ISSUE THREE
ARCH JULY 2015 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
2015
PEER ADVISERS
Your Peer Adviser (PA), (a current NU student who will be going through this next year with you) will be contacting you in the next week (sorry students with majors in Weinberg, you have to wait until August). They’re ecstatic to meet you! Don’t believe us? Find out why a few wanted to become a PA.
We are the people with whom first-year students develop a rewarding and lasting relationship. My role as an adviser is someone who alleviates anxieties that come with being new at a school, as well as anxieties that arrive later in the transition. I’ll break down barriers of nerves that the students arrive with and make sure students become fully connected to the community in a lasting way. I’ll work to have them see exactly how wholeheartedly welcome they are to be a part of it and the ways it will stay with them for life. –Ninah Divine | NU 2016 | Transfer Student | Madison, WI As a first generation college student (that means I am the first in my family to attend college), my parents expressed their support and encouraged me to try my best. I appreciated their love, but they could not understand the workload I had to shovel through daily. My Peer Advisers stepped in as my older brother and sister and guided me through the quarter with encouraging texts, words of advice, and coffee dates which definitely lifted my spirits. I never expected to receive an unconditional love from people who I had met only a few months ago…and that is what I hope to be to a new group of students. –Mauricio Gonzalez | NU 2018 | Chicago, IL
I cannot imagine life at Northwestern without my PA. She is the person I called in tears, the person who offered me an endless supply of hugs, the person I called to share successes, and the person who showed me through sheer love and support that as challenging as transition to college can be at times, it is one full of promise. I want to be there for first years to be at least one person who genuinely cares for them and wants to support them each step of the way. –Clare Varellas | NU 2018 | Lafayette, CA
My own PA counseled me and constantly ensured I, and the rest of our group, was developing a healthy mindset during the first year. He showed me that it is possible for students from underrepresented backgrounds to succeed here at Northwestern and in engineering. I want to act as a guiding light to students as they begin their NU career; I want to be everything to my first years that my PA was for me. –Bomani McClendon | NU 2017 | Nashville, TN
Without my own PA, I would have been confused and would not have known where to look for help, like a computer browser that isn’t connected to the Internet. Being a new student can be a precarious experience, and sometimes a peer who understands where you are right now can be the most comforting thing, more than an adult. I want to show first years that there is always a place for them here in this community. –Shaleila Louis | NU 2018 | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
The relationship between a PA and a new student is a collaborative one – while the role of the PA is that of a mentor, it is our ultimate goal to help first years define their own Northwestern experience. I want to not only be a mentor, but also a friend, a peer who guides, rather than dictates, and someone who is as invested in kick-starting their own Northwestern experience. –Landon Hegedus | NU 2017 | Austin, TX
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CONTENTS
OMG, we’ve been Tweetin’, Instgrammin’,
Tumblrin’, Snappin’, and MySpacing up a storm this summer (just joshin’, we don’t have a MySpace). We hope you’ve been following us! Remember we give you new content (videos, Google Hangouts, NU facts, etc) every Wildcat Wednesday and a slew of other items on our various accounts. Go ahead, press that “follow” or “friend” button; we just want to love you and be loved in return…is that so much to ask!? :)
4
UPCOMING DEADLINES
5
HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
6
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND
7
PLACEMENT EXAMS
KEY DATE
JOIN THE CONVERSATION...
JULY 31ST This is an important issue of March to the Arch; there are a good number of items that you must complete by July 31 and August 1. Take a look at page 4 to see everything you need to complete this month!
NOTE REGARDING ISSUU.COM March to the Arch and Purple Prep are hosted on Issuu, a third party vendor. If you wish to print these publications from Issuu, you are asked to create an Issuu account. However, PDF versions of each March to the Arch issue will be available on the New Student and Family Programs website for printing/downloading purposes. We suggest using Issuu for reviewing and on-the-go reading.
By this point, you should have received your copy of Purple Prep in your mailbox. This book is your go-to guide to everything you need to know over the summer including a list of action items that must be completed. An online, e-reader version of Purple Prep can be found on the New Student and Family Programs website.
UPCOMING DEADLINES DEADLINE DATE
ACTION ITEM
WEBSITE
Mail immunization records and required form (do so immediately if you have not already)
JULY 1 JULY 31 JULY 31
(STUDENTS WITH MAJORS IN WEINBERG ONLY)
JULY 31
(STUDENTS WITH MAJORS IN MCCORMICK ONLY)
AUGUST 1
(Students with majors in SESP only)
Health Service
Take any required placement/assessment exams, based on your school’s directives in Purple Prep
Purple Prep
Complete your undergraduate dossier, submit required academic integrity essay, and top ten list of seminar preferences
Weinberg
Complete the MEAS online dossier, purchas MATLAB software, and complete the math placement exam
McCormick
Complete the new student survey
SESP Survey
AUGUST 1
Mail final high school transcript
AUGUST 1
If seeking AP/IB credit, request immediate transmittal of AP/IB scores
AP/IP Scores
AUGUST 1
Complete Agent of Change (Essential NU requirement); available July 6-August 1
Essential NUs
AUGUST 1
(INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY)
AUGUST 1 AUGUST 1 (IDEALLY) OCTOBER 1 (DEADLINE) August 8
(for August billing cycle)
August 8
(for August billing cycle)
Final Transcript
Upload I-20/DS-2019 request via NUPortal
NUPortal
Submit photo for Wildcard
Wildcard
Complete health insurance Coverage Selection Form (not applicable to international students)
Add parent/guardian access to student account in CAESAR (if you wish to do so)
Verify billing preferences and address in CAESAR
Health Insurance
CAESAR
Billing Preferences
The complete master checklist can be seen on the Class of 2019 website. You can even subscribe to our online calendar; link it to your @u.northwestern email account (powered by Google) and then to your iCal or your mobile device for a seamless experience!
