NUSAC News – Spring 2026

Emailed to Northwestern staff on April 9, 2026

Letter from the Chair

Cymon Kimmel Dear Northwestern Staff:

Spring is a time when Chicago and Evanston come alive with activity as we all look forward to the (soon-to-be) warmer weather. When I first moved to the area, I was pleasantly surprised by how actively our community embraces the change of season and enjoys the outdoors and the opportunity to make the most of it.

There is a similar shift at Northwestern as we look ahead and begin planning for what’s next in our respective areas. The same is true for NUSAC, as we’ve been actively recruiting new members for the upcoming year. We’ve received several applications from staff who are excited about contributing to the influence and change NUSAC creates for staff. It’s our new members who bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy, helping to push our mission forward.

This year, NUSAC has intentionally scheduled more events to connect staff, and we hope many of you have taken the opportunity to participate. In the coming weeks and months, stay tuned for activities designed for you. In the near future, we’ll celebrate the Jean Shedd Award recipient at a Northwestern Baseball game on April 28 and host our second annual Networking Across Northwestern on May 12. I hope you can attend one or both events! This summer, we’re planning the popular Staff Connections event with ice cream on both campuses, so be sure to watch your inbox for announcements.

As we look ahead, we also have a chance to reflect on what’s been an eventful year. Throughout this time, it’s the engaged and vocal community that drives NUSAC’s successes. Please continue sharing your feedback, as it helps shape our strategic goals. You can do this by submitting the form or emailing us at NUSAC@northwestern.edu.

Remember to notice and acknowledge the efforts from those around you; it’s what makes Northwestern a wonderful place to exist.

Take care of one another.

With gratitude,

Cymon Kimmel

NUSAC Chair

Upcoming Events

NUSAC Staff Mixers

Looking to expand your community engagement and networking opportunities at Northwestern?

Join the Northwestern Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) for a relaxing morning of conversation, light refreshments, and networking! No prep needed—just come ready to learn about NUSAC, connect with your peers, and share your ideas. The more, the merrier—bring a colleague along! RSVP required; register below.

Details

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Norris University Center (Lake Room)
RSVP by: May 1, 2026

Why attend?

Engage with professionals across various departments.
Exchange ideas, insights, and advice.
Enjoy complimentary snacks, coffee, and tea.

A calendar invite will be shared with you closer to the date.

RSVP

2025 Shedd Award Winner

Join NUSAC in recognizing the 2025 Jean Shedd Award winner, Seletta Goodall, as she throws the honorary first pitch when Northwestern Baseball takes on Milwaukee. The game is FREE and open to all.

Date: Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
First Pitch: 3:30 p.m. Honorary first pitch to occur prior to game time.
Location: Rocky & Berenice Miller Park

If you have questions regarding this event, please email rebekah.sigman@northwestern.edu.

Learn More About Shedd Winner

Tenth Annual Northwestern All Staff Golf Outing

Join the All Staff Golf Outing at Chick Evans Golf Course on Thursday, July 16. Tee times begin at 11:00 AM. Cost is $30–50, including green fees and an electric cart.

To participate, please register by Friday, June 27. Can’t commit before June 27th? Please still fill out the form and check unsure, and they will do their best to accommodate. After registering, you receive a calendar invite and later your tee time and payment instructions.

If you wish to play with a friend, please indicate that on the registration form.

Reminders:

Arrange vacation time with your manager in advance.
Participants cover their own transportation and expenses.
You do not need to be an expert golfer, but you must have your own clubs and some playing experience.

Questions? Contact Brian Daly (brian.daly@northwestern.edu).

We look forward to seeing you on the fairways!

Reminders

Benefits Feedback

Share Your 2026 Benefits Transition Experience

The Office of Human Resources welcomes feedback on your experiences with NU’s new medical, prescription drug (Rx), and dental plans since January 1, 2026. Your feedback helps them understand the participant experience and identify opportunities for greater communication and support. Please send your feedback to benefits@northwestern.edu.

Please note, this email should only be used to submit feedback. If you need assistance with your coverage, please email askHR@northwestern.edu or call 847-491-4700.

Employee Assistance Program

Northwestern full-time faculty and staff, along with their household members have access to a variety of services via the Employee Assistance Program. View a list of services and resources below and visit the EAP website for a more comprehensive list.

Up to 10 free and confidential counseling sessions per life issue that arises for faculty/staff and their household members.
Textcoach Text Therapy offers the opportunity to exchange text messages, voice notes and resources Monday-Friday with a licensed counselor for up to 10 weeks per issue.
Consultations with work/life specialists who can provide referrals for everyday needs such as childcare, pet care, home improvements, auto repair and more.
Free financial consultations on a range of financial topics.

Free 30-minute legal consultations on a variety of legal topics (excluding employment law).

