Messages From Northwestern Leaders
Official statements, messages and announcements to the Northwestern community from President Michael Schill and other Northwestern University leaders.
| Stories | Keywords | Authors |
|---|---|---|
Enabling Vital Research to ContinueApril 17, 2025 The work we do is essential to our community, to the nation and to the world. Enabling this vital research to continue is among our most important priorities, and supporting our researchers in this moment is a responsibility we take seriously.  Peter BarrisChair, Board of Trustees  Michael SchillPresident and Professor | research funding | Peter Barris, Michael Schill |
Invitation to Accreditation Open ForumsApril 15, 2025 As you may know, Northwestern is currently undergoing its 10-year review for reaffirmation of accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. The review will culminate in an on-site visit to the Evanston campus April 28 and 29 by a team of HLC peer reviewers.  Kathleen HagertyProvost | accreditation | Kathleen Hagerty |
An Update on This Morning’s VandalismApril 14, 2025 Antisemitic acts cannot and will not be tolerated at Northwestern, nor will vandalism or other violations of our policies on displays, demonstrations or conduct. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | vandalism | Michael Schill |
Update on Federal FundingApril 10, 2025 As we communicated Tuesday evening, Northwestern was informed by members of the media that the federal government plans to freeze a significant portion of our federal funding. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost  Amanda DistelVice President and Chief Financial Officer  Eric PerreaultVice President for Research | federal funding | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Amanda Distel, Eric Perreault |
Reports on Federal Funding FreezeApril 8, 2025 Northwestern was informed by members of the media that the federal government will freeze a significant portion of our federal funding. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost Amanda DistelVice President and Chief Financial Officer Eric PerreaultVice President for Research | federal funding | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Amanda Distel, Eric Perreault |
Resources Related to Federal Action on Immigration and TravelApril 1, 2025 Guidance and resources currently available while we monitor evolving federal activities and potential policy actions related to immigration and international travel. Kathleen HagertyProvost  Luke FigoraVice President for Operations | Kathleen Hagerty, Luke Figora | |
Staying True to Our Guiding PrinciplesMarch 6, 2025 Our purpose today is to let each of you know what some of our guiding principles will be as we make the many hard decisions in front of us. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost | higher education, president, provost | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty |
Responding to Challenging IssuesFebruary 19, 2025 The federal government has issued Executive Orders and related agency actions at an unprecedented pace in recent weeks. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost | government | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty |
Immediate Measures to Address Financial ChallengesFebruary 12, 2025 After consultation with University leaders and Board of Trustees leadership, we have decided to take the following measures, effective immediately, to protect Northwestern and to best position the institution. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost Amanda DistelVice President and Chief Financial Officer | finances | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Amanda Distel |
Update on NIH FundingFebruary 10, 2025 On Friday, Feb. 7, the National Institutes of Health announced proposed changes to the federal government's handling of indirect research costs. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost  Eric G. NeilsonVP for Medical Affairs; Dean and Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine Eric PerreaultVice President for Research | research, costs, NIH | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Eric G. Neilson, Eric Perreault |
Northwestern’s Response to Federal Government ActionsJanuary 29, 2025 As directives and legal challenges play out, Northwestern’s leadership is reviewing the orders and their potential impacts on our community. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost Eric PerreaultVice President for Research | federal government, funding, president Michael Schill | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Eric Perreault |
Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility MembershipJanuary 27, 2025 I am pleased to share that after more than two months of gathering and reviewing applications, Northwestern is prepared to re-establish the Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility (ACIR) next month. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael Schill, investment, committee | Michael Schill |
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.January 17, 2025 This year, as we honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his profound impact both nationally and here in the Chicago area. Michael SchillPresident and Professor  Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Kathleen HagertyProvost  Michelle MannoInterim Chief Diversity Officer | Martin Luther King | Michael Schill, Susan Davis, Kathleen Hagerty, Michelle Manno |
Annual Financial Update for 2025January 16, 2025 As we provide our annual financial update to the University community, we recognize that 2025 holds unknowns that may impact our financial operations. We are working proactively to prepare for various potential impacts and, if events dictate, we will provide updates to the University community. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Amanda DistelVice President and Chief Financial Officer Kathleen HagertyProvost | financial update, president | Michael Schill, Amanda Distel, Kathleen Hagerty |
Implementing University Policies and ReportingOctober 24, 2024 As we promised in our Sept. 5 message, we are writing to share an update on the implementation of Northwestern’s new policies. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs  Lorraine GoffeVice President for Human Resources Kathleen HagertyProvost | policies, reporting, demonstrations | Susan Davis, Lorraine Goffe, Kathleen Hagerty |
