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Actions to Support the Well-Being of Our Community

We all care deeply about this community that we share and are here to support our students during this difficult time.”

Updated Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021

In a continued effort to support the health, safety and well-being of the Northwestern community, and to provide updated information about the University’s response to reported incidents earlier this quarter, we would like to share the following: 

  • With regard to the restrictions on social and chapter-based recruitment for Interfraternity Council (IFC) organizations:
    • Restrictions for on- and off-campus social events — with or without alcohol — are now extended through Fall Quarter until at least Jan. 3, 2022.
    • IFC formal recruitment does not take place until January. Informal recruitment event restrictionsremain in place until Nov. 7, 2021, pending further evaluation by Northwestern and IFC.
    • Alcohol-free philanthropic, service-directed and developmental programming for chapters is permitted, with approval from Fraternity and Sorority Life.
    • IFC voted to approve these measures on Oct. 13, 2021. The University continues to work with IFC on long-term planning and preventative education.
  • In collaboration, Northwestern University and NorthShore University Health System developed formal procedures to better support and care for students who enter the emergency room for crisis-related concerns.
  • Northwestern has contracted with additional mental health, trauma-informed professionals to increase support for survivors. Both CAPS and CARE will be offering additional group and individual student support.

Upon conclusion of NUPD's investigation, the Office of Community Standards (OCS) will determine next steps regarding violation of University policies. Students who would like to share any additional information may contact OCS.

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Following is the original message of Oct. 1, 2021

Dear Northwestern students,

We all are concerned and upset to learn about individuals who reported they were drugged without their consent last weekend. We understand the desire for immediate action and immediate results, and we also understand the need to conduct a thorough investigation, which this situation warrants. We have taken several actions to protect the health, safety and well-being of our community as the investigation proceeds, including:

  • Each student who reported these incidents to Northwestern has received and will continue to receive personal outreach and support from Student Affairs.
  • We are working in partnership with NorthShore Evanston Hospital and already have had several meetings with NorthShore to address concerns about student care in the emergency room.
  • To support students who need counseling and increased access to services, we have added walk-in appointments through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and CAPS and the Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE) are partnering to offer additional support spaces.
  • As we communicated, effective last Saturday, all social and recruiting activities at fraternities in the Interfraternity Council are prohibited through at least Oct. 17, to include Reunion Weekend. The restrictions may be extended. 

As we navigate this painful time for our community, we encourage you to continue to take care of yourselves and one another, reach out for help and please remember your Northwestern community is here for you. We want to again share some of the places and people you can turn to for support on campus:

We all care deeply about this community that we share and are here to support our students during this difficult time.