Enhance the student-athlete experience

University Priority

Achieving Excellence and Equity

Student-athletes strive for success on the field and in the classroom.

Northwestern provides best-in-class facilities, comprehensive student support and collaboration between athletics and academics, challenging its student-athletes to be their best selves as athletes, students and citizens of the world.

Wellness Resources

Northwestern’s student-athletes face unique pressures and demands associated with balancing full-time academic schedules with their sport participation. To assist with their personal and academic growth, the University provides tailored assessment, treatment and support services related to mental health and sport performance.

Academic Support

First-year student-athletes are assigned an academic advisor in the Department of Athletics and Recreation's Office of Academic Services & Student Development. Student-athletes meet with their advisor a minimum of once each week.

Marketing and Promotional Endeavors

The Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) landscape continues to evolve. Northwestern has an immersive NIL program designed to educate and empower student-athletes to reach their goals while protecting their academic and athletic interests

Meet Some of Our People

Every student-athlete has a team behind them.

From academic counseling to fan engagement and facilities development, Northwestern provides on-the-field and behind-the-scenes support.

Wes Burghardt

As the Faculty Athletics Representative, Burghardt works with Northwestern Athletics leadership, campus partners and the Big Ten Conference to support the success of student athletes.

Maria Sanchez

As the senior associate athletics director and chief diversity and inclusion officer, Sanchez works with student-athletes, coaches, and staff to advance inclusion and belonging.

Jane Wagner

Wagner works with all sport administrators to maintain consistency between programs and is committed to fostering high standards of integrity, athletic excellence and academic success.

Highlights

Learn about Northwestern’s investment in our student-athletes and intercollegiate sports

Excelling in the classroom

Northwestern's 98% NCAA Graduation Success Rate led the Big Ten Conference for the 20th consecutive year and ranks in the Top 10 among all universities in the nation.

Keeping football at home

Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium — a temporary facility on Northwestern’s Evanston lakefront — will host Wildcats home football, soccer and lacrosse games and other events in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, while Ryan Field is under construction.