Throughout the year, Northwestern University students check 'Cats on Campus to learn about active student organizations.
Make sure your group page is updated with proper content and has maintained an accurate officer roster so prospective participants know who to contact.
Recruitment Freeze During Wildcat Welcome
Organizations are prohibited from recruiting during Wildcat Welcome.
Do not interview prospective students about joining the organization.
During the Recruitment Freeze period, orgs are prohibited from requiring prospective members to complete a mandatory survey or form as a condition for consideration.
Orgs are able to:
Promote their organization on social media platforms
Create an information session/welcome event for the ‘Cats on Campus calendar that occurs after the freeze is lifted
Org Fair Basics
To table for your group at an org fair, all annual registration requirements must be completed in full.
To stand out at the Org Fair, your organization should create an engaging, high-quality quality display that uses height to grab attention.
Do not rely on word-of-mouth to attract visitors or wait until the event to decide talking points.
As a barrier free organization, your organization receives:
Special designation at the org fairs
Discounted banner printing
Barrier-Free listing on ‘Cats on Campus
First Meeting and Beyond
The best way to improve your yield of follow-up from the org fair is to send a follow-up email after the fair with details of an info session/next action.
You can also:
Update your organization’s ‘Cats on Campus page
Post on your organization’s Instagram
To host a successful welcome/info session:
Offer multiple session times
Keep the presentation/lecture brief
Highlight how new members can get involved
For engagement after an interest meeting, SOA recommends hosting a low-stakes, social event.
It is NOT recommend to:
Assign interested students to specific roles/committees
Introduce all the interested students to the org’s advisor
Give interested students a test to determine their level of skill related to your organization's activity
At the Org Fair
Prep work:
Review and update information on your ’Cats on Campus page and Social Media pages
Identify the representative roles for the org fair – shifts are recommended. Two reps are ideal but one can get the job done, especially for winter and spring quarter fairs.
Reps can script, rehearse, and role play org fair interactions
Plan out any displays or other visuals that reflect your organization
Print out the QR code to your group's 'Cats on Campus page to put on your display
At the fair:
Body language: welcoming, positioned in the front of the table, be ready to engage
Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard over the crowd
Have a few questions at the ready to connect with interested individuals, write notes that might be useful for follow-up