The Daily Northwestern - Orientation Issue 2023

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The Daily Northwestern www.dailynorthwestern.com

Summer Editor Nicole Markus

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letter from the editor: don’t sweat the small stuff

There are a lot of reasons to worry in college. Maybe you didn’t do your laundry, maybe you missed an assignment, or maybe you have to choose your roommate for next year. In the moment, these things might feel like the end of the world. But, I’m only halfway through my college career, and one thing I can already tell you is that almost nothing matters as much as you think it does.

That fight you had with your friend? She’ll forget about it next week, and so will you. That Medill F you got on an assignment? You’ll re-do it, your grades will be averaged, and then it will be over.

I see a lot of people come through The Daily who are inclined to stress about the little things. In journalism, that’s great. If that’s really how you spell his last name, if you really gave a source sufficient opportunity to respond, if you snapped at someone over the phone… all of those worries are arguably integral to the journalistic process.

But, I know our reporters at The Daily are kind hearted. They’re talented. So to me, the occasional mistake helps us be the teaching paper we aim to be. If a staffer is worried, they need to be reminded of that, not reprimanded.

If a Daily staffer asks a question, I trust it was a good one. If they miss a deadline, I know they wanted the story out on time even more than I did. Whether you are a journalist, an engineer, or a friend, making a mistake is just part of the process… especially in college. You learn by making mistakes, and you’re not going to learn anything if you do everything perfectly.

So, I’ll tell you what I tell our staffers: If someone beats you to the scoop or if you can’t get an interview, don’t worry! Almost always, that’s just how it goes. It wouldn’t be the story you need it to be if you weren’t climbing over hills and jumping through hoops to get it. Whether or not you’re interested in journalism, I know the same is true for your college career. This wouldn’t be the story you need it to be, the experience you need to grow, if every day were smooth-sailing.

I know what it’s like to be a freshman. I know you will look at every choice you make in the first few months of the school year, and think about it the way our journalists are trained to. Are my peers beating me? Should I have talked to that person at Wildcat Welcome for longer? Are the classes I’m taking the right ones?

When you have those thoughts, I want you to think of this issue, this article. I want you to hear what I’d say to Daily staffers: Don’t worry about it. You won’t remember this class when you’re 30 (unless it’s really good). And you won’t remember falling out with your friend when you’re 30 (unless they’re still your best friend).

My freshman year, I was diagnosed with a serious health condition. I didn’t know if I would be able to stay in school, I didn’t know how long my future would be. It made me realize that I wouldn’t remember anyone for the little mistakes they made. I’d remember them for their kindness, for the ways they’d touched my life, and for their diligence and devotion to their passions.

So, my one piece of advice for you is this: be kind, make mistakes, and don’t sweat the small stuff. You can’t learn without breaking the rules once in a while. Take risks, try new things, stand up for what you believe in, and most importantly… have fun.

Avani Kalra Editor in Chief avanikalra2025@u.northwestern.edu

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Year in Review

By NICOLE MARKUS daily senior staffer @nicolejmarkus

Content warning: This story continues mention of hazing and sexual abuse.

The 2022-23 academic year was a period of change for Northwestern. Students saw major highs and lows for athletic programs, personnel changes and a transition period for on-campus performances.

While these are just some of the most notable events of the 2022-23 academic year that shaped the NU community, we’re giving you a rundown to help understand the current state of the University.

An unexpected presidential transition

After former President Morton Schapiro

NU’s top stories from 2022-23 :

announced his plans to leave NU, the University selected Rebecca Blank to take his place in October 2021. However, in July 2022, Blank announced she had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and would not be able to step into the role. She would have been the first female president of the University. Schapiro elected to stay on until another president was selected by the Presidential Search Committee.

In August 2022, the University announced that Michael Schill would be NU’s 17th president. Schill previously served as the president of the University of Oregon and dean of the University of Chicago’s law school. He assumed his presidency a month later, the same day that students arrived at NU. Blank died at 67 in February 2023.

Wildcats dominate athletic stages

Although NU is a Division I school, some of the most profitable sports don’t always perform.

That wasn’t the case this year for men’s basketball, which made its second run to the NCAA March Madness tournament in program history. NU fans showed out to basketball games all season as the team, led by now-graduate guard Boo Buie and Chase Audige, gained traction. Originally forecast to be in the bottom of the Big Ten, the Cats came in third for the regular season.

In May, lacrosse won its eighth national title, the team’s first in 11 years. Led by graduate attacker Izzy Scane, the team is one of NU’s most popular. Scane won the 2023 women’s Tewaaraton Award and was later nominated for a 2023 ESPY for Best College Athlete in women’s sports. Additionally, though NU’s field hockey team came one win short of a national championship, they had a dominating year and will look to win this upcoming season.

Dillo Day to undergo changes

Dillo Day is one of NU’s biggest events. The enormous student-run musical festival has been a tradition for over 50 years. In 2023, performers included Offset, TiaCorine, J. Worra and Briston Maroney.

In April, Mayfest Productions, the group that hosts Dillo Day, published an open letter in The Daily to the NU community detailing some of the financial struggles it was going through. Organizers said that unless a large enough change was made at the administrative level, Dillo 2023 could be the last one they put on. It’s unclear what will happen to Dillo Day this year, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye out for.

Supreme Court ends affirmative action

In June, the Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action is an unconstitutional admissions practice. The decision will have wide-reaching effects across the country, including at NU, where the admissions office previously used the practice. After the decision was announced, Schill

released a statement saying that NU was committed to admitting diverse student classes. To help to ensure this, Schill highlighted some admissions strategies the University will employ, including using holistic reviews of students, continuing testoptional policies, cultivating partnerships with organizations committed to college access and offering digital tours.

Hazing in football program shines national light on college athletes’ well-being

In January, the University announced that an independent firm would conduct an investigation on the football team for hazing. Later, on July 7, Schill announced that the firm found evidence that hazing occurred, suspended then-head coach Pat Fitzgerald for two weeks and permanently discontinued practices at Camp Kenosha, among other sanctions.

No details were shared with the public, until a The Daily was published a report on July 8 which outlined the allegations against the team. Included in these allegations were reports that upperclassmen would restrain and forcibly dryhump freshmen who made mistakes on the field in a practice known as “running.”

Two days later, Fitzgerald was fired. David Braun, who became the team’s defensive coordinator in January, was elevated to the position of interim head coach. The story gained national attention, and now, players from several NU teams — including football, baseball, softball and volleyball — have alleged hazing occurred in their various programs. In the weeks after the story broke, multiple former players filed suit against the University, and some named Schill, athletic director Derrick Gragg and Fitzgerald as defendants. Several football players have decommitted or entered the transfer portal. It remains unclear how this will affect the football teams and other athletic programs in the future.

nicolemarkus2025@u.northwestern.edu

evanston’s biggest headlines from 2022-23 : Year in Review

By SAUL PINK daily senior staffer @saullpink

Content warning: This story contains mentions of gun violence.

The past year in Evanston has been a busy one. Evanston is more than just Northwestern’s lakeside campus. It’s a suburb that is home to 78,000 people and plenty of issues that make statewide and national headlines. Since the beginning of last academic year, the city has witnessed a heated battle over a new football stadium, an advancement in its historic reparations program and an effort to revamp a struggling downtown.

Here are five of the biggest stories Evanston has experienced in the past year, so you’re up to speed when move-in day comes:

Ryan Field rebuild heightens

town-gown tensions

You’ll hear the phrase “town-gown” a lot in Evanston, referring to universities’ often complex and tense relationships with local government and community members.

Tension in Evanston over NU’s plan to rebuild Ryan Field is the most recent example of this phenomenon. In September 2022, Northwestern

released designs for an $800 million stadium to replace its current football venue.

But pushback from stadium neighbors and other Evanston residents slowed the University’s plans. Despite the new design decreasing stadium capacity by 12,000, residents expressed concerns about noise pollution, traffic and parking. A main sticking point is NU’s proposal to hold 10 concerts per year and sell alcohol at the stadium.

NU, a non-profit institution that is exempt from Evanston property taxes, has responded by saying the construction project will create over 2,900 jobs and tax revenue from alcohol sales and concerts could benefit the city.

More recently, a hazing scandal in NU’s football program, which resulted in the ouster of its longtime head coach, has caused neighbors and faculty members to question the University’s investment in an expensive new athletic facility.

With the proposal tentatively set to go in front of city committees this fall, the future of the University’s plan for a gleaming new stadium remains murky.

Cash payments latest step in historic reparations program

Evanston is the first city in the nation to implement a reparations program aimed at repairing historic harm against Black residents. In 2021, the city launched the first step of the initiative: the Restorative Housing Program, which gave eligible Black residents a $25,000 payment to spend on housing.

After facing criticism for the program’s limited scope — recipients could only use the money on a down payment on a house, mortgage payments or home improvements — Evanston took a big step in March. City Council approved direct cash payments for all Restorative Housing Program recipients, another national first.

Community advocates celebrated the new cash option but continue to push for more funding. Only about 650 out of Evanston’s more than 12,000 Black residents applied for the Restorative Housing

Program.

