FAQs
About PlanIt Purple
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Introduction

Welcome to PlanIt Purple, Northwestern University’s online events listing. Built and maintained by Northwestern’s Office of Web Communications, PlanIt Purple is a central repository for events happening throughout the entire Northwestern community.

Tips

Did you know that you can now share events with other groups?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the event I'm looking for on Planit Purple?
How do I post an event on PlanIt Purple?
How do I export an event?
How do I import an event to Google Calendar?
How do I create a new group in PlanIt Purple?
How long will it take to approve my group request?
What do I do if my group is already in PlanIt Purple?
How do I know if my group is already in PlanIt Purple?

Why can't I find the event I'm looking for on PlanIt Purple?

  1. To ensure that you are looking at the main PlanIt Purple screen, and to remove any filters you may have used, go to http://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/.
  2. Try using the keyword filter to locate the group you're searching for. For best results, try just one key word from the group's name. Alternately, you may need to use the group's acronym. For example, you may first search for "sustainability" and then follow it with a search for "ISEN" if you are looking for the group called "Initiative for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern".
  3. If you are still unable to locate the item, it may not have been entered into PlanIt Purple. It is up to each group to add and maintain its own events in PlanIt Purple. Contact the group holding the event and let the organizers know that you were searching for their event on PlanIt Purple.

How do I post an event on PlanIt Purple?

You must have a valid NetId to post an event on PlanIt Purple. If you are an outside entity cosponsoring an event with a Northwestern group, we recommend that the internal group post the event.

  1. Click the Add/Manage Events button in the upper right-hand corner of PlanIt Purple.
  2. Under the heading for Groups, locate the appropriate group hosting the event. If the group has not been added to PlanIt Purple, you must do so before posting an event.
  3. Next to the appropriate group, click the +Add an Event button. This will take you to an add event screen.
  4. Fill in the fields as appropriate. For a more detailed explanation, see the add an event page within the help documentation.
  5. After you have completed the form, click the Submit button. You will see a screen confirming that your event was added.

How long will it take until my event appears on PlanIt Purple?

Events are posted immediately to the PlanIt Purple home page.

How do I export an event?

  1. Locate the event you wish to export.
  2. Click on the event to view the event detail screen.
  3. In the upper right corner, locate and click the Export Event. An alert window will appear.
  4. Choose Save to save the event on your computer.
  5. The event has been successfully exported. You must import the event to the calendar of your choice in order to take full advantage of this feature.

How do I import an event to Google Calendar?

  1. Locate the event you wish to export.
  2. Click on the event to view the event detail screen.
  3. In the upper right corner, locate and click the Export Event. An alert window will appear.
  4. Choose Save to save the event on your computer. The event has been successfully exported.
  5. Go to your Google Calendar and sign in.
  6. On the left-hand column, click add under the Other Calendars heading. A menu will appear.
  7. Select Import Calendar.
  8. Browse for the saved PlanIt Purple calendar file (ending in .ics).
  9. Click the Import button.
  10. You will receive a message stating that the event was imported successfully.

How do I create a new group in PlanIt Purple?

  1. On the PlanIt Purple home page, click the Add/Manage Events button.
  2. If you have not already signed in, you will be taken to the Passport Login Screen. Login with your NetID and Password.
  3. On the PlanIt Purple Dashboard, locate and click the Create a New Group button beneath the My Groups heading. This will open a create group form.
  4. Under the Create Group heading, fill out the Group Name field. We recommend using both the group's full name as well as an acronym (if applicable). 
  5. Give a brief explanation of your group in the Description field.
  6. Use the drop down beside Default Event Category to choose the category that best describes the majority of your group's events.
  7. Next to Is this a student group?, choose the appropriate option for your group. Student groups are highlighted on the PlanIt Purple home page with the ASG logo.
  8. Once you have filled in all fields with appropriate information, click the Request Group button to submit your request.

How long will it take to approve my group request?

While most requests are handled the same day, some may take up to a week to approve. Once it is approved, you will receive an email notification.

What do I do if my groups is already in PlanIt Purple?

We recommend that you use the contact information that the group originally provided. If that individual is no longer at the University, contact the PlanIt Purple team.

How do I know if my group is already in PlanIt Purple?

  1. On the PlanIt Purple home page, click the Add/Manage Events button.
  2. If you have not already signed in, you will be taken to the Passport Login Screen. Login with your NetID and Password.
  3. On the PlanIt Purple Dashboard, locate and click the Create a New Group button beneath the My Groups heading. This will open a create group form.
  4. Under the Create Group heading, fill out the Group Name field.
  5. Place your cursor into the Description field. This will trigger a search to reveal any groups in PlanIt Purple with a similar name.
  6. If no results are displayed, try just one word in your group name. Also, try the group's acronym if one exists.
  7. If you were not able to locate the group, it is likely that it is not in PlanIt Purple.