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Northwestern Office of the Provost

Faculty Newsletter | September 2025

Dear faculty,

 

The academic year is upon us, and we have started at full speed.

 

Henry Bienen began his term as interim president on Sept. 16, bringing with him deep institutional knowledge and passion for the University. As we welcome President Emeritus Bienen back to Northwestern, I also want to thank Michael Schill for his service and many contributions to Northwestern during his three years as president. 

 

The road ahead will include challenges and opportunities for the University. We will continue our efforts to restore research funding, which remains our top priority. In the meantime, I want to emphasize the importance—and power—of optimism. Even during an uncertain time for Northwestern and for the entire higher education landscape, I'm proud to say that we have much to celebrate.

 

In recent months Northwestern has made notable progress toward our institutional priorities, from launching the Northwestern Network for Collaborative Intelligence and the Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement (which is now accepting nominations from faculty for its inaugural undergraduate student cohorts; learn more in the "News and notes" section below) to nearing completion on the Deering Library renovation and Cohen Lawn. Additionally, this summer, after a tremendous, year-long effort by partners across the University, Northwestern's accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission was renewed through 2034-35.

 

These accomplishments and many others demonstrate Northwestern's resilience, and once again prove that when we work together, we are unstoppable. Of course a major part of our success is due to our remarkable faculty, and I am immensely grateful to all of you for your commitment to the University.

 

As we prepare to transition into Northwestern's next chapter, we are well positioned to continue to make a critical impact on our students, our community and the world around us. 

 

I wish you a great 2025-26 academic year!

 

Sincerely,

 

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost
First Chicago Professor of Finance

News and notes

Awards and fellowships

Over the summer, the Office of the Provost announced the following awards and fellowships:

 

Nominations for Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement student program

The Office of the Provost invites faculty to nominate undergraduate students to an exciting new residential program sponsored by the Litowitz Center and Division of Student Affairs. This pilot will introduce students to the Litowitz Center’s mission of harnessing the power of disagreement for good. Nominate students by Friday, Sept. 26, using the online form.

 

Navigating research compliance

Whether you're collaborating internationally, traveling abroad or sending an international shipment, it's essential to understand your responsibilities. The Office for Research's Export Controls & International Compliance (ECIC) team helps faculty, staff and students navigate complex federal regulations related to export control and research security. ECIC offers these important tips:

  • Review Northwestern’s ECIC New Faculty Guidance and Policy on Export Controls Compliance.
  • Reach out before engaging with individuals or organizations located in sanctioned countries (such as Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and certain regions of Ukraine). Most activities—even virtual ones—require U.S. federal authorization.
  • Contact the ECIC team if you plan to collaborate with individuals affiliated or associated with institutions in foreign countries of concern, such as China/Hong Kong, Iran, Russia and North Korea as this may be considered a risk factor in federal funding This includes ongoing collaborations after students, postdocs and research associates leave Northwestern.
  • Visit the Research Security website to understand key terms, including Foreign Talent Recruitment Program and Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP). Participation in MFTRPs is prohibited for federally funded researchers and must be disclosed to both sponsors and Northwestern.
  • Use EShipGlobal for domestic and international shipments, which will ensure an export control review and licensing determination is completed.
  • Confirm your research is not subject to export control regulations, such as ITAR and EAR, nor does it have any restrictions on publication or foreign national participation. If you're unsure, please contact the ECIC Office.

If you have questions or need support, contact ECIC at exportcontrols@northwestern.edu.

 

Updates from Roberta Buffett Institute

The Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs offers a variety of opportunities:


New offerings through the Office of Community Enrichment

Since its launch in April, the Office of Community Enrichment (OCE) has been working toward its vision to build a Northwestern community rooted in belonging, learning through difference, and collective thriving. This fall, OCE is introducing several new initiatives, including CoLAB (Collective Learning, Action, and Building) Partnerships, a workshop on Understanding Conflict Styles and expanded mediation services. Together, these efforts invite faculty, along with students and staff, into deeper engagement with one another. To learn more about OCE’s mission and opportunities to get involved, visit the website or sign up for the newsletter.

 

In case you missed it

Faculty Support and Services

Apply to Generative AI 101

Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies invites applications to Generative AI 101, a professional development program co-sponsored by the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Generative AI. The program aims to increase instructors’ digital literacy in GenAI. All Northwestern instructors interested in exploring GenAI are encouraged to apply. The application deadline for the upcoming Dec. 3-17 cohort is Oct. 31. Learn more and apply. Learn about more workshops, events and consultations.

 

Fall Research Computing and Data Services workshops 

Acquire new coding skills, upgrade your existing skill set and learn how to maximize your research efforts through Northwestern IT Research Computing and Data Services. Choose from a variety of workshops, virtually or in person (on the Chicago campus). Register for free  and subscribe to the NUIT-RESEARCH listserv to receive announcements of upcoming workshops. 

 

Faculty career development offerings 

The Office of the Provost's Career Development and Leadership calendar of events is updated regularly with events targeted to specific faculty career levels. Coming up: 

  • The Faculty Leaders lunch series equips department chairs, division chiefs and faculty directors with the knowledge and skills they need for success. The first session, on Oct. 6, is "Effective Leadership During Challenging Times.” Register online.
  • The "Communicating Your Research: How to Reach a Wider Audience" series kicks off on Sept. 30 with three workshops on how to communicate your research in an accurate and engaging way to wider audiences; how to communicate with family, friends and the public without jargon; and how to use the science of storytelling in your communications. All faculty are invited. Register online.
 

Faculty wellness

  • Looking to learn more about senior care or currently caring for an aging loved one? Care.com senior care social workers provide monthly one-hour virtual session on various senior care topics. Access session topics, dates and registration links. 

  • Human Resources is partnering with CVS to offer on-campus flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from Oct. 2-30. Appointments are scheduled through CVS. Have your insurance card ready during registration. 

Mark your calendar

Featured events

 

Key dates


More resources

 

Help us build future newsletters! If your school or department is working on a project that is relevant to the entire faculty, please send an email at least one month prior to the desired month of publication to faculty@northwestern.edu.

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