Visit EAP

Caregiving Benefits

Childcare Centers

Northwestern benefits-eligible employees and students receive benefits, such as discounts or priority enrollment at several daycare centers, preschools and private schools near the Evanston and Chicago campuses. For more information on the partners and discounts visit the Finding Childcare website.

Senior & Adult Care Benefits

Northwestern partners with CareBenefits to support faculty, staff, and postdocs who are caring for senior and adult loved ones. Through this program, you can access unlimited consultation with Senior & Adult Care Advisors, join a monthly support group, and use subsidized back-up care. To learn more visit the Senior & Adult Care website.

Caregiving Website

Manager Foundations Meet Up

Human Resources Talent Development will be hosting in-person companion events for current and past participants of the Manager Foundations program. This is an opportunity for managers to connect with peers across the University as they engage with the curriculum. The first Manager Foundations Meet up is happening on Thursday, April 23, from 10:00–11:30 a.m., on the Evanston campus.

If you are new to Manager Foundations, you can register for the self-paced curriculum: Northwestern Manager Foundations: Level 1.

Features

Northwestern’s Valuable Personnel

Did you know that Northwestern Human Resources hosts a Gratitude Wall, which helps to celebrate and recognize the special contributions made by members of the Northwestern community? NUSAC is proud to highlight a staff member each term from the gratitude wall by spotlighting them in our newsletter. Our Spring 2026 staff member highlight is Rhonda Harmon!

Read about Rhonda Harmon

Join Northwestern Lacrosse for in Celebrating Indigenous Culture

Join Northwestern Lacrosse in celebrating Indigenous Culture and the native roots to Lacrosse. Tickets can be purchased through the below link, where $2 of every ticket will benefit the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston.

Purchase Tickets

United Airlines is Offering Discounts on Personal Travel for Northwestern Travelers

Sign-up for United’s Break from Business program and receive between 5-10% off personal travel booked by December 31, 2026. If you are not a United Mileage Plus member, you must join to take advantage of this savings. You must connect your MileagePlus account with your email. It is free to join.

You can join via the link provided. This promotion is valid on United marketed flights operated by United, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air, Air Canada, and All Nipon Airways.

Get more detail on united discount

Donate to 'Cats Closet Today!

Calling all spring cleaners! Do you have business professional or business casual attire taking up space in your closet that you aren’t wearing in this new hybrid workspace? ‘Cats Closet is a great place to donate your: suits, blazers, skirts, dress pants, business causal pants/khakis, button-down shirts and blouses, dresses, shoes, ties, sweaters or any items you think would help a student in a work or interview setting.

Clean and gently used business professional and business casual donations can be dropped off at the NCA 620 Lincoln lobby M-F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Simply drop off and scan a QR code to let us know you donated.

If you have questions or are interested in coordinating a clothing drive in your office/department, feel free to reach out to nca@northwestern.edu.

Learn more about 'cats closet

Mid-Week Northwestern Baseball is Free All Season!

Northwestern Baseball is offering several opportunities to catch the ‘Cats free of charge. For any game occurring Monday – Thursday, join the ‘Cats with free entry at Rocky & Berenice Miller Park on the Evanston campus.

See the Schedule

You're Invited to the NU Sailing Center Open House!

Join Northwestern Recreation for an afternoon on the lakefront at the Northwestern University Sailing Center! Northwestern staff are invited to stop by our Northwestern Faculty & Staff Open House on Tuesday, May 26, from 3–7 p.m., to discover everything the Sailing Center has to offer.

Enjoy facility tours, equipment demonstrations, complimentary kayak and SUP rentals (first-come, first-served), giveaways (while supplies last), and more!

more about the open house

Luxury Floating Sound Journey by Stillwater Symphony

Float atop your own air mattress while the healing sounds of crystal bowls, gongs, chimes, and more surround you. Enjoy a full-body, multidimensional experience that resets your nervous system and soul while you drift into a sanctuary of stillness.

about luxury floating sound journey

Past Events

Illinois Secretary of State Mobile DMV Presented by NUSAC

Over the past month, NUSAC has offered Mobile DMV services provided in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State. The goal of this initiative is to provide staff members the opportunity to address DMV functions at their workplace. Thank you to those who were able to take advantage of the service, and NUSAC looks forward to providing it again in the future.

NUSAC Staff Connections

In February, NUSAC hosted its Staff Connections: Winter Edition on each campus, featuring coffee, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and an opportunity to network within the staff community. Thanks to everyone who participated!

NUSAC Supports NU Cares through Outing at Women's Basketball

On February 5th, NUSAC invited staff members to the Northwestern Women’s Basketball vs. USC game in support of NU Cares. Through staff ticket purchases, $102 was donated to the NU Cares fund. Thank you to those who attended and benefited this important initiative through their ticket purchase.