors or friends of survivors to seek survivor-centered, trauma-informed support services and advocacy regarding sexual misconduct. Advocacy Services include (but are not limited to): help obtaining academic, housing or other accommodations from the University; counseling referrals; information about sexual health concerns; information about reporting options; referrals for medical and/or legal advocacy. 

Campus Life
Campus Life facilitates transformative experiences with students to explore their potential, engage in community, and contribute toward a more just and equitable world. Campus Life is made up of three departments: Fraternity & Sorority Life, Leadership Development & Community Engagement, and Student Organizations & Activities. We welcome students, staff and faculty to come visit us in the SOURCE in Norris on the 3rd floor.

Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC)
The GSRC works to provide a safe space and act as hub for organizations, resources, services and programs of interest to the LGBT and Allied community at Northwestern. The GSRC offers a variety of resources and amenities available to all students and student groups, including: space to socialize, study and meet; a library with over 300 books, 40 movies/DVD's and magazine subscriptions; and a computer station. 

Multicultural Student Affairs
Multicultural Student Affairs is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes identity development, intercultural exchange, academic excellence and leadership.

Northwestern Chicago Out Network
Northwestern Chicago Out Network is the campus- and affiliate-wide networking group for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) identified individuals and allies. The group began several years ago informally meeting after work and quickly became a regular social networking group for the support and encouragement of LGBT faculty, staff, students, fellows and residents on the Northwestern Chicago campus. It currently draws participants from the medical school, law school, graduate school, affiliated hospitals and clinics.

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance responds to reports of discrimination and harassment; provides support and resources to those impacted by discrimination and harassment; provides training, consultation, and resources to the University community regarding accommodating individuals with disabilities, the University’s affirmative action programs for faculty and staff, and responding to reports of discrimination and harassment; and Working with students, faculty, and staff to revise and implement policies related to discrimination, harassment; and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)
The OISS's goal is to help international students, scholars and Northwestern faculty and staff, navigate the many complexities associated with student- and employment-based visa classifications within the Northwestern community.

Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA)
Northwestern University’s Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA) is social, advocacy, and academic group for the LGBTQ+ graduate student community at Northwestern. QPGSA is committed to develop an inclusive and affirming sense of community among the LGBTQ+ graduate students at Northwestern.

Rainbow Alliance
Northwestern’s undergraduate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, and ally group, Rainbow Alliance, strives to provide a safe space for students of all genders and sexualities by supporting an active and social community. There are weekly meetings, guest lecturers that speak on campus, activism events to participate in, and a way to foster a social atmosphere.

Religious and Spiritual Life
Religious and Spiritual Life promotes spiritual growth and nurture at Northwestern University. Spiritual maturity is enhanced by critical dialogue and partaking in a community with members of one's own tradition and through encounter with differing traditions.

Social Justice Education (SJE)
SJE creates co-curricular educational opportunities in partnership with our student community that foster self-exploration, facilitate conversations across difference and support actions that create social change on campus.

Student Enrichment Services (SES)
SES works with low-income and/or first-generation students to enhance their academic success, personal development, and professional growth. Through campus-wide partnerships, SES builds an inclusive Northwestern community by engaging students and their allies with programming and dialogue around the low-income and/or first-generation experience.

Veteran Resources
Northwestern is committed to serving individuals that served their country. Student veterans can view available resources on the Student Veterans' Resources website. 

Women's Center
The Northwestern University Women's Center is dedicated to fostering a campus climate that promotes equity and enriches the personal, professional and academic lives of all members of the University community, particularly women students, staff and faculty.

College and School-Specific Resources

Feinberg School of Medicine Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion works with Feinberg students, residents, staff and faculty to further their mission of achieving a campus environment of belonging and inclusion for all.

The Graduate School (TGS) Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The mission of TGS's Office of Diversity and Inclusion is to recruit diverse graduate students, improve inclusion and equity in our community, and develop retention programming for underrepresented students.

Kellogg School of Management Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides their faculty, students and administrators with boundless opportunities to interact with peers from around the world and every imaginable background. They learn from each other in classrooms and seminars, through meetings, club activities, conferences and on global study trips. They forge lifelong bonds with others who share their intellectual curiosity and their desire to make a meaningful difference.

Pritzker School of Law Office of Diversity Education and Outreach
The mission of the Office of Diversity Education and Outreach is to offer support and guidance for minority students as they meet the challenges of becoming lawyers. Through outreach targeted to every phase of law school and career — from applying for admission to joining alumni networks — the Office of Diversity Education and Outreach develops, supports and maintains the interrelationships that foster student achievement and produce satisfied graduates.