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HEALTH INSURANCE
REQUIREMENTS As an incoming student, you must take the time to complete the online Coverage Selection from by signing into your active CAESAR account. All domestic students are required to complete this form and either accept the NU sponsored health insurance or waive it by providing proof of comparable health insurance coverage; international students do not need to complete the form as the NU/Aetna Plan is mandatory for international students (those holding F-1 or J-1 United States visas). The Open Enrollment period is July 1-October 1, 2015. Students who do not complete this requirement by October 1, 2015 will automatically be enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Plan and charged the annual premium of $3,692. In addition, you will be unable to cancel coverage until the next Open Enrollment Period (beginning July 1, 2016). PLEASE NOTE: Those who signed up for the 9-Pay Payment Plan and indicated that you do not plan to enroll in Aetna Health Insurance Plan, you are still required to complete the Coverage Selection Form online to avoid being automatically enrolled. Student Health Insurance NU/Aetna Student Health Insurance homepage Contact the Student Insurance Office by emailing student. insurance@northwestern.edu or by calling 847-491-2113.
ONLINE COVERAGE SELECTION FORM INSTRUCTIONS 1. L og into your NU CAESAR Account. Using your NetID and password. You will arrive at the homepage upon login. 2. Scroll down to the Quick Links section and click on the Health Coverage Plan link. You will arrive at the Insurance Requirements page. 3. Review the information on the page and either press Click Here to Continue or select the NU Insurance Selection Form tab. You will arrive at the NU Insurance Coverage Selection Form page. Next you must select one of the options presented (Option 1a, Option 1b or Option 2) 1. Select Option 1a to enroll in the NU/Aetna Student Health Insurance plan. 2. Click: “I have read and understand the above statement” 3. Press the Submit button, then Yes, and finally OK to complete your selection 1. Select Option 1b to enroll in the NU/Aetna Student Health Insurance AND to continue your other health insurance plan in addition to the NU/Aetna Stu-dent Health Insurance 2. Complete the section to provide your other health insurance information 3. Click: “I have read and understand the above statement” 4. Click Submit, then Yes, and finally OK to complete your selection 1. Select Option 2 to waive the NU/Aetna Student Health Insurance and continue your other health insurance plan 2. Complete the required questionnaire 3. C omplete the section to provide your other health insurance information 4. C lick: “I have read and understand the above statement” to indicate that you have read and understood the information provided. 5. Click Submit, then Yes, and finally OK to complete your selection
You should receive a confirmation e-mail shortly after clicking “OK”. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail, please contact the Student Insurance Office; keep the confirmation email for your records.
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WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND
...and some other items you should be thinking about
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS AND REQUIRED FORM
A few of you have asked about the immunization records and the form you must send in. July 1 the deadline to do so; if you have not done it we encourage you to get that submitted as soon as you can. All you need to do is complete the “Admission health record for students in non-healthcare academic programs” form and submit it to University Health Service. That’s it; that is the form you have been asking about!
WORK STUDY
We’ve seen a question or two pop-up in the Facebook group about work-study job opportunities. Work-study is something you do not really need to worry about quite yet. These types of jobs are only available to those students who receive financial aid. The Work-study office will host a work-study job fair during Wildcat Welcome to help you learn of the various positions and meet employers; there will also be a mandatory orientation meeting for work-study students during Wildcat Welcome. Something pretty important to know for all students planning to work: You must bring either your US Passport OR your social security card and legal photo ID OR your birth certificate and legal photo ID; none of these items can be photo copies! You’ll need this to get paid...and we think that is pretty important! Visit the Work-Study Program website for more information.
MEAL PLANS
If you take a look at page 11 of Purple Prep, you’ll see a rundown of information for the 2015-16 academic year. For students living on campus, you’ll automatically receive the “Weekly 14” meal plan. This gives you 14 meals per week each quarter, 2 guest meal passes per quarter, and up to 3 of each week’s 14 meals can be treated as cash for use at retail dining locations on campus. There is a “Weekly 13” and “Unlimited” plan that you are able to choose from if desired. If you wish to change from the standard “Weekly 14” you will have that opportunity beginning in August until October 2 (for the fall quarter). Learn more on the Northwestern Dining website.
