Students

Welcome Wildcats!

students socializing in residence hall, click to enlargeThis is a new journey for you and we are here to help and support you on this adventure.

The Role of Student Affairs

What is the role of the Student Affairs division in your development? In a nutshell:

  • We provide opportunities for students to achieve competence in academic and non-academic arenas
  • We challenge students while also providing support
  • We teach students how to manage emotions
  • We help students become autonomous so they can move from dependence to interdependence
  • We encourage students to determine who they really are, on so many levels
  • We support the development of positive relationships, including those with family, friends, partners and diverse individuals
  • We help students identify and pursue their purpose
  • We offer assistance as students develop their values and figure out what they stand for

Many members of the campus community are involved in the student development process on a regular basis. They include:

Residential Life Staff; Orientation Peer Advisers; Support for Students with Disabilities; Student Leaders ; Career Services Professionals; Health Services Staff; Faculty Members; Student Conduct Office; Coaches; CAPS Counselors; Greek Life Advisers; Academic Support Services; CSI Staff; Student Activities Staff; University Chaplain's Office; and many, many others!

As Student Advocates...

The Deans office staff and Student Affairs staff advocate in the following manner:NU Cheerleaders with Willie and other students, click to enlarge

  • We treat students as adults, getting you involved in solving your own problems instead of relying upon others to do it for them.
  • We intervene if we become aware of a potentially life-threatening behavior occurring
  • We don't serve as "babysitters" for students
  • We are concerned with students' safety and educate them on ways to keep themselves and others safe
  • We don't ever want to see a student get hurt
  • We expect students to take responsibility for their own actions, we are here to support students every step of the way

Lessons in Self-Responsibility

Self-responsibility is one of the most important things you can learn at college. Initially, it may take some trial and error for the lessons to kick in but, once they do, you will have learned a valuable fact: no one is responsible for your life but you.

We expect students to take responsibility for:

  • Their behavioral choices
  • Respecting rules and policies
  • Academic honesty and persistence
  • Personal integrity and care
  • Developing healthy study, eating, and sleep habits
  • Seeking assistance when needed
  • Being a positive member of the campus community

Many people are available to students to help them right a wrong. As long as they take responsibility for their choices and actions, they'll find support ever step of the way.

Privacy of Student Records and Northwestern University's FERPA Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student's educational records. It applies to schools receiving funds through the U.S. Department of Education.

Once a student enters college or turns 18 years old, rights to control the release of records and information under FERPA transfer from parents to students. Therefore, a student’s educational records are typically not shared with parents unless your student gives written permission or it's a special case, such as a health or safety emergency.

Institutions are required to post an annual FERPA notification. For more information, please visit Northwestern University's FERPA Policy within the Registrar's site or just ask us. You can also download the FERPA release form (PDF).

Where Do We Expect You to Develop?

There are several areas in which we expect you to learn and develop during your time at NU. These learning domains include:

  • students painting a picnic table as part of community service, click to enlargeEthics and Values
  • Intra- and Interpersonal Competence
  • Leadership
  • Civic and Community Engagement
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Healthy Living
  • Spirituality
  • Responsible Independence
  • Sustainability
  • Career Development

Being Open to Diversity

Chances are that you will be positively challenged by the new people you encounter on campus.  The roommate with very different political views, the friend with a different religious background, the classmate from a different ethnicity all will open your eyes, if you are willing. We encourage this type of growth because a student who is open to diversity will experience Northwestern and the world much differently than one who is not.

Contributing to Community

It may start out as a stint with hall government. Then, you may get involved with a community service organization. Soon, you may be leading an organization or doing an internship with a group on campus or in the Evanston/Chicago community you believe in. Community involvement means different things for different people. What's most important is that you engage with this place and with our community. You are here to contribute as much as you are to take in!

Responsible Action Protocol

Never become so intoxicated that you lose consciousness or the ability to keep yourself safe. And if you should encounter anyone in such a state, you are to intervene and help. Use our Responsible Action Protocol:

  • Call 911
  • Stay with the person needing assistance
  • Cooperate with emergency & university officials

The Benefits of Smart Choices

Our campus safety experts Northwestern University Police Department advocate:

  • Not walking alone in isolated areas
  • Keeping living spaces locked
  • Not giving out personal information to people met online
  • Reporting any threatening texts, calls or emails right away
In short, our mutual hopes, goals, and expectations can be summed up by the statement;

Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other, and Take Care of Our Community, Northwestern.