STUDENT AFFAIRS

Move-In Day Parking Shuttles to Ryan Field

• North Bound & South Bound Shuttle Stops: Arts Circle, Weber Arch, Jacobs Center, Tech, Patten Gym & Ryan Football Field.
• University staff will ride on shuttles to assist families and answer questions.

Complimentary lunch for parents and families in Dining halls (See map for all four Dining Hall locations)

• Families are invited to take a break from move-in and enjoy a free lunch provided by Dining Services. New students will use their meal plan and swipe their Wildcard. Families can drop in anytime between 11 am – 4 pm.

Student Staff Available to Walk Family Members from the Weber Arch on South Campus to Ryan Fieldhouse for the President’s Welcome.

President’s Welcome for Parents & Families (Ryan Fieldhouse and Wilson Field) - Recorded

• The Northwestern University President addresses new parents and family members and sets the tone for the upcoming school year and the undergraduate experience.
• Family Ambassadors will be available to walk family members from the Weber Arch on South Campus to Ryan Fieldhouse. (see schedule above).

President’s Reception for Parents and Families (Outdoor Tent)

• Attend the President’s Reception and enjoy a casual picnic dinner while you mingle with other parents/families. Come as you are! We understand you’ve been helping your student move in today; this is not a formal event.

Dean of Students Welcome and Panel Presentation (Cahn Auditorium) Recorded

• Meet Dean of Students Mona Dugo and others who will support your student during their time at Northwestern.

“A Year in the Life” Skits and Panel Presentation with Family Ambassadors (Cahn Auditorium)

• Family Ambassadors perform a series of vignettes to give parents & families a glimpse into the experiences they may have over the next year. Skits are followed by a student panel with time for Q&A from the audience.

March through the Arch (Weber Arch, Deering Meadow) – Livestreamed & Recorded

• Witness your student take their symbolic “first steps” onto campus as they enter through the Arch and into our campus community. The Northwestern University Marching Band will usher them to Deering Meadow for speeches by various Northwestern officials.

Academic Welcome for Families (Locations Listed Below)

• Families will learn about their student’s respective school and hear from faculty and staff. Student staff will be available to walk family members to the dining hall or direct them to other lunch locations following the welcomes:
  • Weinberg (Cahn)
  • Medill (MFC Forum)
  • Bienen (Room 1-190, RCMA McClintock)
  • SoC (Louis Theater, southeast corner of the Wirtz Center)
  • McCormick (Ryan Auditorium Tech)
  • SESP (ANN G02)

Lunch on Own

• Families are welcome to eat in a Dining Hall and pay at the door with a credit card for $16.87 plus tax per person, all you can eat.
• Norris University Center also offers several dining options on the lower level.
• Dining is also available on Noyes Street and in downtown Evanston

Campus Tours (Leaves from “The Rock” near Harris Hall)

• Family Ambassadors will give a 1.5-hour walking tour of campus.
  • Tours leave every half hour: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Parent and Family Resource Fair (Louis Room, Norris)

• This event serves as a chance to learn about the resources and support services that Northwestern and Evanston provide for your student throughout the year, from religious life to health and safety to athletics.

Wellness in Community – Roundtables for Families of LGBTQ+ Students (Wildcat Room 101 A & B, Norris)

• Join a conversation with staff members from various departments that provide direct support and wellness programing for students in the LGBTQIA+ community. This is a great opportunity to connect over the challenges of the adjustment experience, learn about campus culture, and familiarize yourself with resources available to support students in their transition to campus. This session is available for families with students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Pansexual, Trans, Asexual, Intersex, Queer and Questioning. This session is also available for students of LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers.

Wellness in Community – Roundtables for Families of Students of Color (Wildcat Room 101 A & B, Norris)

• Join a conversation with staff members from various departments that provide direct support and wellness programing for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students. This is a great opportunity to connect over the challenges of the adjustment experience, learn about campus culture, and familiarize yourself with resources available to support students in their transition to campus. This session is available for families with students who identify as African American, Black, Asian, Asian American, Desi, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino, Native American, American Indian, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and Multiracial, Multiethnic, Bi-racial and Mixed students.

“A Year in the Life” Skits and Panel Presentation with Family Ambassadors – Repeat of Tuesday evening performance (McCormick Auditorium, Norris)

• Family Ambassadors perform a series of vignettes to give parents & families a glimpse into the experiences they may have over the next year. Skits are followed by a student panel with time for Q&A from the audience.