STUDENT AFFAIRS

Announcing the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness (CSAW)

CSAW combines CARE and HPaW, provides wellness services at Northwestern

The Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness (CSAW) is committed to fostering holistic wellness through a framework of prevention, harm reduction and survivor-centeredness to cultivate compassionate communities of care across campus. As of the 2025-2026 academic year, CSAW combines the resources previously in the Center for Awareness, Response & Education (CARE) and Health Promotion and Wellness (HPaW) into a unified center for wellness at Northwestern.  

CSAW offers “something for everyone,” according to CSAW Director Carrie Wachter, whether students are looking for one-on-one support, opportunities to connect through groups and programming or ways to get involved in advocacy. 

“I'm incredibly proud of our team,” Wachter said. “We’re fortunate to have such talented individuals offering a wide range of impactful resources. Our services are grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed care with a student-centered approach." 

Under this new name, CSAW will maintain the same resources for all Northwestern students, including:  

• Confidential advocacy and support services for those impacted by sexual violence, relationship stalking and violence 

• Support groups, including returning favorites like ResilientNU and Art-Focused Support Group, as well as new offerings such as the Survivors of Stalking Support Group and Wildcats in Recovery 

• Workshops and trainings, like Red Watch Band, NU Bystander Intervention and Supporting Survivors 

• Wellness support including sexual health consultations, Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), wellness coaching and spiritual direction 

• Drop-in meditation sessions offered on Wednesdays and Fridays during the quarter 

Twice per quarter, CSAW offers meetings for student organizations and other students engaged in wellness work to connect. The next meeting will be on November 17, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Searle Hall 3-220. If you're interested in the Student Org Wellness Connection, please email CSAW at csaw@northwestern.edu.