New Student Orientation
Welcome to Northwestern!
The Graduate School (TGS) will launch a virtual New Student Orientation via Canvas on Monday, August 11, 2025 for you to complete at your own pace. Instructions on accessing the course have been sent to your Northwestern email address. Please access this course with your NetID and password.
Please complete this virtual orientation prior to the start of the Fall Quarter on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 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:
- Essential information from key campus partners;
- Important resources and services provided by TGS;
- Information about graduate student organizations and campus resources;
- Tips for living in the Chicago area (for students who will be on campus).
Please email tgs@northwestern.edu with any questions.
TGS Resource Fair
TGS will host an in-person resource fair on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 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 hosted optional Q&A sessions via Zoom. Registration details will be shared in the coming months.
Q&A Session with AccessibleNU
Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's academic accommodation, determination, and coordination process for students with disabilities.
Registration details forthcoming.
Q&A Session with the Office of Fellowships
Designed for all graduate students to learn how to seek out and apply for external fellowship awards.
Registration details forthcoming.
Q&A Session with TGS Student Funding Team
Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The funding team is unable to provide tax advice.
Registration details forthcoming.
Q&A Session with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS)
Designed for PhD and MFA students who will receive stipends from TGS. Note: The funding team is unable to provide tax advice.
Please note: The Q&A Session with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will not be recorded.
Registration details forthcoming.
Q&A Session with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's mental health clinical services, consultations, and educational workshops.
Registration details forthcoming.
Q&A Session with NU Health Services, Pharmacy, and NU Student Health Insurance Program (NU-SHIP)
Designed for all graduate students to answer questions regarding Northwestern's health services and student health insurance requirement.
Registration details forthcoming.
Q&A Session with Current Graduate Students
Designed for all incoming graduate students to ask questions of current TGS students. Topics may include the first-year experience, the adviser/advisee relationship, cultivating mentors, strategies for self-care and mental well-being, extracurricular activities and/or student organizations, living in Evanston and Chicago, and more.
Registration details forthcoming.
Fall 2025 Welcome Events
Several student organizations and campus partners are hosting welcome events this fall quarter. Check back here for a list of planned events and activities.
Human Resources Office Hours
Northwestern's Office of Human Resources holds regular office hours, no appointment is necessary.
- Evanston Campus:
1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1-100- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Chicago Campus:
710 N Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall Room 150- Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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.