Wildcat Welcome Back
Wildcat Welcome Back features signature events that mark your start to the year. Students entering their second year at Northwestern – those in the Class of 2024 and transfer students who entered Fall of 2020 – will take part in Wildcat Welcome Back upon their arrival to campus for Fall 2021. Wildcat Welcome Back has been created to continue celebrating you and aiding you in your transition to a new year at Northwestern.
While Wildcat Welcome provided you with an orientation to foundational elements of the University, Wildcat Welcome Back will focus on building connection and community. This page will be updated throughout the 2021-2022 academic year as events are finalized and announced.
Please complete the Wildcat Welcome Back Registration Form with your NetID to confirm your participation and provide event input by August 8, 2021.
March Through the Arch
Watch our March Through the Arch livestream recording!
Key Dates
Move-in Dates: Returning student move-in begins at 8:00 am on Friday, September 17. A move-in appointment is not required for returning students as self check-in is available. Move into your campus residence on September 17 or 18 to participate fully in Wildcat Welcome Back.
Wildcat Welcome Back Dates: Wildcat Welcome Back events run throughout the day on Sunday, September 19, and Monday, September 20, and will continue through the academic year to help you make connections.
Events for Students
Students participating in Wildcat Welcome Back are expected to attend all of the following programs and can register now for these events. Please register by August 8.
- Norris at Night: Friday, September 17 (9:00 - 11:30 p.m.)
- Rock the Lake: Saturday, September 18 (7:30 - 11:00 p.m.)
- March Through the Arch and Kiss’n’Bye: Sunday, September 19 (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
After a virtual teaser in September 2020, the Class of 2024 and 2020 transfer students will officially march through the Weber Arch to signify the start to your second year at Northwestern. Following welcome addresses, the event ends with an opportunity for families to take a moment to say goodbye and depart from campus.- Know Before You Go: Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a mask, and your class shirt! Deck yourselves out in as much purple as possible.
- Know Before You Go: Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a mask, and your class shirt! Deck yourselves out in as much purple as possible.
- Six Flags Great America: Sunday, September 19 (bus loading begins at 8:30 p.m.)
Returning exclusively for Fall 2021 is Northwestern’s night at Six Flags Great America. The park will be open only for the Class of 2024 and transfer students who entered Fall of 2020, as well as incoming undergraduate students for Fall 2021.- Know Before You Go: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a mask. Bags are allowed, but not recommended, and will be checked before boarding. Zippered pockets are recommended as bags are not permitted on rides. Please bring your Wildcard. You will also receive your QR code via email Sunday afternoon.
- Lunch on the Lake: Monday, September 20 (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
A Wildcat Welcome tradition, your class will gather at the lakefront to connect with others over lunch before taking a class photo. - Class Photo: Monday, September 20 (1:00 – 1:45 p.m.)
The entire class is needed to fill out the “N” for the iconic class photo! - Wildcat Dash: Saturday, November 6 (Time TBA)
Your class will dash across Ryan Field ahead of the football game against University of Iowa. This event is hosted during Family Weekend. - And more! Students participating in Wildcat Welcome Back can find the full schedule of events on the Canvas course page.
Events for Family Members & Loved Ones
The events below are available for families to attend. Family members can register now for these events and will be contacted via the Parent and Family Email List with any additional event information. Please register by August 8th.
- President’s Welcome & Reception for Family Members: Saturday, September 18 (6:00 – 8:30 p.m.)
While students take part in events promoting connections and friendship, family members are invited to attend a welcome and reception from President Schapiro, also known on campus as Morty. - March Through the Arch and Kiss’n’Bye: Sunday, September 19 (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
The Class of 2024 and transfer students who entered Fall of 2020 will officially march through the Weber Arch to signify the start to your second year at Northwestern. Following welcome addresses, the event ends with a moment for families to say their goodbyes and depart from campus.
Communications Shared with Students
Welcome to September!
September 1, 2021
Register for Wildcat Welcome Back!
August 4, 2021
Wildcat Welcome Back: What you need to know
July 16, 2021
Wildcat Welcome: Class of 2024 & Transfer Students
April 8, 2021
A Note about Health and Safety
The safety of our students is our top priority. The dates and details above are subject to change as Northwestern follows local, state, and federal health directives and guidelines. Students will be notified of changes via email throughout the summer.
Questions?
Contact us at wildcatwelcomeback@northwestern.edu.