This year, the Reparations Committee will discuss three more reparations initiatives that focus on education and entrepreneurship, Ald. Krissie Harris (2nd) said.

Revitalizing a desolate downtown

Over the past year, Evanston has looked to revive its downtown by filling vacant storefronts and propping up high-rise developments.

Mayor Daniel Biss used to describe Evanston’s economy as a “three-legged stool,” held up by NU, Evanston residents and office workers downtown. With the pandemic causing an unprecedented shift to remote work, much of downtown Evanston’s office buildings remain empty.

Just as removing one leg from a stool creates instability, the absence of office workers has resulted in an unstable downtown economy.

The city considered two visions to help revamp downtown, ultimately voting to adopt recommendations for streetscaping and “placemaking” ventures. Recently, the city has looked to attract visitors from outside of Evanston to its downtown by reopening the AMC movie theater on Maple Avenue, with plans for a Sky Zone Trampoline Park on the same block.

Meanwhile, Evanston is turning toward mixeduse developments that combine housing, office space and commerce. Last fall, the city demolished a beloved Burger King that sat at the tip of NU’s campus to build a ten-story office building.

But some residents worry the proliferation of high-rises will make housing less affordable and are pushing for the city to ramp up affordable housing development. In July, City Council approved a 33-unit affordable housing development on Church Street.

Shooting devastates Evanston community, sends NU campus into lockdown

A shooting at Evanston’s Clark Street Beach left

an 18-year-old dead and injured two 15-year-old boys on April 12.

Skokie resident Jacquis Irby, who was born and raised in Evanston, died. He is remembered for his commitment to family and love of basketball.

The immediate response to the shooting raised questions about both NU and the Evanston Police Department’s emergency communications. EPD never employed its emergency alert system, communicating mainly through Twitter.

On campus, there was a 30-minute gap between when students and residents first heard gunshots and the University’s first communication. Clark Street Beach sits directly south of NU’s campus. The University issued a precautionary shelter-inplace order, and students barricaded themselves in classrooms, dorms and libraries for over an hour.

In April, EPD arrested 20-year-old Jalen Murray for allegedly firing the shots, charging him with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Evanston embraces rankedchoice

voting

Evanston voters overwhelmingly chose to adopt a ranked choice-voting system in a ballot referendum last November. It became the first city in Illinois to embrace the system, which was most prominently used in the 2021 New York City mayoral race.

Advocates said the change will create fairer elections and less acrimonious campaigns.

The procedure will go into effect for the city’s spring 2025 mayoral, city clerk and City Council elections. In a ranked-choice voting system, voters rank candidates from highest to lowest preference, instead of voting for a single candidate. If a candidate wins 50% of the first-place votes, they win.

If no candidate secures a majority, the individual with the fewest votes is eliminated and their voters’ second-choice candidates receive their first-place votes. The process continues in rounds until one candidate achieves a majority.

saulpink2025@u.northwestern.edu

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Evanston City politics

By WILLIAM TONG daily senior staffer @william2tong

There’s more to Evanston than Northwestern. For students who like to step outside of the University bubble, here’s The Daily’s guide to city government. It introduces the government and its interplay with advocacy groups, residents and the University.

Key Players

Evanston operates under a council-manager form of government. The city’s chief decision-makers are its nine city councilmembers, who each represent one of the city’s nine wards. The mayor — currently Daniel Biss — chairs City Council as a mostly non-voting member that presides over council discussion and votes.

City Council approves changes to the City Code, permit applications for zoning changes and property licensing and public contracts, among many municipal policies.

The City Manager carries out policies passed by City Council, overseeing the city government’s administrative departments. Evanston’s current City Manager, Luke Stowe, was appointed by City Council in August 2022.

In addition to City Council, more than 30 boards, commissions and committees scrutinize policies that might eventually go to the councilmembers. They also provide oversight for other city agencies like the Evanston Police Department and Evanston Fire Department.

City Council generally meets every other Monday at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. During these meetings, the council hears public comments, discusses general policies and votes on motions sent from the city’s committees.

Key Issues

Though Evanston is home to only 78,000 people, the city has many civically engaged residents that make it a politically active environment. Policies City Council pass often affect NU students as well.

Participatory Budgeting

Evanston allocated $3 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to participatory budgeting, a process in which residents decide how to spend public money. With help from School of Education and Social Policy

researchers and other NU students, the city held meetings for budget delegates to develop proposals that community members — including NU students — can vote on in September.

Reparations Program

Evanston is the first American city to pass a resolution on racial reparations. Its initial program, which provided $25,000 to qualifying residents for property down payments, mortgages or home improvements, aimed to address the city’s discriminatory housing practices toward Black residents from 1919-1969.

However, this restorative housing program has faced criticism from local activist groups like Evanston Rejects Racist Reparations for being too slow and restrictive. In late March, City Council approved direct cash payments to program recipients.

Rebuild Ryan Field

NU announced plans to rebuild its football stadium in September 2022 following an earlier donation from the Patrick and Shirley Ryan Family. The University plans for the new Ryan Field to have reduced seating, hold full capacity concerts and sell alcohol.

Before NU commences with this project, it must obtain three approvals from the city — a planned development for construction, zoning text amendment for the concerts and liquor license.

Residents have organized both in support and against aspects of the new stadium. The NU Accountability Alliance, which formed in May and includes Evanston and NU student groups, opposes holding concerts at the stadium. It also advocates for the city government to negotiate a community benefits agreement with NU before approving new stadium construction. NAA members also have concerns about the traffic, safety and environmental impacts of the new Ryan Field.

Field of Opportunities supports NU’s current plans to rebuild Ryan Field. It says most Evanston residents are supportive of the new stadium and planned concerts, as well as the financial benefits coming from the field — citing a public opinion poll and economic impact study both commissioned by NU.

City Council commissioned its own study on the impacts of Rebuild Ryan Field in May. The city’s Land Use Commission has tentatively selected Aug. 23 to consider the University’s proposals.

williamtong2026@u.northwestern.edu

NU ALUM BLAST OFF POST GRAD

By JESSICA MA daily senior staffer @jessicama2025

For four years, Ibrahima Bah (McCormick ‘23) was Willie the Wildcat, Northwestern’s beloved mascot. But after graduating last spring, he’s putting the suit away.

“Everybody loves Willie. I kind of felt like a superhero on campus,” Bah said. “I’m going to miss it.”

Bah, who studied industrial engineering, is headed to L’Oréal as a junior supply chain associate, where he will help manage the company’s databases. Like Bah, many recent graduates look forward to what’s in store.

Will Fowler (Bienen ‘23) will pursue a Master of Music in trombone at The Juilliard School. After receiving this degree, Fowler hopes to perform with a professional orchestra.

“At Bienen, … the trombone faculty is one of the best in the country,” Fowler said. “I definitely would not be at the level I am, or going to Julliard, without the teaching I received at NU.”

At Julliard, Fowler is excited to study with a new teacher, he said. He added that he wants to explore New York City’s performance scene, such as the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway.

Julia Shalansky (SESP ‘23) plans to eventually attend medical school — but for now, she will continue conducting research at the COAST Lab,

where she worked as an undergraduate. There, she studies stress and identity, as well as their impact on biological well-being.

“One of the best parts of NU, for me, is that I was given so many tools to explore my interests,” Shalansky said. “I also loved being around other rigorous students who pushed each other.”

Shalansky also competed on NU’s fencing team, which she said provided her a community. She emphasized the importance of finding an activity that brings joy.

Bah expressed a similar sentiment as Shalansky. For Bah, the Spirit Squad became an outlet for him to destress from school. By performing tricks like backflips, Willie the Wildcat was a chance to have fun, he said.

“I was never on the cheer team (in high school), I didn’t know how to do a backflip coming into Spirit Squad,” Bah said. “I just love learning new things and being a part of something.”

For some recent graduates, their NU journey took turns they weren’t expecting. Bill Yen (McCormick ‘23) said he didn’t expect to end up pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Stanford University.

His freshman year, people asked him if he planned to go into academia, Yen recalled. Back then, Yen had his answer: “Absolutely not.”

But, throughout his time at NU, Yen gained research and internship experience, which he said changed his mind.

“I really want to work on something that allows

me to be creative and try to take on my own thing,” Yen said. “I realized that’s pretty much exactly what a Ph.D. offers.”

As an incoming freshman, Bah planned to study biomedical engineering but switched to industrial engineering. He didn’t know what industrial engineering was before coming to NU, he said.

Bah was drawn to the computer science and business aspects of industrial engineering, he said, which pivoted the change in his major.

“I decided to follow my interests, and I ended up in a better place,” Bah said. “I’m happy with the work I’m doing. I graduated — W’s all around.”

jessicama2025@u.northwestern.edu

wildcat bucket list

By ANGELI MITTAL daily senior staffer @amittal27

When you look back at your time at Northwestern, you probably don’t want all of those memories to be late-night grind sessions in Main. Former University President Morton Schapiro once told an incoming class to start constructing a bucket list as soon as students enter college, so here are a few ideas to add to yours.

1. Go to a Bob’s Pizza Trivia Night.

And get there early, because the restaurant is packed on Tuesday nights — if it isn’t an exam week, spots can be filled as early as 6:15 p.m. (from personal experience!). Get a team together and try your hand at an assortment of trivia questions — most have musical hints. Even if it isn’t your thing, the vibe is always great. The cheese pizza is pretty good, too.

