Support for Your Year Ahead: Welcome from Student Affairs
Dear Students,
Greetings and welcome to a new year at Northwestern!
As we enter 2025-2026, we would like to wish you a happy and healthy quarter and let you know that our teams in the Division of Student Affairs are prepared with resources and guidance to help you succeed.
Every Wildcat’s experience matters, and together we all play a role in shaping a campus where everyone can learn, grow and thrive. That includes making sure you have access to resources that support your well-being and safety. NUhelp connects you to Northwestern’s wellness, safety and crisis resources whenever you need support. Mental health support is available through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in both Evanston and Chicago, and all students have access to TimelyCare, a virtual mental health service that includes scheduled counseling, the TalkNow on-demand service and group sessions. Everyone's wellness journey is different, and we encourage you to access the resources that feel right for you.
Community is what makes Northwestern feel like home. As you settle into the year, we encourage you to build connections, whether that’s through your residence halls and residential areas, Campus Inclusion & Community spaces, student organizations or campus programs and events. You can also stay connected through the PawPrint student newsletter and website, which highlight what’s happening across campus and ways to get involved.
Those of you returning to the Evanston campus may notice that Cohen Lawn, adjacent to Norris University Center, is undergoing renovation. Students and the public are welcome to use the newly opened Kahn Plaza. More renovations are coming this academic year, including an open lawn, a new pub space and a pavilion for live performances.
Academic success is also central to your experience here. Please take a moment to review this recent message about academic resources, which highlights the many ways Northwestern supports your learning. Additionally, we encourage you to consult the Northwestern Student Handbook as a comprehensive source of our policies and community values.
A special welcome to our new undergraduate, graduate and transfer students. We look forward to meeting you and are thrilled that you have chosen to bring your talents, care and compassion to the Northwestern community.