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Privileges for Retirees

Wildcard

As a retiree, you remain eligible for a Northwestern Wildcard. The Wildcards of retired faculty who have been granted emeritus status will show "Emeritus." Other retired faculty and all retired staff members will show "Retiree." You may continue to use the Wildcard you received as an active employee until that card expires. Once that card expires, you will need to obtain a new card in the Wildcard office.

Email

With regard to retiree email accounts, the University has refined its NetID policy to ensure that individuals with University email accounts are actively engaged with the mission and work of the University, and to align with best practices regarding information security. Therefore, staff email accounts will be disabled after the last day of employment.

Parking permits

Contact the Evanston or Chicago parking office for details; Evanston (847) 491-3319, Chicago (312) 503-1103. You can also visit the Evanston Parking or Chicago Parking webpages for permit information.

University libraries

All retirees with an active Wildcard have access to library facilities and may borrow materials from Northwestern Libraries’ collections. See the University Libraries’ website for more information about services for retired faculty and staff.

Access to Northwestern computing resources

Retirees can participate in all University hardware and software purchasing programs for which individual faculty or staff purchases are allowed. 

Northwestern University Employees Credit Union

As a retiree you can remain a member with the same privileges as active employees. If you are not already a member of the Credit Union and would like to be, you must join prior to your retirement date. For more information, visit the Credit Union at 1705 Sherman Ave, lobby or call them at telephone at 847-332-0240 ext 299.

Travel services

Retired employees are eligible for discounts on travel services, including car rentals and hotel stays, via the Wildcard Advantage program. Please review the Wildcard Advantage discounts for detailed information about travel-related discounts.

For additional information, contact NU Travel at travel@northwestern.edu or (847) 491-5993.

University recreation facilities

As a retiree, you are eligible to use Northwestern's athletic and recreational facilities, including gymnasiums, swimming pools, tennis courts, and racquetball courts. To take advantage of these facilities, you must have a Wildcard. Retirees (and spouses, etc.) pay the same rates for SPAC membership as active employees. For further information, call the Sports Pavilion Membership Office (847-491-4303) to inquire about membership rates and facilities available. You can also visit the Northwestern Recreation website.

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall and Theatre-Interpretation Center

Emeritus faculty members with a valid Wildcard are eligible to purchase up to two tickets to concerts, plays and other performances at Pick Staiger Concert Hall and the Theatre-Interpretation Center at a discounted employee rate.

For information, contact the Pick Staiger box office at (847) 467-4000 or the Theatre-Interpretation Center box office at (847) 491-7282. Explore concerts and events.

Athletic tickets

Retired faculty or staff members who served as full time employees are eligible for reduced faculty rate for season tickets for football and basketball. Retirees can purchase up to two season tickets at the reduced rate. Season tickets for football generally go on sale in February; basketball tickets are available in September.

For further information regarding reduced rate season tickets access NU Sports, or call the Athletic Ticket Office at (847) 491-CATS.

Northwestern Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Curiosity Never Retires. OLLI is an exciting lifelong learning program of Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies. Each term, OLLI offers nearly 100 in-person and virtual study groups: small, two-hour, seminar-style discussions that are designed and facilitated by fellow members. These intellectually stimulating study groups cover a wide range of topics including history and government, literature, civic engagement, contemporary issues, creative arts, science, technology, and social sciences.

OLLI is a vibrant community comprised of over 1000 seasoned learners from all walks of life who pursue learning for pure pleasure: there are no tests and no grades.

Are you eager to learn and actively participate alongside other engaged individuals? Are you driven to learn for the sheer joy of it? Do you enjoy exchanging ideas and learning the perspectives of others? Northwestern OLLI awaits you.

For information, call 847-492-8204, or visit the OLLI website.