Organizations and Networking
Use the following information to make connections with other faculty, students and staff across campus.
The benefits and services provided by Northwestern's organizations and networks are open to all faculty without regard to any category protected by the law. The University believes different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are critical to a dynamic and vibrant University community, and as such, all faculty are welcome and encouraged to join each group.
Faculty Organizations and Committees
Faculty Senate and University Committees
The Faculty Senate is the elected, representative body of the faculty. It considers, makes recommendations, and passes resolutions concerning matters of general university interest, including educational and research endeavors; hiring policy; the tenure and promotion system; and campus life. The Faculty Senate strives to protect academic freedom, promote excellence, equity, and diversity within the faculty and student body, and advance the general welfare of the university.
Because senators are elected by every department in the university, they may be the eyes and ears of faculty members. Please feel free to contact your department's senator in order to learn more, or make suggestions about university policies and initiatives. Also be aware that the Senate administers an ombudsman program in order to discretely assist faculty members with any issue that cannot be resolved at the department level. The Faculty Senate website has further information about membership and its activities.
Each year the President, Provost, and Faculty Senate President appoint faculty members to various university-wide committees (often including students and staff as well as faculty) that establish policy or advise the Northwestern administration and faculty on various matters. Should you be interested in serving on such committees, contact faculty-senate@northwestern.edu.
University News and Events
Campus News
The Office of Global Marketing and Communications (OGMC) provides media relations, print publications and web communications services for the University. In addition, OGMC produces Northwestern's alumni magazine and Northwestern News, the twice-weekly email newsletter that goes to all faculty, students and staff. News about the University is also posted daily on Northwestern's home page and the Northwestern Now website. Often accompanied by video and audio, the news features cover a variety of subjects, from major research breakthroughs to fine arts events to faculty honors.
The Daily Northwestern is published Monday through Friday during the academic year. Since 1881, this award-winning student publication has been one of the nation's most respected college newspapers and is delivered free of charge to more than 50 locations around interdisciplinary Evanston and Chicago campuses. Classified advertising in The Daily Northwestern is an effective way to connect with students for part-time child care, work study help, research assistants or sublets.
Campus Events
PlanIt Purple is Northwestern University’s centralized online events listing. The University community is the listing's primary audience, but it is also viewable by the general public. Users can display events on PlanIt Purple according to their date, general location, sponsoring group, or event type. University departments and offices can post their events and use the database of events to create their own public listing. For more information, email PlanIt Purple or call (847) 491-4870.