Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

How will safety guidelines be followed?

All classes taking place in person will be following social distancing and mask wearing guidelines. In-person classes that take place indoors will have a strict student limit so as not to overcrowd a classroom.

I am not affiliated with Northwestern, can I still take a Mini Course?

Yes! Mini Courses and Workshops are open to the public.

Will I receive credit for taking a Mini Course?

No, we only offer recreational, non-credited leisure classes and workshops. We cannot offer credit or grades for our Mini Courses or Workshops.

Can I obtain a certificate or letter of completion for a course? 

Yes! You can email us, or submit this form two weeks prior to the last session of your course. You will receive your letter/certificate 7-14 business days after your submission.

Do I need to bring any supplies with me?

For the guitar courses, guitars are not supplied. For other courses, unless stated otherwise, all supplies for your courses are included in your registration, so you are not required to bring your own materials. It may be helpful to bring something to take notes with, if you choose.

How do I apply for a course subsidy?

Subsidy requests are closed for Spring 2021.

Subsidies range from $10 - $30 and Mini Courses does not require any proof of income in order to qualify for one. We have a finite funding course, so we rely on an honor system to ensure that funding is granted to those who need it. 

If you are approved for one, the subsidy is applied to the registration fee on an unregistered course. Subsidies are not given on courses that students have registered for and are requesting a subsidy portion refund.

Limitations

  • Subsidies may not be used towards 1 Session Courses and any Drink courses
  • Subsidies are not granted to students who have already registered for a course.
  • Subsidies may not be used in combination with any other discount.
  • Subsidy  if approved, is good for 1 course per person per quarter.

Withdrawal and Cancellation 

  • Fees and policies are still applicable on all subsidy assistance registrations.

How do I register for a course?

You can register online on the Norris Box Office website. You can also register in person by visiting the Mini Courses office, located on the underground floor of Norris University center.  Please email Norris minicourses@u.northwestern.edu to schedule an appointment

I registered for a course, now what?

About a week before your course meets for the first time, you will receive an email detailing the time, location, and other relevant logistical information for your course to prepare you for your first session.

How do I withdraw from a course?

To withdraw from a Mini Course before the start of the course, you must purchase a Mini Course cancellation fee from the Norris Box Office. You will be issued a refund for the amount you paid for the course minus the cancellation fee. We do not issue refunds if you choose to withdraw from the course after the first session.

 

Withdrawal and Refund Policy for Summer 2023

  • The withdrawal deadline is 1 week before the course starts.  
  • To withdraw from the course and receive a full refund, you must notify us and/or purchase the $15 withdrawal fee one week before the start of your course.  For example, if the course starts on a Tuesday, the deadline to request a refund and purchase the cancellation fee is the Tuesday before. 
  • For withdrawals after the deadline, no refund will be given.

Can I still register for a class if it is full?

You cannot register for a course or workshop if the class is full and tickets have sold out. You may be added to a wait list, and will be informed if a spot in the class opens up.

If I don't enjoy the course, can I get a refund?

We do not issue refunds for indifference to the course curriculum. You may wish to leave suggestions and feedback on the evaluations we send out at the end of every quarter so that we can continue to improve the Mini Course experience.

What happens if I miss a class or cannot make a class?

We do not offer refunds for absences from class. Attendance at the first sessions of a course is mandatory. We encourage you to reach out to our office and your instructor about accessing missed course material.

Can I register for a course that has already started?

You are not able to register for a course once the first session has begun. We often offer similar courses every quarter, so we encourage you to register for that course in subsequent quarters.

Why did the class I registered for get cancelled?

Mini Courses and Workshops may be cancelled for many different reasons, with the most common based on low enrollment numbers or instructor conflicts. Should a course be cancelled, all registered students will be notified via the email address provided during registration. Full refunds will be provided for any canceled class.

Can I still enter a wine course if I don't have my ID that day?

No, patrons must present a valid ID on the day of their course to be allowed into the class. We encourage you to take a scan of your ID or passport so you have it with you at all times. We do not offer refunds for a missed session due to a lack of ID.

I am unable to make Wine Appreciation A this week, can I sit in on the Wine Appreciation B class?

No, we do not allow participates to switch into different sessions of the same course after registration is closed.

Where can I find updates about the Mini Course program?

We send out updates via our email listserv and social media pages! If you would like to be added to our email listserv, please email us. You can also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Is there parking?

There is a new parking structure as you enter Campus Drive from the South. Parking is free after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. At other times, you must park on city streets. You may buy a temporary parking pass at the University Parking Office, located on the ground floor of the Segal Visitors Center, before using the parking garage. Norris University Center is located at 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208.

I registered for two tickets. May I bring my seven-year-old to the course?

No, all Mini Courses are for adults only, age 16 and up.