The graduate student progress system allows programs and students to view and keep track of student progress in one place, including:

• TGS Forms (application for degree, master's degree completion, PhD qualifying exam, PhD prospectus, PhD final exam, petition for absence, and program withdrawal form)
• Adviser and committee
• Plan of study, including coursework planned and completed
• Annual progress, including awards, publications, research progress, meetings attended, teaching, and research goals

The Graduate Student Tracking System (GSTS) is being replaced with the updated Graduate Student Progress (GSP) application.  Both systems will be in use through Winter 2026 while individual programs are gradually migrated from the old application to the new one. Students will be notified by their program when they should stop using GSTS and begin using GSP.  If you aren’t sure which system to use or where to submit forms, please check with your program or email gradservices@northwestern.edu.

Links to GSTS and GSP

Graduate Student Progress (GSP) application To be fully implemented by Spring 2026

Graduate Student Tracking System (GSTS) To be sunset in 2026

 

Support and Resources

Graduate Student Progress Service Management Portal 

Graduate Student Progress - Quick Reference Overview for Students

Graduate Student Progress - Program Administrator Resources

GSTS User Guides:

• TGS Forms Student Quick Guide
• TGS Forms Administrative User Guide
• GSTS Administrative User Guide
• GSTS Student User Guide
• GSTS Student Quick Guide

CAESAR Tip Sheets

For help with Northwestern University’s Student Information Systems contact Northwestern Information Technology.