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New Student Orientation

Additional Information

Please check your Northwestern email for additional orientation information and updates.

Welcome to Northwestern!

The Graduate School (TGS) will launch a virtual New Student Orientation via Canvas on Monday, August 17, 2026 for you to complete at your own pace. Instructions on accessing the course will be sent to your Northwestern email address once the course has launched. Please access this course with your NetID and password.

Please complete this virtual orientation prior to the start of the Fall Quarter on Friday, September 23, 2026. Plan approximately 90 minutes to complete all the modules.

Please note that all aspects of TGS New Student Orientation are suggested, not required.

The virtual orientation features four modules:

  1. Essential information from key campus partners;
  2. Important resources and services provided by TGS;
  3. Information about graduate student organizations and campus resources;
  4. Tips for living in the Evanston and Chicago areas (for students who will be on campus).

Need Access? Please log into Canvas using your Northwestern NetID and password. If you have questions about accessing the course, please email tgs@northwestern.edu.

In addition to the virtual orientation, TGS New Student Orientation also includes virtual Q&A sessions as well as in-person events on the Evanston campus prior to the start of Fall Quarter. Dates and registration details for these events will be provided during Summer Quarter. Check back here for additional updates and programming.

Please email tgs@northwestern.edu with any questions.

TGS Resource Fair

TGS will host an in-person resource fair on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on the second floor of Norris University Center. The purpose of this fair is to connect incoming TGS students with the community of support at Northwestern, including a wide variety of campus partners and graduate student organizations. 

We also invite you to explore the resources and support available to you from our TGS-affiliated student organizations & campus partners.

Virtual Q&A Sessions

As part of your onboarding process, several student leaders and campus partners will host optional Q&A sessions via Zoom. Registration links and an opportunity to submit questions will be provided below in the coming weeks. 

Human Resources Office Hours

Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.

These office hours are designed to assist students with completing their Form I-9, setting up their direct deposit and W-4 in myHR , and answering any payroll-related questions. HR staff members also can assist students who are foreign nationals with reviewing documentation, completing the I-9 process, and providing FN tax documentation.

Follow the guidelines on the TGS New Student Onboarding webpage to set up your financial information and email askHR@northwestern.edu with any questions. Note: HR staff members can assist with technical questions related to W-4 tax forms, but they are unable to provide tax advice.