2. Take a hammock out to the Lakefill.

Evanston springs are perfect for reading a book out in the sun (as long as the gnats are dormant). Or maybe it was a long winter and the only glimpse of spring happened during finals week — in which case, I’d recommend bringing your notes to study. Trees tend to get occupied quickly, though, so you might want to save a spot.

3. Take a shower in Mudd Science and Engineering Library.

If you ever find yourself studying in Mudd among the McCormick School of Engineering students — or are one yourself — you can stay fresh during your study session by utilizing the showers on the second floor. According to this Daily podcast, there are a few other unexpected places you can shower on campus, so you could consider adding all the places to your bucket list.

4. Take the Intercampus shuttle to Loyola University Chicago.

The Intercampus is convenient for getting to Chicago via its route to NU’s downtown campus, but did you know that it stops at Loyola prior to reaching the Ward Building? It’s actually pretty convenient, since most of the fast food places are located at Loyola. So if you have a Taco Bell craving, why order delivery when you can just hop onto the shuttle and get it yourself?

5. Go to the Evanston Farmers Market.

It’s kind of embarrassing that I’m already a senior and still haven’t visited the Evanston Farmers Market, though you can catch me there this fall! Open Saturday mornings from May to November, the farmers market features almost 60 vendors selling fresh produce and baked treats.

6. Have a campfire at the Lakefill.

And roast some s’mores. Groups can reserve the Lakefill fire pit through the Norris University Center. The Outdoors Club tends to host events there throughout the year, so a good way to check this item off your bucket list is to join its email list.

7. Go to a Cubs game.

If you’re in the Chicago area, it only makes sense to go to a Cubs game. Even if you’re not a fan of baseball, it’s a fun experience if you bring some friends along. Sometimes NU organizes trips to the games and discounts tickets.

8. Paint The Rock.

Located between Harris Hall, University Hall and Kresge Hall, The Rock gets a fresh coat of paint quite often. Per campus tradition, in order to paint The Rock, students must first defend it for 24 hours. There’s also a live webcam to The Rock.

9. Get a freebie at an NU sports game.

NU Athletics tends to incentivize students to show up to various sports games by offering free stuff, from food to clothing and bucket hats. Depending on the sport, these can be pretty competitive.

10. Spot University President Michael Schill and his dog walking down Sheridan Road.

Many Evanston residents walk alongside their adorable pets down Sheridan. According to some students, Schill and his dog Max are among the group. amittal@u.northwestern.edu

moving to Evanston: a new horizon

By COLE REYNOLDS daily senior staffer @charcole27

It’s easy for Northwestern students to tell a friend or a family member that they go to school in Chicago. The glamor of the nation’s third-largest city can become a simple shorthand to triangulate NU’s location.

But NU is not in Chicago. It’s in Evanston, a suburb sleepy in some areas and, in others, lively. The some 78,000 people who live in Evanston make it a city brimming with both opportunities and complexities.

A Brief History

NU preceded Evanston, opening the doors to the Old College in 1855, some eight years before Evanston incorporated as a municipality. However, Indigenous peoples preceded both the city and University, with a number of Indigenous nations once inhabiting the land that is now Evanston. The Potawatomi, the last of the Indigenous tribes, were removed from the land by the United States government via a 1833 treaty.

In the 165 years since its incorporation, Evanston has found itself in the national spotlight on several occasions. Perhaps most notably, it became a focal point of the temperance

movement. Evanston local Frances Willard (after whom Willard Residential College is named) was the second president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.

Evanston also had one of the earliest significant Black suburban communities in America. Some Black people arrived in the mid-1800s, but in between the World Wars, many Black

people moved to Evanston, cementing a community that remains to this day. Still, those residents faced redlining and other discriminatory practices in Evanston. The effect of those harmful practices form the basis of Evanston’s Restorative Housing Program, which makes Evanston the first city to attempt reparations for Black residents.

Town-Gown Relationship

NU’s existence in Evanston elicits varied responses from residents. One might see a “Go Cats” sign in one yard and an anti-NU sign in the next. The University’s relationship with Evanston has been complex for years, with many complaints surrounding NU’s taxes — or lack thereof. As a non-profit, NU doesn’t pay property taxes to Evanston. And since the University owns many of the most valuable residential buildings in Evanston (which it uses as office spaces), some residents believe that NU has prevented Evanston from collecting a substantial chunk of its potential revenue.

NU has provided Evanston with special funding in specific areas — notably environmental improvements and racial equity programs — since at least 2015.

A more recent issue is the Rebuild Ryan Field plan. NU is proposing to build a privatelyfunded $800 million stadium in the 7th Ward. The venue will also host concerts, and residents have raised concerns over noise and traffic levels at the new facility.

Food and Entertainment

Perhaps the most notable recent development in Evanston entertainment was the November 2022 reopening of the AMC 12 theater on Maple Avenue. An indoor trampoline park is also scheduled to open sometime during the school year on the same block.

A fun but fleeting activity is the Downtown Evanston Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday morning through early November. It returns for a few weeks in Spring Quarter, then runs throughout the summer.

Evanston is also home to a restaurant scene that is largely tailored to the fast-casual needs of college students. Earlier this year, Yelp named Ovo Frito Café the 42nd-best brunch restaurant in the nation. Hecky’s Barbecue, a longtime Evanston staple, recently won a Chicago Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Award for best Chicago-style barbecue.

A shortcoming of Evanston’s restaurant scene, however, is a lack of late-night options, with just a handful of restaurants open past midnight. Many students turn to Chicken Shack, a fried chicken joint open as late as 12:30 a.m., to fill that void.

Politics

Much like NU, Evanston is a liberal community, with almost 91% of residents voting for Joe Biden in the 2020 Presidential Election. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th), whose district contains Evanston, is one of the most senior Democrats in the House of Representatives.

That leftward tendency is reflected in local initiatives. Evanston is the first city in the nation to institute legislation aimed at providing reparations for Black residents. It also recently began its new participatory budgeting process, by which residents can help allot city funds.

Daily file photo by Rachel Schlueter

By ALYCE BROWN daily senior staffer @alycebrownn

As seniors leave Northwestern, many regret never having explored the city so close to their campus. The country’s third-largest city, Chicago bustles with unique experiences and an identity unlike the coastal cities that many students may be more familiar with. Here’s a brief crash course on the geography and logistics of the city — happy exploring!

Beyond Downtown

As students will hear often during their time at NU, Chicago is a city of neighborhoods.

There are 77 “community areas” officially designated by the city, but many more unique neighborhoods created by residents’ unofficial boundaries. Each neighborhood has a distinct identity, food scene and culture, making Chicago the perfect place to explore multiple communities in one place.

These neighborhoods are often grouped together in a few main sections when talking about the layout of the city: the North Side, which includes neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville; the Loop, which is the downtown area that most people think of when they think of Chicago; the West Side, which includes neighborhoods like Humboldt Park and Austin; and the South Side, which includes neighborhoods like Bronzeville and Hyde Park.

Like any major city, many of these neighborhoods represent ethnic communities and offer an opportunity to explore other cultures in depth — a few being Chinatown on the South Side, and Greektown] and Little Italy, both on the Near West Side.

The Chicago neighborhood that borders Evanston is Rogers Park, a diverse and artsy community about a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk from campus. Many North Side neighborhoods are popular with NU students for eating, shopping or nightlife, but with such an extensive variety of experiences throughout the neighborhoods, all are worth exploring.

Getting Into The City

Luckily, Evanston is connected to Chicago by a variety of easy transportation options. For public transportation, students can catch the Metra or the “L,” short for “elevated,” at multiple Evanston stations for a quick ride into destinations across the city.

The University also provides some transportation into Chicago. If one’s looking to get to NU’s downtown Chicago campus or the immediately surrounding areas, the intercampus shuttle runs a loop from the Evanston campus to the Chicago campus throughout the day. The schedule is available online.

Entertainment in the City

Among many other things, Chicago is known for its unique theater and art scenes.

One of the most notable is improv comedy club The Second City in the Old Town neighborhood, many of whose performers have gone on to successful careers at Saturday Night Live.

Other famous theaters across the city include Steppenwolf, Goodman and Lookingglass, which feature major off-Broadway talent and performances across the Loop and the North Side.

The city is also host to many world-class museums. A favorite is the Art Institute of Chicago, which has free admission for NU students. However, many students also frequent the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Science and Industry and the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, among a multitude of other great options.

Another must for students is one of the things that sets Chicago apart from its city peers — the beaches.

If you want to leave Evanston’s beaches behind, one of the city’s most popular is Oak Street Beach, in the downtown area. Although often crowded, the beach’s location within the city’s skyline makes it a destination for many tourists in the area.

Another popular beach in the city, this one a little further North and closer to campus, is North Avenue Beach. Located in Lincoln Park, one of the Northside’s most popular neighborhoods for younger residents, it offers more complete views of the skyline and (marginally) less crowding.

alycebrown@u.northwestern.edu

BANKER NOTE: Promo code “23STDNT TRGTD CAMPUS ONLY” MUST be used when opening each Bank Smartly® Checking and Standard Savings account to receive the bonus.CUSTOMER: Promo code “23STDNT” will automatically be entered when opening your Bank Smartly® Checking and Standard Savings account using the website address above.

1. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account. To earn the $100 bonus offer, you must open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account (excludes all other checking account products) at a U.S. Bank campus location or online through a U.S. Bank campus page from May 23, 2023 through and including September 25, 2023. Additionally, you must have a minimum of $1,000 or more in total deposit(s), complete 10 or more debit card purchases totaling $100 or more using your associated debit card as well as enrollment in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App all within 90 days of account opening. All transactions must be posted to the account within those 90 days. Pending transactions, ATM withdrawals and withdrawals at a branch using your debit card are not qualifying transactions. Offer may not be combined with any other checking account bonus offers. Offer is not valid if the primary signer on the account has an existing U.S. Bank consumer checking account, had a U.S. Bank consumer checking account in the last 12 months, or received other U.S. Bank bonus offers within the past 12 months. The checking bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 60 days after you have completed the checking requirements listed above as long as your account is open and has a positive balance.

2. A $25 minimum deposit is required to open a new U.S. Bank Standard Savings account. To earn your extra $100 bonus you must have opened a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account during the promotional period with the promotion code 23STDNT that is open and has a positive balance. Also, open a new U.S. Bank Standard Savings account at a U.S. Bank campus location or online through a U.S. Bank campus page by September 25, 2023. Additionally, you must make deposit(s) of $1,000 or more by October 16, 2023 then maintain a minimum total account balance of $1,000 or more through April 15, 2024 on your Standard Savings account. The $100 bonus will be credited to your new savings account within 30 days after you have completed the savings requirements listed above. The account must be open and have a positive balance. Standard Savings is a variable rate account. The following Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 5/4/23: 0.01%. Interest rates are determined at the bank’s discretion and can change at any time.

File illustration by Olivia Abeyta

\north.>web.st r\: translating nu lingo

By ALYCE BROWN and NICOLE MARKUS daily senior staffers @alycebrownn, @nicolejmarkus

Coming to college is like entering a new world, complete with all of its own slang and phrases. Here’s a quick briefer on some of the sayings and acronyms that you’ll come in contact with when you get to Evanston, from NUDM to Norbucks.

ACRONYMS

ASG: Stands for Associated Student Government, the government of Northwestern’s undergraduate student body. ASG has 10 committees, which any student is welcome to join, an executive branch and a senate composed of approximately 20 student groups and 17 school senators.

CAPS: This stands for Counseling and Psychological Services, NU’s mental health service for students.

CAPS offers resources as well as virtual appointments and assessments that can be booked on their website or taken on a walk-in basis. Their Evanston campus location is in Searle Hall.

CARE: An acronym for the Center for Awareness, Response, and Education. On campus, CARE provides education about safe, healthy sexuality and has many resources for survivors of sexual assault.

CTEC: This stands for Course and Teacher Evaluation Council and refers to evaluations that students fill out at the end of each quarter. The forms ask questions about the course material, the teacher and the rigor. They are all available for all students to look at when selecting courses for the next quarter.

FGLI: Pronounced “figly,” this acronym stands for First-Generation and/or Low-Income. It typically refers to students who are the first in their family to come to college and/or identify as low-income. Resources are available to support FGLI students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and undocumented students at Student Enrichment Services.

FSL: The abbreviation for the Fraternity and Sorority Life office at NU. This office encompasses the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association, National Pan-Hellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council at NU.

SESP: An acronym for the School of Education and Social Policy.

SPAC: What students call the on-campus gym,

officially named the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. Access to SPAC and all of its equipment is free for all students, including a weekly rotation of workout classes.

PLACES

DEERING: Short for Deering Library, one of the most well-known spots on campus for looking like Hogwarts. It houses the Art Library and has underground tunnels to Main Library.

LINCOLN: The sought-after dorm located at 560 Lincoln St. Although now officially renamed “Schapiro Hall,” students still refer to it as Lincoln.

NORBUCKS: Slang for the Starbucks in Norris University Center. It was recently renovated and moved from the first floor to the groud floor, and accepts dining dollars.

NORRIS: Norris University Center is where students go to eat, study and hang out. It’s home to restaurants, study spaces, conference rooms and offices. It also houses a game room, performance venues and ARTica studios, where students can learn various crafts.

MAIN: The name students usually call University Library, NU’s largest and most popular library. It has a wide variety of places to study, ranging from silent to loud, complete with a coffee shop for late-night studying. It’s located between North and South Campus, and is right next to Norris University Center.

MUDD: Short for Mudd Science and Engineering Library. It’s on North Campus, near Tech and SPAC. It has two floors of study rooms, and two rooms open 24 hours a day.

PLEX: Short for Foster-Walker Complex, the singles dorm on South Campus. This term can refer to the dorm itself or to the two dining halls it contains — one being the allergen-friendly dining hall that only serves stir-fry.

SHERIDAN: Refers to the main road that stretches across NU’s campus. It can get pretty crowded with walkers, cyclists, skateboarders and people on mopeds.

SHERBUCKS: Slang for the Starbucks in Downtown Evanston, a few steps off-campus on Sherman Avenue. For many students living on South Campus, this location is closer than the one in Norris University Center.

THE GARAGE: NU’s hub for entrepreneurship on campus. Housed in the same building as SPAC, the Garage offers a plethora of programs for students

looking to start their own companies and has an impressive list of alumni entrepreneurs.

THE LAKEFILL: The part of campus that juts out into Lake Michigan. It’s essentially a small island, and offers great views of downtown Chicago that consistently draw out large crowds of students when the weather warms up.

TECH: An easy one — short for the Technological Institute, the large building that houses most of NU’s STEM classes. It’s located by Sargent Hall on North Campus, and has its own website to navigate its plethora of classrooms — just google ‘Tech Room Finder.’

TRADITIONS AND ANNUAL OCCURENCES

DILLO: Short for Armadillo Day, run by Mayfest Productions. This annual student-run music festival brings several artists to the Lakefill each Spring Quarter in one of the biggest days of the year.

MARCH THROUGH THE ARCH: What incoming students do during Wildcat Welcome to signify their time beginning at NU.

MARRIAGE PACT: Students fill out a yearly questionnaire regarding their preferences for life and love. An algorithm matches students with the other person on campus they’re most compatible with, with the end goal being that you’ll have someone to marry if all else fails.

NUDM: Short for Northwestern University Dance Marathon, an annual event on campus. Every March, students gather to dance for 30 hours straight to raise money for charities. This year, it’s the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

READING WEEK: The end of every quarter, the week before finals. Weinberg classes don’t meet during this week, which also happens to be Week 10.

THE GNATS: In a yearly occurence during Spring Quarter, students must fend off hordes of small insects while walking around campus. Some years are worse than others – fingers crossed for Spring 2024!

THE ROCK: A big rock near University Hall that students paint in the night after guarding for 24 hours. There’s a livestream of The Rock at all times. ETC.

BIG TEN: The conference that NU plays in, part of NCAA Division 1 athletics. The conference currently

has 14 teams, but two more will join in 2024.

CAESAR: The online platform students use to register for classes, view and request academic transcripts, view CTECs, pay tuition and more.

CANVAS: The online platform most professors use for their class materials.

DINING DOLLARS: Money loaded onto your wildcard that allows you to purchase items from on campus restaurants and convenience stores. Freshmen receive $125 a quarter as part of their dining plan.

DISTRO: Slang for distribution requirements (now renamed to foundational disciplines), a feature of NU degrees that requires students to take a certain number of classes outside of their main area of study. Around class registration time, you’ll hear lots of talk about how to land spots in the distros that are the easiest and most popular.

EDUROAM: The name of NU’s main wifi network. Students can connect to eduroam using their NetID from anywhere on campus, including outdoor spaces.

MAX: University President Michael Schill’s dog. He’s often around at important campus events or taking a walk around campus.

MEAL EXCHANGES: The freshman meal plan comes with five of these per week. Meal exchanges allow students to get specified items at select restaurants on campus without spending dining dollars.

NETID and STUDENT ID: A combination of three letters and four numbers or a seven-digit number, respectively. Your NetID is used for most things on campus, including accessing campus computers and logging into NU platforms. Your student ID is typically used for administrative purposes.

THE “L”: The term people use to refer to the elevated Chicago Transit Authority trains connecting Chicago and adjacent suburbs.

PAPER.NU: Formerly salad.nu, students use the website to plan out their class schedule each quarter.

WILDCARD: Refers to your NU ID card. It’s used to get you into buildings, your room and dining halls, and as a “credit card” for meal exchanges and dining dollars.

WILLIE: Willie the Wildcat is our mascot. You’ll probably catch a glimpse of him at a sports game. alycebrown@u.northwestern.edu

nicolemarkus2025@u.northwestern.edu

A GUIDE TO ‘‘SPACES’’ TO EAT on CAMPUS

By MICAH SANDY daily senior staffer @themicahsandy

For many, going to college is the introduction to school meals with variety beyond the standard high school cafeteria. With five dining halls, eight different meal locations and three markets on campus, there are various means of having different foods daily. Here is our breakdown of the options available on campus with the first-year meal plan.