Faculty and Staff Resources

Northwestern Chicago Out Network
Northwestern Chicago Out Network is the campus- and affiliate-wide networking group for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) identified individuals and allies. The group began several years ago informally meeting after work and quickly became a regular social networking group for the support and encouragement of LGBT faculty, staff, students, fellows and residents on the Northwestern Chicago campus. It currently draws participants from the medical school, law school, graduate school, affiliated hospitals and clinics.

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance responds to reports of discrimination and harassment; provides support and resources to those impacted by discrimination and harassment; provides training, consultation, and resources to the University community regarding accommodating individuals with disabilities, the University’s affirmative action programs for faculty and staff, and responding to reports of discrimination and harassment; and works with students, faculty, and staff to revise and implement policies related to discrimination, harassment; and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)
The OISS's goal is to help international students, scholars and Northwestern faculty and staff, navigate the many complexities associated with student- and employment-based visa classifications within the Northwestern community.

Office of Work/Life & Family Resources 
Northwestern’s Human Resources's Work/Life and Family Resources offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes programs, services and consultations to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Training
Rape Aggression Defense is fundamental, hands-on training that teaches women how to defend themselves in the event of an attack. It combines classroom instruction on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance with basic hands-on defense tactics.

Religious and Spiritual Life
Religious and Spiritual Life promotes spiritual growth and nurture at Northwestern University. Spiritual maturity is enhanced by critical dialogue and partaking in a community with members of one's own tradition and through encounter with differing traditions.

Sexual Misconduct Response & Prevention
Northwestern's comprehensive Sexual Misconduct Response & Prevention site allows for all affiliated with the University to find help, file a report, and tools for supporting others that may be victim to sexual assault

Women's Center
The Northwestern University Women's Center is dedicated to fostering a campus climate that promotes equity and enriches the personal, professional and academic lives of all members of the University community, particularly women students, staff and faculty. 

Faculty-Specific Groups and Resources

Daniel I. Linzer Grants for Innovation in Diversity and Equity
The Office of the Provost offers the Linzer Grants for Innovation in Diversity and Equity to fund novel and innovative faculty projects that will enhance our academic enterprise through improving diversity and inclusivity at Northwestern

Medical Women Faculty Organization (WFO)
The Feinberg School of Medicine has a long and productive history of strong support of women in science and medicine. The Northwestern Medical Women Faculty Organization (WFO) is committed to advancing the careers of women faculty members at all levels.

Organization of Women Faculty
Founded in 1981, the Northwestern University Organization of Women Faculty (OWF) has long been a national leader in its efforts to improve conditions in higher education for women faculty and graduate students. Both an advocacy group and a networking resource, the OWF offers women faculty at all institutional levels an opportunity to be heard and to help shape University policy.

Provost’s Advisory Council on Women Faculty
Launched in fall 2016, the Provost’s Advisory Council on Women Faculty supports our women and women-identified faculty through work on faculty development and leadership, hiring and retention, work-life issues and policies, and mentoring, in order to foster gender equity and even greater career success. Comprised of approximately fifty women and men faculty from across the schools, the Council is part of our collective larger focus on improving diversity and inclusion at Northwestern.

Staff-Specific Groups and Resources

Association for Higher Education Administrators' Development (AHEAD)
AHEAD is an affinity group open to all staff at Northwestern and dedicated to helping staff get ahead at Northwestern by providing networking opportunities and personal and professional development programming through a grass-roots, peer-to-peer approach.

Association of Northwestern University Women (ANUW)
The Association of Northwestern University Women is committed to encouraging and supporting the professional development of all those who self-identify as women in administration at Northwestern University. ANUW’s goals are to support women’s careers in administration, to build networks for the exchange of information, to foster a sense of community among women staff, and to serve as role models and mentors for other women.

APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Staff Affinity Group (ASAG)
The APIDA Staff Affinity Group (ASAG) is an affinity space open to any Northwestern staff member who self-identifies as part of the APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) community –which is inclusive of, but not limited to, East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander diasporic identities, as well as multiracial and multiethnic APIDA identities.

Black Professionals Network (BPN)
The Northwestern University Black Professionals Network strives to build community through our shared experiences to foster open dialogue, leadership and mentorship that will improve the NU black professional experience

Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC)
The Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council serves as an advisory voice and change-agent for Northwestern staff in matters relating to community development, professional opportunities and workplace concerns.

Staff Enrichment Events
The Office of Human Resources offers a variety of events to enhance physical, financial and emotional well-being. See the Events Calendar.

UNIDOS: Latinx Professionals Coalition
Northwestern Unidos: Latinx Professionals Coalition, was founded in 2017 by a group of staff who were committed to enhancing the professional experience of Latinx identified staff at Northwestern. They strive to create a space for expression and visibility across the institution, build a network among Latinx staff and supporters for the exchange of information, and create professional development opportunities for Latinx staff to progress in their career

Alumni Resources

Northwestern Network Mentorship Program
The mentorship program is an online, easy-to-use platform designed to cultivate meaningful mentorship opportunities for the global Northwestern community. 

