Fall to-do’s and academic resources for undergraduate students

Dear students,

We are excited to welcome you to Fall Quarter! Whether this is your first term, your last, or somewhere in between, we hope you find the following updates and reminders helpful.

Campus Arrival and Course Engagement 

Being present in your classes at the beginning is important for your learning, especially on the quarter system. Early and regular attendance ensures that you understand expectations, become comfortable with the structure of your classes, and meet your classmates and instructors. For all these reasons, Northwestern’s Undergraduate Policy on In-Person Arrival and Course Engagement sets the expectation that when you take classes with in-person meetings, you must be on campus and in attendance no later than the end of the first week of the quarter and must remain in attendance until the end of the quarter. Students who do not arrive on time may be withdrawn from their class(es).

To Do: If you are worried that you may need to arrive after the quarter begins or may not be able to remain engaged throughout, please contact your school dean’s office right away.

International Student Resources

Much has changed for international students and scholars over the summer. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) has been in touch with international students directly and continues to support F-1 and J-1 status students and scholars during this period of changing rules and regulations. 

To Do: F-1 and J-1 status students, monitor the OISS website for updates and contact your OISS adviser with any questions.

Administrative Tasks 

If you haven’t already, make sure you complete the three annual tasks assigned to you in CAESAR: 1) submit your emergency information, 2) sign your financial responsibility agreement and eConsent, and 3) acknowledge the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. You received an email about each of these that includes help information and deadlines. 

To Do: Check your Student Agreements tile in CAESAR to ensure you have completed all annual requirements.

Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance 

Students are not penalized for class absences due to religious holidays, per our Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance. Please note that religious accommodations are for local observance, and students must comply with the in-person arrival policy.

To Do: Review your syllabi. If you need a religious accommodation in the first week of the quarter, reach out to your instructor before the term begins. For accommodations after the first week of the quarter, reach out to your instructors by the end of the second week. If you need one for a common midterm exam (a midterm that takes place outside of the regular class meeting time) or final exam, complete the Office of the Provost’s religious accommodation request form before the end of the second week of the quarter. This form, which will be live when the quarter begins, can be found near the middle of the Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance webpage.

Academic Integrity and AI Wearables

All students should be familiar with the University Academic Integrity Policy and pay close attention to specific school and/or course policies regarding use of AI in coursework. AI-enabled wearables may not be permitted during quizzes, exams or other assessments. Students with prescription smart glasses should come to campus with standard prescription glasses as well. 

To Do: If you wear prescription smart glasses, bring a pair of standard prescription glasses with you to campus.

Finding Help 

It is normal for Northwestern students to seek academic support. Those who do often report deeper learning and see improved grades. Your advisers are experts in Northwestern academics. Make an appointment with your academic adviser when you have questions or establish a regular check-in.

There are many academic support services available, at no additional cost, to help you succeed in your courses. For undergraduates, Academic Support and Learning Advancement (ASLA) offers peer tutoring and facilitated study groups for more than 30 courses, as well as individual consultations, peer academic coaching and robust online resources. For support with written assignments, The Writing Place provides peer consultations. As supplements to class time and office hours, these resources can help improve learning skills, conceptual understanding and academic confidence. 

To Do: Check out support resources now or keep this email so you know where to go later. 

We’re excited to begin this new academic year and thrilled to welcome you. Wishing you a fun, fulfilling quarter! 

Sincerely,

Jaci Casazza
Assistant Provost and University Registrar

Karen Smilowitz
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education