Welcome to the SOA Passport Program - the ultimate Northwestern path to getting off campus and exploring all the experiences the Chicagoland area can offer! This program offers students a variety of FREE experiences that include attending major league sports games, visits to local cultural institutions like the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute of Chicago, popular theatrical performances, and so much more. Enrich your undergraduate experience by snagging your own SOA Passport, collecting stamps at each event, and making memories along the way!
In concert with SOA's Barrier Free mission, SOA will provide registered and participating undergraduate students entry into the experience and round trip transportation via charter bus or CTA passes. Students collect stamps for each event they participate in and can earn points for an activity or item at the end of their academic experience. *Each event has limited capacity and reservations are on a first-come first-serve basis. This program is for curently enrolled undergraduate students only.
HERES HOW TO SIGN UP TODAY!
- Click the button below and fill out the brief qualtrics form. Once complete a final page will prompt you to show your completed registration to an SOA team member.
- Take that last page and stop by The Source (Norris 3rd Floor) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 1:00pm-3:00pm OR you can email kparkerhess@northwestern.edu to set up a time to pick up your SOA Passport!
- Watch for Passport Event announcements to register for the upcoming events!
Explore Chicago this fall at one (or more) of these experiences:
Northwestern at the Art Institute of Chicago
September 21st, 2023
The Art Institute of Chicago is a vibrant cultural oasis where masterpieces from across the globe meet, inviting students to immerse themselves in artistic wonder. From iconic works like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" to avant-garde exhibitions that push the boundaries of creativity, the institute pulsates with the exhilarating energy of human expression.
Night at the Chicago Fire
October 7th, 2023
The Chicago Fire FC is Chicago's Major League Soccer team and one of the first expansion teams of the league being founded in 1998 and with a namesake attached to the actual Chicago Fire of 1871. Taking on the Charlotte FC team, students will experience a professional soccer team playing at the historic Soldier Field with their very own NU x Chicago Fire Scarf!
Visit the Shedd Aquarium
November 18th, 2023
The Shedd Aquarium is the third-largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. For this event, students will be able to encounter a variety of on-duty animals from dolphins and Beluga whales to sea lions, and MORE (check out the Animal Spotlight!)
Broadway in Chicago - The WIZ
November 30th, 2023
Journey with us to the Cadillac Palace Theatre, one of Chicago's most beloved theatres. Created in July of 2000, Broadway in Chicago has grown to become one of the largest commercial touring groups in the United States offering a wide range of performing arts experiences and shows. For this event, students will find themselves seated in the Cadillac Palace Theatre enjoying the production of The WIZ which "changed the face of Broadway" with it's iconic score that includes soul, gospel, rock, and even 70's finger snapping!
New year means a new quarter full of opportunities to explore Chicago with us at one (or more) of these experiences:
Broadway in Chicago - HAMILTON
January 26th, 2024
Built in 1926, a beacon of theatrical enchantment, the Nederlander Theatre transforms every performance into an electrifying spectacle that captivates and exhilarates audiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Chicago. We travel here to see Hamilton, the incredibly popular show that takes us on a journey through the life of Alexander Hamilton during the American Revolution and the challenges he faces with his indomitable spirit. The ticket request form goes live on January 16th.
Museum of Science & Industry
February 10th, 2024
The Museum of Science & Industry in the south side of Chicago is a mesmerizing playground of innovation and discovery, where interactive exhibits take visitors into the heart of scientific wonders like the U-505 Submarine. From mind-bending displays of cutting-edge technology to hands-on experiments that ignite curiosity, this exhilarating museum transforms learning into a thrilling adventure for all ages. The ticket request form goes live on January 30th
Lunar New Year in Argyle
February 17th, 2024
Excited to learn more about Asian cultures? Join us for the annual Lunar New Year Parade in Argyle. Participants will receive a free CTA day-pass to travel to/from the Uptown neighborhood, time to see the parade and explore the surrounding area, and enjoy an authentic dim sum at Furama . Initial sign-up is limited to undergraduates. Other students may be able to join if space allows. For SOA passport holders, students can also earn a stamp in their book at this event in the ‘general attraction’ category. Follow @SOA_NU on insta for more information about this event, check for upcoming announcements in the Paw Print, and email announcements to our SOA passport-holders!
Sponsored by: One Book, Religious/Spiritual Life, and Office of Student Transition Experiences
University Day at the Art Institute of Chicago
February 24th, 2024
We come back to the Art Institute of Chicago for their University Day featuring special talks by college univeristy students, special gallery experiences, and an exclusive reception! Dive back into the hub of brilliant creativity to immerse yourself into global works of art and cutting-edge exhibitions that fuel the exploration of artistic expression. No RSVP necessary.
Spring into the variety of events we're offering this quarter:
Night at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
April 16th, 2024
Dive into a dynamic world where art comes alive, showcasing groundbreaking works (such as Where Ambiguity Begins and An Exercise in Close Looking) from both established icons and emerging visionaries. From thought-provoking exhibitions to electrifying events, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of contemporary art's forefront at this musuem.
No RSVP necessary. Stop by The SOURCE for a CTA/Ventra Pass.
Explore the Color Factory
April 20th, 2024
This isn't like your other factories, it's a cool factory! Step into the kaleidoscopic wonderland of Color Factory Chicago, where every corner bursts with vibrant hues and boundless creativity. Embark on an exhilarating journey through immersive installations that ignite your senses and transport you to a world of endless color. Hosted in famous Willis Tower, we'll be on the most dazzling journey yet! Registered students will collect a variety of mementos from this experience.
Registration opens Tuesday, April 9th on a first-come, first-served basis.
Northwestern at the Art Institute of Chicago
May 9th, 2024
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most cherished collections of art in the world. Recognizable classics adorn the walls in the Impressionists, Contemporary, and Renaissance wings. Visitors can also experience temporary exhibits, curated with the touch of highly talented staff. Whether this is your first visit or you are returning, there is always more to see at the Art Institute of Chicago. From iconic works like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" to avant-garde exhibitions that push the boundaries of creativity, the institute pulsates with the exhilarating energy of human expression.
No RSVP necessary. Stop by The SOURCE for a CTA/Ventra Pass.
Passport Close Out Party
June 1st, 2024
To close out a year of exploring Chicago, we're throwing a PARTY! Join us in the Northwestern Room at Norris University Center to enter to rewind the year of all the memories you've made! You can enter to win a variety of prizes (based on the stamps you've collected), enjoy a spread of delicious food and beverages, and see what is up and coming for the Passport Programing!
After this celebration, student registred for the Chicago Fire game will hop on a bus to head down to Soldier Field for our final event of the year!
Norhtwestern Night at the Chicago Fire
June 1st, 2024
Back by popular demand, we're going to Soldier Field again! The Chicago Fire FC is Chicago's Major League Soccer team and one of the first expansion teams of the league being founded in 1998 and with a namesake attached to the actual Chicago Fire of 1871. Facing off against the LA Galaxy, students will experience a Chicag's professional soccer team playing at the historic Soldier Field and will receive their very own NU x Chicago Fire Scarf!
Registration opens Tuesday, May 21st on a first-come, first-served basis.