What is the first-year meal plan?

Along with the requirement to live on campus for their first year, first-years are automatically assigned to the Open Access meal plan.

With unlimited meal swipes, this plan allows students infinite access to on-campus dining halls, meaning there is no need for concern on running out of swipes or an accidental swipe equating to a lost meal. In addition to unlimited student swipes come three guest swipes per quarter, perfect for inviting friends or family members to a dining hall during move-in, family weekend, move-out or other visits.

Also on a quarterly basis, the plan grants students $125 in dining dollars. From snacks, school supplies, toiletries, meals and coffee, dining dollars bring shopping and food runs to nearby campus locations. On a weekly basis, students have five meal exchanges. Available at various on-campus dining locations, meal exchanges are select meals that come at the cost of a meal exchange as opposed to dining dollars or actual money.

Dining halls

The classic keystone of the college dining hall experience, dining halls offer a variety of different foods that allow students to put together their own meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Since first-years have unlimited swipes, dining halls can effectively serve as a spot for multiple quick snacks throughout the day. Each dining hall is located in a student residence hall. South Campus’ Foster-Walker

Complex houses two dining halls next to one another: Plex East and Plex West. Plex West only serves Pure Eats foods, offering dishes free of common allergens and gluten during the second half of the day. The neighboring Plex East, open during regular hours, offers more options, including a breakfast omelet bar, fruit and salad bars, cereal section and dessert offerings.

A brief walk from the Plex dining halls is Allison Dining Hall, the other South Campus dining hall that offers the same selections as

Plex East in addition to a larger seating area, a Pure Eats section and a kosher station. The kosher section, open at select times, offers a selection of kosher food daily, except during Shabbat.

Elder Dining Hall, located on North Campus, is the other campus dining hall with a kosher section, also offering a street food section that offers different dishes daily. Sargent Dining Hall, the other North Campus dining hall, offers the same selections as Allison with the exception of the kosher station. Menus and

hours are available on the Dine On Campus website and accompanying app.

Where to spend dining dollars

Students on the Evanston campus can shop and eat at various locations with dining dollars, saving off-campus trips and actual dollars.

At Norris University Center, the campus student center, students can shop from a selection of refrigerated drinks, frozen goods, salads, over-the-counter medications, candy and snacks at The Market. Plex and Lisa’s Cafe, located in Slivka Hall, have similar shopping locations that also include toiletries, household supplies, school essentials and seasonal goods.

The Evanston campus is also home to four — soon to be five – locations for sweet drinks or a cup of joe: Starbucks — dubbed “Norbucks” — at Norris, Tech Express at the Technological Institute, Café Coralie at Pancoe Life Sciences Pavilion, Protein Bar at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and a forthcoming smoothie location at Norris. In addition, locations that offer meal exchange options also have a variety of dining dollar menu options.

Where to use meal exchanges

There are currently six locations that offer meal exchanges: MOD Pizza, Buen Día, 847 Burger, Wildcat Deli, Lisa’s Cafe and Fran’s Cafe. The first four are all located on the ground floor of Norris with shared seating, with MOD being the last to close at 10 p.m. Lisa’s, located North, and Fran’s, located South, are both open until 1 a.m., making them perfect for late dinners on campus.

Important things to keep in mind

Although weekly schedules tend to remain the same, it’s key to note different holidays and breaks that might make for earlier closures. Students can also keep track of dining dollars and meal exchanges with the GET Mobile app. micahsandy2026@u.northwestern.edu

File illustration by Angeli Mittal

hidden galaxies to eat at in evanston

bill’s drive in:

just as the American cheese does from one of the restaurant’s griddled burgers. Since its opening in 1949, Bill’s has been the kind of classic Chicago fast food where you’ll have to

some five minutes after a customer places it, a the other every now and again.

But that performance, that vibe, is why Bill’s Drive-In is best experienced in person. And therein lies the issue for most Northwestern

delicious fried chicken, Evanston Chicken Shack is your spot. It’s hard to find on food apps, and it’s in a nondescript building tucked beside train tracks and a Subway shop, which is why it’s less known than some other fried chicken restaurants in the area upon entering freshman year. But the quality is hard to beat and is a big reason why most NU students know about it by the time they graduate.

My favorite order is the boneless wings with garlic parmesan sauce and fries, but there’s something for everyone on the menu. If you don’t like chicken, they even have pasta, fish and rib tips. Plus, Chicken Shack serves party pans if you’re looking to cater.

Chicken Shack was named one of the 21 best fried chicken spots in the country by Thrillist in 2015. It’s also been awarded the No. 1 fried chicken place in Illinois by Mashed. Plus, NU students have voted it best late night bite in Evanston for several years in a row.

Nicole Markus

and it’s quick, convenient and delicious.

Patrons are seated, usually immediately, at one of the intimate tables and order and pay from their phones. This system is a game changer for groups with indecisive diners like myself. A server brings the food within minutes, from the kitchen located a foot away from the tables.

I’m a big fan of the karaage chicken rice bowl and ramen. However, the wide range of ramen, udon and small plate options all promise flavor and freshness, making Tomo a great restaurant to keep in mind while exploring Evanston dining options.

thing but average.

Located at 1512 Sherman Ave., the restau rant’s cozy environment and delicious break fast fare make the extra few minutes from campus well worth the walk.

Mid Kitchen’s offerings range from shakshuka to breakfast bowls to different types of eggs benedict. From s’mores French toast to a green superfood omelet, the menu runs the gamut in terms of breakfast food, making Mid Kitchen the perfect spot for lovers of the sweet and salty. Vegan and gluten free options are available for many menu items as well.

The restaurant’s food is fresh and flavorful. The ambiance is chill, and the employees are kind and welcoming. The varied menu and high quality of food at Mid Kitchen continues to draw customers back for more.

NU students frequent, but the extra five-minute walk down Chicago Ave is worth it for the pizza at the small shop.

Union Squared serves up Detroit-style, not the traditional deep dish or tavern-style typically found in Chicago. Whenever a new friend or family member visits me in Evanston, I bring them to Union Squared, and I’ve even gotten a few “this is the best pizza I’ve ever had” remarks. You can’t beat the fluffy crust and fresh ingredients.

If you are trying Union Squared for the first time, I recommend the burrata margarita, which is a crowd pleaser. On a nice day, sit outside in their lovely seating area, where you can play bocce while you wait for your food.

Nicole Markus

Chiara Kim

Chiara Kim

By BEATRICE VILLAFLOR daily senior staffer @beatricedvilla

Moving to the United States as an international student can mean cramming your life into suitcases, visa interviews and saying extended goodbyes even before you get to campus.

Here’s The Daily’s rundown on navigating your first year here as an international student.

Before you get here:

For F-1 visa holders, familiarize yourself with the document’s restrictions.

Weinberg junior Antonia Carlsson said one of the biggest differences that came up between her and American friends is the limitations associated with a student visa.

For example, while U.S. citizens can work at any part-time job or internship they qualify for, international students have to be authorized, Carlsson said.

“The job that I have now, I applied for it a year in advance,” Carlsson said. “It took me three or four months to actually get the job offer letter to then get the Social Security Number.”

Other technicalities, Carlsson added, include taking at least three classes per quarter, because becoming a part-time student might complicate an international student’s visa status.

Looking at those constraints online and are still confused?

Use on-campus resources like the Office of International Students and Scholar Services to answer your questions.

While it’s good to be prepared, remembering all the legalities around a visa is difficult. OISS is the primary resource for concerns about immigration. Staff members can advise on how to get an SSN or whether that phone call you got from “Immigration and Customs Enforcement” was a scam (it really happens).

“The OISS staff members are some of the nicest people that you will ever meet,” said Bienen and Weinberg sophomore Dami Akanni. “Definitely utilize these people because all they want to do is

help out and make our experience much smoother.”

Akanni and Carlsson are also on the executive board of International Peer Advisers. Like Peer Advisers in Wildcat Welcome, IPAs are there to give advice from the international student’s perspective. They also lead programming for International Student Orientation. Often, they are new students’ first point of contact in a non-academic sense.

While you’re here:

Don’t worry too much about finding friends immediately. It’s better to choose wisely.

Akanni said he struggled to relate to topics of conversation during his Wildcat Welcome, which initially made it hard to connect with domestic students. He said he didn’t even know Northwestern

was located in the Midwest.

But after acclimating to his new environment, Akanni said he eventually found his people. Similarly, students are going to find their friend groups “no matter what,” as long as they give it time, he said.

“You’re going to find people who make the college experience worthwhile, so don’t be very pressed about making friends,” Akanni said. “Because if you do, you’re just going to end up making friends with people who really are not worth your time and energy.”

Akanni and Carlsson both added that they did not know how to connect with the international community at the beginning of their time here.

Carlsson had International Student Orientation and WW online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she said made it difficult to socialize with other international students specifically.

“I didn’t have any way to really reach out to

people who were international,” she said. “I’ve been really bad at making friends with internationals, which is why I decided to be an IPA, because I wanted that outreach.”

