Current News

• Shuttle Contract/Safe Ride Program
• Preferred Vendor Update - Recycling of Computers & Electronics: ARCOA Group
• Business and Finance Robin Powered Software Agreement
• LinkedIn Sales Navigator Group Licensing Agreement
• Office of Civil Rights AAP Software RFP: Awarded to Berkshire
• NUIT Data Center Engineering Services RFP: Awarded to Affiliated Engineers
• FM pre-qualified vendor refresh
• Guy Brown (office supplies)
• C2 Imaging (business cards, letterhead, and stationery): Available in iBuyNU
• Tango Gift Cards (for research subject payments only): Available in iBuyNU

• Security Services: University Police contracts extended to 8/31/2026
• Lyft: New sales representative, Katie Ballentine
  • Email: kballentine@lyft.com
  • Issue with warning ribbon to be resolved soon
  • Ensure your credit card information or invoicing method is always up to date if you use this service
• T-Mobile:
  • New representative: Larry Brueck
    • Email: Laurence.Brueck1@T-Mobile.com
    • Phone: 773.354.6690
  • New NASPO agreement; users must re-register in the updated portal. Existing users will receive additional details, questions can be directed to Larry. 

• Dell:
  • Northwestern's primary contact for Dell: northwesternuniversityteam@dell.com
    • Supports multiple customer inquiries
  • New account representative, Carson Lien:
    • Email: carson.lien@dell.com 
    • Phone: 812-325-0865
  • Customer service representative remains Allen Howe:
    • Email: allen_howe@dell.com 
    • Phone: 512-513-8307

• Heritage Environmental is rebranding to Arcwood Environmental. All personnel assigned to Northwestern will remain the same. Please continue to follow the instructions on the Vendor Page for service.
• T-Mobile migrated to NASPO Agreement
• Qualtrics 3-year extension
• Medill Anthology extension
• CDWG computer peripherals/supplies extension
• SiteImprove renewed
• SoC Slate extension
• Cancelled: Envision3 pre-qualified printing contract 

The REAL ID into Effect May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license or identification card will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights. To ensure uninterrupted air travel, all travelers must obtain a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. If you do not have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or State ID card, a valid passport or passport card will be accepted.

How to obtain a Real ID:

• Visit your local State DMV/Motor Vehicles office.
• Bring the necessary documentation to verify your identity, date of birth, and proof of residency.
• Important- find list of acceptable documents and requirements here: https://realid.ilsos.gov/.

New Rules for Traveling to or Connecting Through the United Kingdom

All travelers going to or connecting through the UK must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is a mandatory, paid-for authorization to travel, with security clearance completed in advance. This applies to visits under six months for tourism or business.

Travelers can apply here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

Important Notes:

• An ETA is REQUIRED even if you are connecting through the UK and not leaving the airport.
• ETA requirements may differ for study abroad students.

University Changes to How Students are Covered by GeoBlue Insurance for International Travel

Effective January 1, 2025, students will be automatically covered under GeoBlue, when traveling internationally, if their trip is registered in the International Travel Registry (ITR). No separate enrollment is required.

For detailed information, visit the Office of Global Safety and Security's (OGSS) webpage GeoBlue for Students.

A few highlights: 

• Units, schools and departments that required proof of enrollment in GeoBlue and the ITR to disperse travel funds must change their messaging: only proof of enrollment in the ITR should be required.  
• International students traveling to their home countries, even for university-affiliated travel, are not eligible for GeoBlue and should not register trips “home.” 
• GLO students are automatically registered in the ITR one month prior to departure, but some programs provide the same or better coverage as GeoBlue and are therefore exempt from the Northwestern plan.  

Promote ITR Registration (and GeoBlue coverage) to Your Student Travelers

The Office of Global Safety and Security (OGSS) developed materials to explain the importance of travel registration:

• Digital "postcards", perfect for inclusion in departmental or school newsletters
• Standard-size PDF posters, for printing and posting in workspaces

Contact globalsafety@northwestern.edu to request undergraduate or graduate student digital postcards and the PDF poster. The PDF poster applies to all student travelers. 

NEW 5-minute Travel Video and Companion Checklist for Traveling Abroad

OGSS has released their latest traveler tool: Safe & Healthy Travel Abroad: Essential Tips for Travelers. This five-minute video is tailored for student travelers but offers valuable insights for everyone and will be deployed to all who register a trip in the International Travel Registry. Their Trip Planning Checklist has also been revised to align with the video.

United Airline Preferred Vendor Benefits

When booking United flights through our travel agencies, Northwestern travelers receive exclusive behind-the-scenes benefits with United Airlines—even when pricing matches public fares. Be sure to book through our preferred travel channels to take advantage of these amenities. Northwestern’s negotiated contract with United Airlines offers our travelers these advantages:

• Free name changes - transfer your credit to another traveler at no cost
• EconomyPlus /Preferred Seating (non-sponsored travel)
• No reissue fees
• Preferred Re-accommodation
• Preferred Flight Protection
• Preferred Seat Protection
• Preferred Standby
• Preferred Upgrades
• Value added promotions like Break from Business

For more information on this partnership, please visit the United Airlines Partnership web page.

United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge is Back!

United Airlines, Northwestern University’s preferred airline, is pleased to offer the opportunity to participate in their 2025 MileagePlus® Premier® Status Match Challenge, offering top-tier flyers of many other airlines a way to quickly reach comparable status in the MileagePlus program. This offer is valid for requests received between January 8, 2025, and June 30, 2025.

After the required documentation is successfully submitted and United has confirmed you meet the criteria to participate in the Premier Status Match offer, you will be upgraded to Premier Silver, Premier Gold, or Premier Platinum status for 120 days (the “Challenge Period”), based on the level you hold in your current frequent flyer program, within five to seven business days after completing an Activating Flight. An "Activating Flight" is a flight operated by United or United Express® that is completed within 90-days after the documentation that you submit for this offer is approved and the flight is posted to your MileagePlus account. Individuals who do not complete an Activating Flight in the required time period, will no longer be eligible for the Premier Status Match offer, and are not eligible to again submit for a Premier Status Match in the same calendar year.

For more information and a link to the MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge form, please visit MileagePlus Premier Status Match Challenge | United Airlines. If you are not currently a MileagePlus member, please sign up by visiting https://www.united.com/en/us/account/enroll/profile. It is free to join.

Special Savings from the Omni Chicago

One of our preferred hotel vendors, Omni Chicago, is offering special amenities for all stays from March 1st - April 30th booked through our travel agencies including Key Travel and through their booking link through our preferred vendor pages. Omni Chicago is an all-suite hotel located on the Magnificent Mile. Treat your travelers to:

• Daily bottled water
• Upgraded Premier Wi-Fi
• Room upgrade based on availability
• $25 food & beverage credit to be used in their 676 Restaurant & Bar
• Early check in, late check out based on availability
• Double Say Goodnight to Hunger meals donated to the local foodbank per stay

For all travel program related questions, contact Kathy Koestring at 847-467-0590 or kathy.koestring@northwestern.edu.