Mentor Circles
These are a one-time or repeating discussion led by an alumna/us with a group of two to twelve students or alumni participating. Visit here for more information.

Council of One Hundred (C100)
C100 supports Northwestern women of all ages and career stages in meaningful networking and mentoring opportunities. C100 will engage in programming throughout year that incorporates the 150th anniversary of women on campus. Please check the C100 website for upcoming events and programs in your area. 

Alumni Clubs and Groups

Northwestern Alumni Association’s (NAA) has several affinity clubs that connect Northwestern’s diverse alumni populations to the University and to one another through various social, educational, professional and service opportunities in Chicago and around the U.S.

Latino Alumni of Northwestern University (LANU)
LANU establishes and nurtures relationships among Latinx alumni and students, simultaneously fostering individual success and enriching the Latinx community as a whole.

Northwestern University Asian and Asian American Alumni Association (NU-A5)
NU-A5 is a national organization comprised of Asian and Asian American students and alumni from across Northwestern’s 12 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. NU-A5 hosts social and professional events aimed at building community among Asian and Asian American students and alumni.

Northwestern University Black Alumni Association (NUBAA)
NUBAA is comprised of Northwestern’s black alumni who share the goal of enhancing the professional and social lives of its members while providing support for black alumni, undergraduate and graduate students. NUBAA fulfills this mission by providing extensive alumni networking opportunities and financial support for programs designed to enrich the black student experience at Northwestern, namely through scholarships.

Northwestern University Pride Alumni Club (NUPAC, formerly NUGALA)
NUPAC is dedicated to building community among LGBTQ+ alumni from all of Northwestern’s undergraduate and graduate schools and fostering a safe environment and community for current LGBTQ+ students. NUPAC provides events and activities for alumni primarily in the Chicagoland area. The group also supports current students through scholarships and sponsorships to student conferences, and partners with Multicultural Student Affairs for the annual Lavender graduation.

Northwestern University Muslim Alumni (NUMA)
NUPAC is committed to reuniting and reconnecting alumni with Northwestern and its current Muslim community through networking, leadership and public service events. NUMA also serves as an advocate and adviser for Northwestern’s graduate and undergraduate Muslim students, offering a unified voice that reflects our members’ views.

The Alumnae of Northwestern University
The Alumnae of Northwestern University is dedicated to serving the University and sharing Northwestern's academic resources with the border community. During the past 100+ years, this all-volunteer organization of women has offered more than 675 noncredit continuing education courses to the public and contributed  more than $8.5 million to support education and research at Northwestern.

 

Chicago and Evanston Resources

Alumnae Continuing Education
Alumnae Continuing Education is a program of university level non-credit courses taught by members of the Northwestern University faculty. Established in 1968, this unique program is organized and run entirely by volunteers, all alumnae of Northwestern University. Alumnae Continuing Education is open to everyone. It provides a stimulating opportunity for interested adults to gain a broad knowledge in many fields. All profits are given to the University in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and grants for carefully selected projects. 

Brave Space Alliance
The Brave Space Alliance is an LGBTQ center led by black and trans people. This organization provides health and wellness programming, leadership development and vogue nights.

Center on Halsted
An LGBT community center, Center on Halsted offers counseling, arts, and sports programming and various community groups.

Evanston Victim Services
Evanston Victim Services provides social services to crime victims and witnesses and to residents seeking social service assistance in non-crime situations.

Live Oaks
Live Oaks offers LGBTQIA+ friendly counseling and psychotherapy on sliding scale at various locations throughout the Chicagoland area.

Trans & GNC Chicagoland Resources
The Trans & GNC Chicagoland Resources list is compiled by an area community organizer to help transgender and gender-nonconforming people find resources anywhere from hair cuts, to therapy, to housing, in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Women's Health Research Institute at Northwestern
The Women's Health Research Institute offers a wide variety of programs to promote women's health to the public, educators, healthcare providers, and researchers.

Broadway Youth Center
Broadway Youth Center is a resource center offering health services, testing, advocacy, counseling, vocational services to young adults up to age 26.

YWCA Evanston/North Shore
YWCA Evanson/Northshore is a social justice organiation whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.

Frances Willard House Museum

The Frances Willard House Museum and WCTU Archives in Evanston are managed by the Center for Women’s History and Leadership, which promotes civic leadership and the study of women’s history. Programs and research opportunities at the House Museum and at the WCTU Archives benefit a local and global community of visitors, educators, and scholars. The historic House Museum is open for regularly-scheduled tours; the Archives is open by appointment.