If you find yourself wanting to reach out to those with similar experiences, there are affinity spaces like the International Student Association and more specific organizations like the Chinese International Student Association. Akanni advised new students not to “shell up,” even if they feel like they don’t belong.

“Definitely keep striving to express your thoughts even if it seems like… this is not something that (other students) relate to,” Akanni said. “Have that confidence to speak what you want to say and what you want to contribute to that conversation.”

beavilla@u.northwestern.edu

Illustration by Madison Bratley

Find your community with Northwestern

SOA is the hub for all organizations and activities at Northwestern. Here is just a taste of what we offer to students!

At our physical location (the SOURCE, on the third floor of Norris), you can find...

Resources for club operations (i.e., school supplies, printing, computers, and banner printing) A collaborative working space with tables, whiteboards, and clickshare

Individual workspaces with scenic lakefront views

Find out more about us by going to linktr.ee/soa_nu

Virtually (on our website and social media), you can find...

Wildcat Connection, an all-in-one platform for finding and joining a club community

SOA Instagram for upcoming event details and student club giveaways

SOA Website for useful club operations and Campus Life Staff

sex and sexuality resources at nu

By AVANI KALRA daily senior staffer @avanidkalra

Getting to college can be difficult and scary. It can be tough to navigate all of the tasks you are suddenly responsible for, whether that be finding your classroom, feeding yourself or taking care of your sexual health.

But, according to the Health Resources and Sexual Health Administration, the overwhelming majority of college students are sexually active. Many engage in a wide variety of sexually risky behaviors that can have long-lasting impact on health and academic success. So, it’s more important than ever to be smart and proactive about your sexual health.

There are a number of resources available to you to make sure you’re staying healthy and taking care of yourself. The Daily has compiled a list of resources that can help keep you happy and healthy.

Center for Awareness, Response and Education

To start, CARE is available for students impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence or stalking. Their services are also available to friends and partners of survivors, or anyone else with questions about sex. It can

be an informal space to process, or a place to connect with an adviser and learn about different options available to survivors. For students who need to talk, CARE can be an excellent resource.

Appointments at CARE can be scheduled online Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The group also has 24 hour services available for those in need outside of those times. CARE’s physical space is located in Searle Hall, 633 Emerson St. CARE can also connect students with legal and medical advocacy, free counseling and support groups. For people looking to connect with a third party, CARE can be the perfect middleman.

Sexual Health and Assault Peer Educators group

A CARE affiliate, SHAPE is an NU peer group providing education, events and campus dialogue around sexual assault and sexual health. According to NU, SHAPE aims to increase students’ comfort around topics involving and related to sex and sexuality.

You can attend SHAPE’s peer led presentations or workshops, outreach events and frequent collaborations with other student groups. Students are also free to reach out to SHAPE representatives with questions about sexual health or violence.

Students can join SHAPE through an application process during Fall Quarter and are then required to complete a training class.

Northwestern University Health Services

Students can also access STI and HIV testing at NU Health Services, which is also located at Searle Hall. For students on student health insurance, STI testing is free, while cost ranges from $20 to $90 for those with outside insurance. Gynecological services are also available at Searle, when needed. Students are able to make appointments through their online health portals –– the same way you make any other NU health services appointment.

Searle appointments are confidential. Your name and medical information will be recorded, but Health Services employees are the only ones with access to your records. According to Health Services, STI tests are usually returned within a business day. Students can also pick up medication at Searle’s first-floor pharmacy.

Sex Week

NU College Feminists, a feminist and prochoice organization, hosts a college Sex Week each year to encourage sex positivity and safe, healthy sex practices. NU Sex Week is a col laboration with Sexual Assault Peer Educators,

Menstrual Equity Activists and the Women’s Center.

Programming usually includes discussions, workshops and giveaways. This year, organizers screened “The Last Taboo,” a documentary about six people with physical disabilities and their relationships; hosted talks with speakers including anthropology Prof. Noelle Sullivan, who spoke on “how to have mind blowing sex,” and offered a sex toy giveaway.

This year, NU Sex Week took place in early May. Students can expect a similar week during the next Spring Quarter.

avanikalra2025@u.northwestern.edu

FINDING A LAB ON CAMPUS

By DIVYA BHARDWAJ daily senior staffer

From helping find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels to contributing to the understanding of the human personality, possibilities for research at Northwestern are almost endless, and there are a few ways you can get involved. Here’s a list of steps to consider if you’d like to participate in research at NU.

Set up an appointment with an Office of Undergraduate Research advisor

The University’s OUR provides resources for students to develop their research interests, find faculty who work in related fields, make sense of scholarly literature and network with NU researchers. You can get started by scheduling a one-on-one meeting with an advisor through their online portal.

Attend a workshop to help identify and communicate with a faculty or lab mentor you’re interested in working with

The OUR also offers “Finding a Faculty Mentor” and “Finding a Lab Mentor” workshops, one of which is typically hosted each week. “Finding a Faculty Mentor” workshops provide appropriate information for students considering research in any domain, while “Finding a Lab Mentor” workshops are geared toward solely lab-based disciplines.

Join a support group with other budding researchers

While getting started with research may seem like a solo endeavor, it doesn’t have to be. Connect with students who are in the same boat through the OUR’s “Finding a Lab Support Group.” You’ll get the chance to build community with others as you navigate the process of joining a lab.

Check for listings in your preferred research area

Opportunities to serve as a research assistant are often posted on department websites. The department of neurobiology, the department of physics and astronomy and the department of psychology, among others, maintain lists of available positions and labs to potentially get involved with.

a guide to wildcat work-study programs

By VIRGINIA HUNT the daily northwestern

With Northwestern’s tuition rising an additional 4 percent for undergraduates for the upcoming academic year, finding ways to help manage these increasing costs is another thing to add to many students’ plates. One way nearly 2000 Wildcats do so is by participating in the work-study program.

Work-study can sound a bit confusing and overwhelming, especially for incoming students who have a barrage of new information coming their way. Luckily, the program is not as complicated as it may seem.

Work-study at NU is part of a student’s financial aid package and involves working specific jobs affiliated with the federal work-study program, which aims to provide part-time jobs to students who exhibit financial need.

In this program, the funding for a student’s wage is different from a regular student job, with up to 75 percent being funded by the federal government. Otherwise, it’s very similar.

Students are paid an hourly wage for their job and may accrue paychecks until a certain allotment of money stated on their financial aid package is obtained. At this point, the qualifying student may apply for an earning limit appeal to increase their allotment, or the position must be converted into a regular student

STUDENT PERKS ON CAMPUS

By DIVYA BHARDWAJ daily senior staffer

From free entry to the Art Institute of Chicago to Xfinity streaming services, your tuition covers much more than just classes. Here’s a list of free resources available to you as a Northwestern student, both on and off campus.

A Wall Street Journal membership

Courtesy of NU Libraries, all students can receive a membership to the WSJ. While the publication’s primary focus is on economics, its coverage also includes lifestyle and fashion articles, as well as book, television and film reviews.

The Writing Place

For help writing your essays, look no further than the second floor of Main Library. At the Writing Place, you can consult with peers to brainstorm paper ideas, edit and revise a rough draft or help work on applications.

Xfinity On Campus

As a student living on campus, you’ll have access through Xfinity to live TV and ondemand streaming, including Max (formerly known as HBO Max). If you eventually move off campus, you’ll still be able to watch more than 90 live TV channels.

Art Institute of Chicago

All NU undergraduates receive free entry to the Art Institute of Chicago. The museum’s collection includes works by Van Gogh, Picasso and Monet.

Bloomberg Terminal

At Main Library, students can access the recently installed Bloomberg Terminal, a professional tool used to analyze real-time market data. For students studying economics or hoping to go into finance, the Terminal provides an industry-standard resource.

Associated Student Government Events Email List

Groups on campus regularly host events and speakers, including Monica Lewinsky and Karan Brar. According to its website, the ASG weekly newsletter will feature upcoming campus events, information about student organizations and resources to access through the University.

divyabhardwaj2025@u.northwestern.edu

temp job in which the student is paid outside of the work-study program. Otherwise, the position must be terminated, according to NU’s work-study website.

Students who qualify for work-study will be notified of their eligibility in their yearly financial aid award letter. Eligible students are not required to participate, but each student who chooses to must accept the allotment before beginning their affiliated positions.

Once the work-study package has been accepted, students may go onto the work-study

website for more information about applying for work-study jobs, which can include everything from lifeguarding at Henry Crown Sports Pavilion to assisting with teaching preschoolers in the Evanston community.

On the website, employers list hourly pay for specific jobs as well as the average weekly time commitment expected from students. Though the idea of working a job while also juggling school, friends and clubs can sound daunting, most students only work 6-10 hours a week, with an absolute cap of 20 hours.

While supervisors tend to be flexible and understanding of the often chaotic schedule of an undergraduate, it is best to communicate other commitments upfront during the initial interview process.

After being accepted for a position, students must fill out hiring documents such as a WorkStudy Authorization Form, which must be completed for both new and returning employees.

After this, students will gain access to Northwestern’s myHR Employee Portal, where they can set up direct deposit and view paychecks. Work-study is not credited directly to a student’s tuition bill, but rather the payment is provided to the student either by check or direct deposit.