MOVE-IN DAY ITEMS AND SHIPPING
We know you’re thinking about your big move on Friday, September 11th. All information regarding that day can be found on the Residential Services website. For those who will be traveling a long ways, many students in the past have considered shipping larger items to campus. University and Student Services (USS) is a vendor that works closely with Residential Services; visit their website to look at shipping possibilities. Also, if you are planning on purchasing or renting a mini-fridge for your room, consider student-run business RezEssentials; if you purchase or rent a fridge through them, they’ll deliver it directly to your room before you arrive on campus!
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PLACEMENT EXAMS Many students plan to take a placement exam during the summer, though they are not required for all students. Students with majors in Weinberg and McCormick should look closely to see what tests are applicable for them; students with majors in SESP, Bienen, Medill, and Communication will need to look at tests if you plan on pursuing a foreign language, math, or chemistry course. These exams are now available and must be completed by July 31 and further information can be found on our website.
WHEN ARE PLACEMENT EXAMS OFFERED? Most placement exams are only offered online during the summer. If you plan to take courses in a foreign language, chemistry, physics, or mathematics, you will likely need to take an online placement exam prior to July 31. Not completing the exam will impact your ability to register for certain classes for your first quarter. There will not be an opportunity for you to take placement exams during Wildcat Welcome (except for limited foreign language tests which require a test during Wildcat Welcome; check your language of interest for more details). Oh, and just because you take a placement exam (let’s say, in language) does not mean you are required to take the course.
I JUST TOOK MY AP/IB EXAMS, DOES THAT IMPACT THE PLACEMENT EXAMS I NEED TO TAKE? Yes, Purple Prep includes a bit of information on how these exams impact placement. These pages identify what courses are associated with each placement exam and if your AP/IB score impacts your need to complete the placement test over the summer. If you will not know your scores until after July 31, we suggest you go ahead and take the Northwestern placement exams just to be safe; if you end up earning great scores on your AP/IB exam, those are the scores that will be used.
I’M IN THE MCCORMICK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE, ARE THERE ADDITIONAL TESTS I MUST TAKE? All students entering the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science are required to complete the math placement exam regardless of AP or IB scores (no exceptions) by July 31. You will also need to complete all other placement exams (ALEKS math assessment, language, and physics if applicable for you) by July 31.
HELPFUL LINKS: Placement Exams Information | Understanding AP/IB Credit MARCH TO THE ARCH
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INFORMATION FOR
FAMILY MEMBERS Below we have included information regarding the Parent and Family Orientation schedule (beginning with New Student Move-in Day); also, feel free to visit our website for more information about Family Weekend (November 6-8, 2015). However, you are most likely thinking about planning your travel if you have not already done so. Below we have included information regarding the Parent and Family Orientation schedule (beginning with new student move-in day) and the Family Weekend timeline (November 6-8, 2015) for you to plan accordingly. In addition to our office- the Office of New Student and Family Programs- we also encourage you to utilize Residential Services as a resource this summer as you think about your student living at Northwestern; they can be reached at 847467-4663 or freshman-housing@northwestern.edu.
PARENT & FAMILY ORIENTATION Programming specific for family members of new students takes place the first weekend of Wildcat Welcome. Move-in Day occurs from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, September 11; this is the first day your student will be able to access their residence hall. Many family members ask when it is OK to leave, of fear of staying too long or not staying long enough or needing to get back to jobs at home. Families leave equally in three waves: at the end of Move-in Day (after the President’s Welcome and Reception at 5 p.m.), during the day on Saturday (while students are at the Football Game; families miss some Saturday family orientation programming), or following March Through the Arch on Sunday afternoon (a Northwestern tradition that has new students entering the iconic Arch to symbolize the start of their tenure). You’ll also be introduced to a Family Ambassador, an undergraduate student leader working to specifically ensure you have a wonderful transition during the Parent and Family Orientation events. You can find an overview of the Parent and Family Orientation schedule to the right.
PARENT AND FAMILY WEBINAR: JULY 19 AND AUGUST 23 Please mark your calendars now for our next two Parent & Family Webinars which will take place on Sunday, July 19 and Sunday, August 23 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT. During these webinars, we will provide information about University resources for your new student and well as information about move-in day, Parent and Family Orientation, and Wildcat Welcome. Instructions for logging into the July 19 webinar will be sent via email no later than 24 hours in advance.
PARENT & FAMILY ORIENTATION
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: New Student Move-in Day 1 – 3 p.m.: Residential College Master’s Reception for Families 4-5 p.m.: Student Enrichment Services Welcome for Families 5-8 p.m.: President’s Welcome and Reception for Families
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Welcome from the Dean of Students 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Academic-specific Orientation for Families 12-1:30 p.m.: Purchase Lunch in Dining Halls 1:30-9 p.m.: Open programming includes Resource Fair, Campus Tours, “A Year in the Life” skits by Family Ambassadors, and more *Families will be able to purchase tickets, if they wish, beginning in August to the football game at 3 p.m. on this day from the Northwestern Athletics Ticket Office
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 1:30-2:30 p.m.: March Through the Arch 2:30-3 p.m.: Kiss’n’Bye (this is a pause in the student schedule for family goodbyes; students will then be programmed until the evening) *To learn about Religious Services being held during the weekend, visit the Office of Religious Life website
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