Reminders of Campus SafetyOctober 4, 2024 To help keep you safe this year, here are safety reminders and quick links to resources all in one place that you can save or “favorite” in case you ever need them.  Bruce LewisChief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President Luke FigoraVice President for Operations | safety | Bruce Lewis, Luke Figora |
Statement on Free Expression and Institutional SpeechSeptember 27, 2024 Earlier this year, we appointed the President’s Advisory Committee on Free Expression and Institutional Speech to prepare a statement rooted in Northwestern values. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost | northwestern values, free expression, academic freedom | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty |
Supporting Your Journey at NorthwesternSeptember 26, 2024 As we embark on the 2024-25 academic year, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a fulfilling and healthy start to a new year here at Northwestern. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs | student affairs, welcome, Susan Davis | Susan Davis |
A Warm Welcome to Start the YearSeptember 24, 2024 With today’s start of the Fall Quarter in Evanston, the academic year has now begun across all of our campuses. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | welcome, president schill | Michael Schill |
Providing Updates to University PoliciesSeptember 5, 2024 As we once again fill our classrooms, laboratories, study spaces and offices, we remain focused on the core of our mission as a university — to create space for learning, where ideas flow freely, we learn from one another, and we push each other to create and to discover. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Lorraine GoffeVice President for Human Resources Kathleen HagertyProvost | policy | Susan Davis, Lorraine Goffe, Kathleen Hagerty |
An Update on Summer Work at NorthwesternAugust 20, 2024 With the academic year already underway for some of our programs, and the rest starting soon, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some important work that we undertook over the summer. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael Schill, policy, safety, academic freedom, free expression | Michael Schill |
Security Procedures for Graduation WeekendJune 4, 2024 Commencement is the culmination of graduates’ time at Northwestern — a time to reflect on the values and knowledge gained here, while looking ahead to new beginnings. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024, all they have achieved and all they have yet to achieve as they set out into the world. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Kathleen HagertyProvost | commencement | Susan Davis, Kathleen Hagerty |
Strengthening Our Community Through Education and DialogueMay 23, 2024 Earlier this afternoon, I completed my testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | Michael Schill | |
Addressing Vandalism on Deering MeadowMay 13, 2024 This morning I became aware that several Israeli and American flags placed on Deering Meadow were defaced overnight. Earlier on Sunday, a woman tore down several signs and banners hanging at the Meadow. Northwestern’s commitment to freedom of expression does not include vandalism. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | Michael Schill | |
Why I Reached an AgreementMay 10, 2024 In the days since the University reached an agreement with students and faculty to peacefully end the encampment on Deering Meadow, I have been asked repeatedly why I felt it was important to resolve the demonstration in this manner. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael Schill, agreement | Michael Schill |
Message from President Schill on Deering Meadow agreementApril 30, 2024 President Michael Schill has released a video in which he addresses Monday’s agreement to end the encampment at Deering Meadow. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | Michael Schill | |
Agreement on Deering MeadowApril 29, 2024 We have reached an agreement with a group of students and faculty who represent the majority of the protestors on Deering Meadow to bring the demonstration into compliance with University rules and policies. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Susan Davis | |
Northwestern Enacts Interim Addendum to Student Code of ConductApril 25, 2024 As we enter the final weeks of the academic year, our community — like so many others around the country — continues to grapple with the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and the resulting war in Gaza. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president schill, student code of conduct | Michael Schill |
Harnessing the Power of Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceMarch 7, 2024 Advances in data science and artificial intelligence (DS/AI) are challenging us to rethink how we prepare our students for a dramatically different future. With these limitless possibilities in mind, last fall, Northwestern leadership identified the need to advance foundational research and applications of emerging DS/AI tools as one of our institutional priorities. Kathleen HagertyProvost Eric PerreaultVice President for Research  Sean ReynoldsVice President for Information Technology | data science, artificial intelligence | Kathleen Hagerty, Eric Perreault , Sean Reynolds |
Sunday Night’s Emergency AlertsFebruary 26, 2024 Last night, beginning just before 11 p.m., the University issued a series of alerts following a report of shots fired near 70 Arts Circle Drive on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. Bruce LewisChief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President | Bruce Lewis | |
President’s Advisory Committee on Free Expression and Institutional SpeechFebruary 19, 2024 Today, I am appointing a committee of distinguished senior faculty to propose to me a statement on free expression that reflects Northwestern’s values. I view the work of the President’s Advisory Committee on Free Expression and Institutional Speech as vital for our community. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president, committee, free expression | Michael Schill |
Update on President’s Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and HateJanuary 23, 2024 As we return from winter break, we carry forward the essential work of combatting antisemitism and other hateful behavior that has impacted our campus and others across the country in recent months. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | committee, antisemitism, hate, president schill | Michael Schill |