After this, qualifying students may begin working. If you end up feeling like the job you’ve chosen isn’t for you, you aren’t locked in. Students may apply to work-study positions at any point in the academic year.

Another way to make work-study more interesting is to split time between two jobs, which is allowed as long as the 20 hour weekly cap is not exceeded. Though this isn’t the most common route to fulfill your work-study allotment, it is available to students.

Another resource in understanding workstudy and choosing the best option for you is your academic advisor, who can help to answer specific questions and help.

virginiahunt2026@u.northwestern.edu

File photo by Shannon Tyler

students engage in activism on campus

By JOYCE LI daily senior staffer @joyycee_li

One of Northwestern’s core values is social justice, a principle built upon a long history of student activism. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Bursar’s Office Takeover, in which over 100 students participated in a sit-in protesting discriminatory policies against and a lack of resources for Black students.

NU students have continued to advocate for the causes they believe in, from labor rights to climate justice to gun control. Here is an introduction to just some of the activist groups on campus.

Northwestern University Graduate Workers’ union with United Electric, Radio and Machine Workers of America

NUGW-UE is an anti-racist, feminist union representing the University’s graduate student workers. It centers the needs of marginalized, historically excluded members in its fight for better working and living conditions for all graduate workers.

After six years of grassroots organizing and community building without official University recognition, the union achieved legal recognition this year after an extensive organizing campaign. The union is now affiliated with the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America.

NUGW-UE is in the process of negotiating its first contract with NU administration. It has also hosted events in support of other workers across campus and regularly connects with other local unions and community groups.

Students Organizing for Labor Rights

SOLR is a coalition of students supporting campus workers through mutual aid, as well as campaigns, petitions and direct communication with NU leadership to advocate for better wages and working conditions.

The group was founded in 2018, after NU switched food service providers, to advocate for a smooth transition for workers. In March 2020, SOLR launched its mutual aid fund to financially support dining and hospitality workers during the pandemic, and began in-person tablings in the fall to distribute physical supplies including clothing and protective personal equipment.

In 2022, SOLR held three distribution events that provided resources to over 220 workers, held delegations with NU administration and managers, organized petitions in support of dining, service and maintenance staff and student employees, and collaborated with oncampus workers unions including NUGW-UE and Starbucks Workers United.

Fossil Free NU

FFNU fights for climate and environmental justice through practices rooted in anti-racist and abolitionist

principles. Chief among their demands is for the University to completely divest its endowment from fossil fuels and reinvest it in ways that benefit communities of color, Indigenous nations and the Evanston community.

FFNU hosts general meetings and bonding events throughout the year and has organized protests, teach-ins and petitions. Because it believes environmental justice is connected to other forms of resistance, FFNU also supports and collaborates with other activist groups to organize educational and solidarity building events.

During the 2022-23 academic year, FFNU worked with SOLR, the Undergraduate Prison Education Program and the Associated Student Government Sustainability Committee to give a presentation about Stop Cop City, a movement against the construction of a militarized police training facility in Atlanta’s largest urban forest. Members also met twice with NU’s chief investment officer, according to FFNU organizer Jordan Muhammad.

Students for Justice in Palestine

SJP’s mission is to empower the Palestinian people and cause, according to its organizers. It advocates for Palestinian liberation and self-determination, and raises awareness about Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

In winter 2022, SJP launched a campaign urging NU to boycott Sabra products. Sabra is a brand under Strauss Group, a company that organizers said financially supports a brigade of the Israel Defense Forces that they said have committed human rights violations. As part of the campaign, SJP circulated a petition that gained

nearly 400 signatures.

In the fall, the group started a fall fundraising initiative that raised over $5,000 for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. The following spring, it organized a vigil on Nakba Day, which commemorates the displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 ArabIsraeli War.

SJP also hosted other activities throughout the 202223 academic year, including a trivia night and a tatreez workshop, as well as a film screening and a speaker event in collaboration with other student organizations.

Students Demand Action

SDA is a national advocacy organization centered around the intersectional fight to end gun violence. Through its nationwide network and resources, it aims to center student voices and leadership in the gun violence prevention movement, support students in the wake of shootings or other tragedies, and pass legislative reform at the local, state and federal levels.

New to campus in winter 2023, the NU chapter of SDA held several rallies throughout the year calling for gun control. It is also participating in SDA’s #KillerBusiness campaign, which calls for colleges and universities across the country to divest from the gun industry.

In the upcoming year, NU SDA organizers say it will continue its divestment campaign and work to elect Gun Sense Candidates, who support gun reform, in the 2024 election.

joyceli2025@u.northwestern.edu

A&E

waltz and tango.

By KARA PEELER daily senior staffer @karapeeler

Get moving and grooving this year by engaging with any of the 20 dance groups on campus. Join a student organization or watch a performance across an array of different styles.

Ahana

Dance Project

This non-competitive South Asian fusion dance team puts on showcases and various performances throughout the year, aiming to spread its love for South Asian culture. Ahana, a Sanskrit word, refers to the sunlight at dawn and people’s inner light.

B. Burlesque

Culminating in an annual Winter Quarter show, B. Burlesque teaches burlesque to students of color, focusing on body and sex positivity.

Ballet Folklórico Mexicano:

Ritmo de Mis Ancestros

With performances throughout the year on campus and in the Chicago area, this student group showcases Mexican culture with traditional folklórico dances.

Ballroom, Latin and Swing Team

BLAST is dedicated to creating an inclusive partner dancing community on campus. It has a competition season from the fall through early spring, and a showcase season from mid-winter through spring. It features classes, workshops, and social dancing ranging from swing and salsa to the

Boomshaka

This drum, dance and rhythm ensemble is written, directed and produced by students alone. It puts on high-energy performances combining hip-hop and contemporary dance and percussion throughout the year, including in ReFusionShaka with Fusion Dance Company and Refresh Dance Crew.

Dale Duro Latin Dance Company

Since 2018, Dale Duro has shown its appreciation for Latin culture, offering free workshops for different Latin dance styles, community bonding events and an annual spring showcase, h whicfeaturing styles like salsa, bachata, merengue, flamenco, cumbia, reggaeton and more.

Deeva

Deeva has blended Indian classical, Bollywood, folk, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop dance elements for more than two decades. The award-winning allfemale competitive dance team’s mission is cultural exchange through dance.

Eight Counts Ballet Company

Northwestern’s premier student-run ballet company strives to create an inclusive and welcoming ballet-based community, putting on performances and offering public classes.

Fusion Dance Company

Founded in 2003, Fusion is a collegiate dance company centered on a passion for dance — hiphop, jazz, contemporary and more.

Graffiti Dancers

Graffiti is one of NU’s oldest ensembles, founded in 1974. Its dances are intended to break boundaries and entertain, combining jazz, modern and ballet. The entirely student-run organization both puts on its own performances and collaborates with other organizations, such as Graffoniks with TONIK Tap.

K-Dance

Open to dancers of all experience levels, K-Dance is a student-led group that creates a community around dancing for K-Pop. There are opportunities for both casual and auditioned members, ranging from workshops to performances at campus events like Celebrasia and more.

New Movement Project

NMP is a dance board that wants to offer students opportunities to expand as dancers. Its main events include hosting residencies and workshops, sponsoring individual projects and producing the Fall Dance Concert.

NU Bhangra Dance Team

This coed team performs traditional Punjabi folk dance to promote awareness of Punjabi culture.

NU Raas

A competitive Raas and Garba team, NU Raas performs dance from the Indian state of Gujarat. Its 15-25 members participate in a competitive season during Winter Quarter and showcase an annual Raas Spring Show.

Polerize

Polerize’s goal is to empower and educate

students with pole dancing classes and performances, creating a safe community to explore strength and sensuality.

Refresh Dance Crew

Hip-hop group Refresh welcomes those from all skill levels to open sessions and classes, along with an auditioned team for shows. The Refresh family’s core values are respect, family, and hustle — inspired by a love for dance.

Steam Heat Dance Company

As a musical theatre dance company, Steam Heat both preserves original choreography and creates its own.

TONIK Tap

TONIK Tappers love to create rhythm. The tap ensemble choreographs its own performances for two on-campus shows, along with other Chicago area performances throughout the year.

Tufaan Entertainment

This Bollywood fusion dance competition organization seeks to raise awareness of South Asian culture through entertainment.

Typhoon Dance Troupe

Typhoon highlights dances — popular, classical, ethnic and contemporary — from East and Southeast Asia. The dance group aims to use the art of dance to spur increased appreciation for the regions’ diverse cultures.

karapeeler2025@u.northwestern.edu

By JOYCE LI daily senior staffer @joyycee_li

For incoming Wildcats, joining an a cappella ensemble can be a great way to start the year on a high note. But with fall auditions taking place the second week of the school year and so many groups to choose from, you might have ‘treble’ deciding which one to join.

So, here’s a brief introduction to NU’s 12 a cappella groups! With so much variety in their goals, competitiveness and song choice, one is sure to strike the right chord with you.

