Student Support Services
These services provide resources and guidance to help you navigate the unique challenges you face. By offering career resources, legal resources, and access to campus-wide staff and services, we want to empower you to achieve your academic and personal goals, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to succeed in your educational journey.
Community and Resources
The Office of Student Enrichment Services (SES) and Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) work together to build awareness, provide support and create avenues for advocacy with and for the undocumented / DACA student community. For information about resources please go to Undocumented/DACA Resources.
Employment
Undocumented students face a special set of challenges in their career journeys. Northwestern Career Advancement is committed to ensuring student success, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Career Advancement staff are here to help undocumented and DACA students navigate the career planning process.
Legal
Student Enrichment Services (SES) provides appointments with a consulting attorney specializing in immigration statuses. Currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive legal consultation. This service is funded by Student Enrichment Services. There is no cost to receive a legal consultation when you set your appointment through Northwestern. Undergraduates, please email Jesus Galvan in SES to schedule an appointment. Graduate students, please email Rina Fernandes in TGS to schedule an appointment. All Legal Services appointments are held by phone or via Zoom.
Mental Health Support
Counseling and Psychological Services serves as the primary mental health service at Northwestern University with offices on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. CAPS provides a set of core services, including clinical services, educational workshops, and consultation with faculty, staff, and parents.
“For two quarters, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provided me with free weekly individual therapy sessions that helped me navigate depression related to my undocumented status and the transition to college.”
Additionally, NUhelp is your guide to navigating Northwestern's wellness, safety and crisis resources, whenever you may need them. Not sure where to start? Download the NUhelp roadmap for an overview.
Financial Aid
Both undocumented students and students with DACA status are eligible for need-based financial aid. Northwestern Financial Aid conducts a holistic review of each student’s economic situation. If your economic status changes for you, schedule an appointment to review your circumstances. Examples of circumstances that may change are reduced wages or loss of income, medical expenses, or extended family support. We also understand that life is unpredictable and often brings unexpected expenses. These expenses can cause significant hardship and stress. Fortunately, the university has Emergency Aid funds that might help.
Religious and Spiritual Life
Graduate Degree
The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern University welcomes applications from both undocumented students and students with DACA status. All undocumented individuals are eligible for admission to any degree program at TGS whether or not they have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA).
“The Office of Student Enrichment Services (SES) has provided me with invaluable emotional and financial support throughout my journey as an undocumented student at Northwestern. The SES staff have consistently encouraged and supported me, always listening attentively and guiding me to essential resources. Through SES funding, I've been able to acquire winter gear, cover professional society memberships, and manage practical expenses like lockouts and lofting fees. I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support, the sense of community they foster, and the opportunities they have afforded me.”