Annual Financial UpdateJanuary 11, 2024 This year’s update is the first since Northwestern unveiled a set of priorities and guiding principles that focus on the University’s commitments to global eminence in research, innovation and education, the strengthening of our academic community across our campuses, and investments in our world-class faculty and staff. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Amanda DistelVice President and Chief Financial Officer Kathleen HagertyProvost | finances | Michael Schill, Amanda Distel, Kathleen Hagerty |
Celebrating the Lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.January 10, 2024 As we approach the annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, it is crucial for us to reflect on the profound impact he had on our nation and acknowledge how his teachings endure in the present. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Kathleen HagertyProvost Michelle MannoInterim Chief Diversity Officer | Martin Luther King Jr. | Michael Schill, Susan Davis, Kathleen Hagerty, Michelle Manno |
Follow Up to Last Night’s Incident Near the Chicago CampusNovember 28, 2023 We recognize that incidents in which shots are fired are stressful and can create anxiety. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these safety resources and to have these ready in your smartphone if you ever need them. Bruce LewisChief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President | Bruce Lewis | |
Announcing New Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and HateNovember 13, 2023 To support the University’s commitment to protecting our students, faculty and staff from antisemitism and other forms of discriminatory or threatening acts based upon religion or national origin and to promote our central mission of civil dialogue and learning, I will appoint the President’s Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | Michael Schill | |
Promoting Peace and CivilityNovember 4, 2023 On Friday, an Arab Muslim student at Stanford University was injured in what is being investigated as a potential hate crime. These incidents serve as stark reminders that we must be vigilant in our efforts to promote peace and civility, and to provide safety and support to our community. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Luke FigoraVice President for Operations | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Susan Davis, Luke Figora | |
Civility During ConflictOctober 26, 2023 We have spoken before about Northwestern’s values. Many of them seem particularly important today. We champion access, diversity and belonging; we encourage debate; we strengthen our community and perhaps most importantly, we care about one another. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost | civility, respect, president Michael schill, provost Kathleen hagerty | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty |
Support Resources for Students During These Challenging TimesOctober 19, 2023 These are incredibly challenging times. We've heard from many students who have been profoundly affected by the escalating violence in Israel and Gaza. Our hearts are heavy with grief for the violence, pain and suffering that so many are enduring. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs  Mona DugoAssistant Vice President of Wellness and Dean of Students | Susan Davis, Mona Dugo | |
Our Northwestern ValuesOctober 13, 2023 Earlier this week, I circulated a communication to our senior leadership stating my view that I should not as the president of Northwestern make statements on behalf of the entire University on “political, geopolitical or social issues that do not directly impact the core mission of our University.” This belief is based upon the principles of academic freedom and free expression that undergird our institution and allow for a multiplicity of views on these types of matters. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael Schill | Michael Schill |
Message from President Schill to Senior LeadershipOctober 12, 2023 Some of you have asked either me or the provost about whether the University would be issuing a statement on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. I also know many of you are receiving similar requests from your own leadership, staff and communities. I am not planning to put out a statement officially stating a University position. I thought I would write to give you a bit of insight into why. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael Schill, speech | Michael Schill |
Celebrating a Sense of Excitement and PossibilityOctober 3, 2023 As we prepare for Homecoming and Reunion weekend, I would like to take an opportunity during these first weeks of the 2023-2024 academic year to share the sense of excitement and possibility I believe we all have before us. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael schill, homecoming, reunion, | Michael Schill |
Reminders About Campus SafetySeptember 21, 2023 Welcome to the 2023-2024 academic year. The Department of Safety & Security offers these important reminders and updates as we continue to work with University partners to support your safety and well-being so learning, community building, and research can continue to thrive at Northwestern. Bruce LewisChief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President Luke FigoraVice President for Operations | campus safety | Bruce Lewis, Luke Figora |
Welcome to a New Academic YearSeptember 19, 2023 Welcome to the new academic year! This is the time when our campuses in Evanston, Chicago and Doha come to life again with the excitement of intellectual discourse, innovation and opportunity. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost | welcome, president Michael schill, provost Kathleen hagerty | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty |
A Welcome Message to StudentsSeptember 17, 2023 No matter where this letter finds you in your Northwestern journey, I want to wish you a successful start to the 2023-24 school year. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs | susan davis, students, welcome | Susan Davis |
Updates After a Busy SummerSeptember 7, 2023 From Chicago to Qatar, class is in session for many of our programs. The Evanston campus too will fill up during the next two weeks in preparation for the 2023-24 academic year. As we all get ready for the excitement, traditions and obligations of the fall, we want to provide some updates on news from the summer. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost | president Michael schill | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty |
To the Evanston Community: Revised Ryan Field Proposal Based on FeedbackAugust 17, 2023 As we prepare for the upcoming meeting of the Land Use Commission, we are moving forward in a way that we believe realizes the benefits of the stadium redevelopment, while addressing the concerns that we have heard. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael Schill, Ryan Field, Evanston | Michael Schill |
To the Northwestern Community: An Update on Our Plans for Ryan FieldAugust 17, 2023 Earlier today, we announced that Northwestern is willing to modify its zoning proposal to the City of Evanston that outlines our plans for a new, state-of-the-art Ryan Field. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president Michael schill, Ryan field, Evanston | Michael Schill |
Support for Northwestern Student-AthletesJuly 24, 2023 To our student athletes: I wholeheartedly support you during this difficult time, and I am not alone. And to the broader Northwestern community: please continue to support one another as we work to emerge from this a stronger University. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | Michael Schill | |
Ensuring Northwestern Athletics Program Reflects Our ValuesJuly 18, 2023 I write to you today to give you my commitment that I will continue to do whatever is necessary to address this situation and ensure that our athletic program remains one you can be proud of and one that is fully aligned with and reflects our values. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | hazing, president Michael schill, athletics | Michael Schill |
Decision to Relieve Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald of His DutiesJuly 10, 2023 This afternoon, I informed Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald that he was being relieved of his duties effective immediately. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | president schill, football, Patrick Fitzgerald | Michael Schill |
Update on Hazing InvestigationJuly 8, 2023 Dear members of the Northwestern University community,
As many of you may be aware, yesterday we made public the executive summary of investigative findings and detailed action steps regarding hazing within... Michael SchillPresident and Professor | Michael Schill | |
Today’s Supreme Court Ruling on Race and AdmissionsJune 29, 2023 I am deeply disappointed in today’s Supreme Court’s decision. While we will, of course, abide by the ruling, I strongly disagree with the interpretation of the Constitution reflected in the majority opinion, a decision that will make it more difficult for Northwestern to achieve one of our imperatives — the promotion of diversity, inclusion and belonging on our campuses. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | race, Supreme Court, affirmative action, diversity | Michael Schill |
Community Safety Through Inauguration, Commencement and End-of-the-Year EventsJune 1, 2023 Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all Northwestern community members. We write today to remind you of our campus safety procedures and available resources. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Luke FigoraVice President for Operations | campus safety | Susan Davis, Luke Figora |
Student Shot Off CampusMay 23, 2023 We write to share the difficult news that last night, an undergraduate student was shot and seriously injured off campus at Willye B. White Park on Howard Avenue in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Susan DavisVice President for Student Affairs Mona DugoAssistant Vice President of Wellness and Dean of Students | students, safety | Susan Davis, Mona Dugo |
Northwestern’s Commitment to Supporting a Diverse Student BodyMay 18, 2023 In recent years, Northwestern has made a dedicated effort to become more diverse and inclusive. Michael SchillPresident and Professor | diversity, students, inclusion | Michael Schill |
Update After Incident at Clark Street BeachApril 13, 2023 We write to you today to express our deepest sympathy for the victims of that shooting and their families, to acknowledge the anxiety and fear many of you felt last night, and to thank you for your cooperation and patience while you sheltered in place. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost  Craig JohnsonExecutive Vice President | police, campus safety | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Craig Johnson |
Transforming Research to Transform the WorldMarch 6, 2023 At Northwestern, we transform what we’ve learned yesterday to create whole new avenues for tomorrow. Our research enterprise is agile, adaptive and innovative, powered by partnerships among leading thinkers across disciplines.  Milan MrksichVice President for Research | Milan mrksich, research | Milan Mrksich |
In DEI, it’s Not Enough to Open the Door. The Work Continues Inside.February 23, 2023 Opening a door is not the same as inviting someone inside and holding space for them to show up as their authentic self. This is where we as educators must channel more energy into the concept of inclusion — that the people we now have at the table are both visible and empowered in the spaces they occupy.  E. Patrick JohnsonDean of the School of Communication | DEI, school of communication, E. Patrick Johnson, diversity, inclusion | E. Patrick Johnson |
Honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.January 13, 2023 On Monday, Northwestern University will pause to observe the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, a time to celebrate his life and enduring legacy while contemplating our nation’s ongoing quest for social justice and equality. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost  Robin Means ColemanVice President and Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion  Patricia LampkinInterim Vice President for Student Affairs | Martin Luther king Jr. | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Robin Means Coleman, Patricia Lampkin |
2023 Annual Financial UpdateJanuary 12, 2023 In this annual financial update, we will offer some perspective on why we believe Northwestern is in a position to stake out a greater leadership role in what we do best — creating and spreading knowledge. Michael SchillPresident and Professor Kathleen HagertyProvost Craig JohnsonExecutive Vice President | Michael Schill, Kathleen Hagerty, Craig Johnson |