Asterik

The only all-male group on campus, Asterik — spelt with a missing “S” — is described on their website as “a group of guys who love to sing and have a good time.” This non-competitive group stages a themed show every quarter and regularly collaborates with other groups, including Significant Others. Known for their “fratty” vibe, Asterik’s previous show themes include “Rizzosaurus Rex” and “Too Hot to Handle.”

Brown Sugar

Brown Sugar is Northwestern’s premiere South Asian-interest a cappella group. The group

specializes in blending Western and South Asian music in their arrangements , such as a mashup of Taylor Swift’s “willow” and Roop Kumar Rathod’s “Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai.” Brown Sugar does not compete, but puts on shows in Winter and Spring Quarters and at other NU events.

Extreme Measures

Extreme Measures is a co-ed group that stages multiple performances per quarter. While they do not compete, they often tour the Chicago area and beyond to perform at charity and fundraising events. EM’s latest EP, “Denim,” will be released on streaming platforms this summer.

Freshman Fifteen

Despite what their name might suggest, Freshman Fifteen consists of more than 15 members, and they’re not all freshmen. The green bowling shirtclad ensemble has quarterly concerts, occasionally releases albums and arranges annual “breakdown” medleys of popular songs of the year. Formerly an all-male group, they opened up auditions to nonmale identifying students in 2021.

Purple Haze

One of NU’s three competitive a cappella groups, Purple Haze participates biannually in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, most

recently taking home awards for Best Soloist and Best Choreography in 2023. The group also puts on quarterly concerts and tours annually, with plans to go to Costa Rica this year.

ShireiNU

ShireiNU is NU’s Jewish a cappella group, and sings a variety of musical genres, including Hebrew pop. ShireiNU does not compete, but holds quarterly shows and performs at both on- and off-campus events, including a Chicago Bulls game this April.

Significant Others

NU’s only a cappella group exclusively for female and nonbinary voices, Significant Others performs pop music in quarterly themed shows and does not compete.

Soul4Real

The only Black student a cappella group on campus, Soul4Real’s mission is to expose the NU community to historically Black musical genres, such as R&B and soul. They have concerts during Winter and Spring Quarter and do not compete.

The Undertones

Another competitive group, the Undertones won the 2022 ICCA Great Lakes quarterfinal, where they were also given Special Awards for Outstanding

Art and Museums

Soloist, Outstanding Arrangement and Outstanding Choreography. The group also performs in oncampus shows, gigs around the Chicago area and on annual domestic or international tours.

THUNK

Founded in 1993, THUNK is NU’s oldest co-ed a cappella group. The group holds at least two concerts a quarter, performs at special events in the Chicago area and travels to Cape Town, South Africa every other year for music education volunteer work.

Treblemakers

Treblemakers are NU’s East Asian-interest a cappella group and the third group that competes in the ICCAs. The group has quarterly concerts and went on tour in California this spring. They perform music in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean and Tagalog.

X-Factors

This non-competing, co-ed group is known for wearing pink at every performance and guaranteeing each member a solo every year. X-Factors put on multiple shows every quarter and occasionally tour domestically to perform and run workshops at high schools.

joyceli2025@u.northwestern.edu

Dancing in the stars: Nu’s DANCE GROUPS sing some nep-tunes in nortjwestern a capella intergalatic arts scene in the city

By KARA PEELER daily senior staffer @karapeeler

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the arts in Evanston and beyond, you’re in luck. The area is chock-full of places to go for all things arts, from live performances to museums. Don’t be afraid to venture off campus and take part in Evanston and Chicago’s art scene.

Music

Evanston SPACE is a live music venue, with concerts available most days. Tickets vary in prices. Another performance venue, Studio5, was opened by Northwestern alumni Béa (Communication ’78) and Steve Rashid (Bienen M.M. ’83). Studio5

offers music, dance and theatrical performances. The city of Evanston also hosts the Starlight Concert and Movie series, with dates through Nov. 5 and Oct. 7, respectively.

Theatre

Evanston is home to multiple professional theaters. The Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, which opened in 1979, centers around African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. Formerly known as Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Theo is a professional, not-for-profit theatre focusing on celebrating humanity and building community via the art of performance. The 2nd Act Players produces original theatre works, focusing on the events in the “2nd act” of people’s lives, like divorce or heart disease.

The Evanston Art Center is a nonprofit that has galleries free to the public. There are also public events, such as the annual Winter Art & Craft Expo. The Block Museum of Art on NU’s campus is also free for all, with art exhibitions, artist talks, symposiums and more. Evanston is also home to speciality museums — with purchase of a ticket — such as The American Toby Jug Museum or the Halim Time & Glass Museum.

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian showcases Indigenous history, culture and art. The museum offers ongoing exhibitions, along with artist spotlights across storytelling, music and the visual arts.

NU also has museum partnerships with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, so all students receive free

admission if they present a Wildcard at the ticket counter.

One of the most popular art organizations in the area is Evanston Made, a community nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists. Evanston Made hosts a multitude of events ranging from maker’s markets to artist shops and more.

Dance

Adults are able to take classes at the Evanston Dance Center, with classes costing about $17 or $18 a session. In addition to Studio5, the Evanston Dance Ensemble puts on several productions each year, such as “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” EDE also created ede2, which brings the studio’s productions to underserved areas.

karapeeler2025@u.northwestern.edu

By JACOB WENDLER daily senior staffer @jacob_wendler

The story is all too familiar: A Wildcat doesn’t make the cut for Mee-Ow their freshman year but goes on to perform at The Second City — Chicago’s premier comedy club — post-graduation, only to land a spot on “Saturday Night Live” a few years later.

Ranked the third-best school for aspiring comedians by College Magazine in 2019, Northwestern was once home to many of today’s late-night and stand-up stars. Billy Eichner (Communication ’00), Ziwe Fumudoh (Communication ’14), and Ana Gasteyer (Communication ’89) are just some of these well-known comedians.

While the School of Communication lacks a formal major in comedy (there is, however, a fourcourse module), the University has for decades been home to a thriving comedy scene. With numerous student groups on campus ranging from sketch comedy to late-night variety shows to musical improv, NU’s campus offers ample opportunities for students of all experience levels to test out their comedic chops.

The Bix

The Bix is NU’s only musical improv group. Once a quarter, The Bix ensemble takes the stage to improvise anything from music-imbued scenes

to full-length, on-the-spot musicals driven by audience suggestions. Even if singing isn’t your thing, The Bix is open to aspiring performers of all musical abilities (or lack thereof).

The Blackout

The Blackout combines “Saturday Night Live”esque sketch comedy with the late-night variety show format a la Jimmy Kimmel. With a cast and crew of more than 100 students, the group has a place for anyone from comedians and writers to lighting and camera experts. The Blackout was also honored in 2019 with a College Television Award (known as the “College Emmys”) for its short-form parody segment, the “Quarter Update.”

Mee-Ow

Mee-Ow has long held the reputation of being one of NU’s most prestigious and selective student comedy groups, boasting an impressive roster of alumni that spans from Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Communication ’83) to Seth Meyers (Communication ’96). Founded in 1974, Mee-Ow produces two shows each Winter Quarter that feature a mix of improv and sketch comedy — supported by a live band — in the storied Shanley Pavilion.

No Fun Mud Piranhas

No Fun Mud Piranhas is NU’s only auditionfree improv group. While the group has faded and

reappeared several times over the years (it was most recently revived last year after a pandemic lull), its alumni roster rivals those of more well-known comedy groups on campus, with names like David Schwimmer (Communication ’88) and Stephen Colbert (Communication ’86). The group meets weekly with periodic performances.

Northwestern Sketch Television

Northwestern Sketch Television writes, directs, shoots and produces sketches throughout the year that it promotes on YouTube and social media. NSTV screens all its sketches at its annual premiere and hosts two live comedy shows each year.

Out Da Box

Specializing in improv and sketch comedy, Out Da Box focuses specifically on creating a space for students of color and marginalized identities in the comedy community. The multicultural comedy group aims to push social and political boundaries with its content, which is featured most prominently in ODB’s popular spring show.

The Titanic Players

The Titanic Players is one of NU’s most competitive improv groups, specializing in long-form comedy. A mainstay of the comedy scene on campus since 1994, Titanic performs monthly and

regularly ventures into Chicago for shows at The Comedy Clubhouse. The group has also competed (and won) several times at the National College Improv Tournament.

Sit and Stand-Up

Sit & Stand-Up is NU’s longest-running stand-up show. An offshoot of Sit & Spin Productions, a student group focused on unconventional theatre performances, Sit & Stand Up puts on several shows a year highlighting its student comics.

The Set-Up

Founded with the goal of creating a barrier-free stand-up comedy space on campus, The Set-Up does not require auditions to join, and it hosts weekly workshops to provide feedback to comedians of all experience levels. The Set-Up has shows every other week and a rehearsed showcase with more experienced performers at the end of each quarter.

jacobwendler2025@u.northwestern.edu

BECOME A STAR in AN NU THEATRE GROUP

By KARA PEELER daily senior staffer

@karapeeler

Whether you’re a theatre major or a casual enjoyer, Northwestern is bursting with theatre opportunities to match everyone’s interests. With 18 different student-run groups, it’s hard not to want to get involved in a production or catch a performance on campus.

Check out these student theatre groups at NU.

Arts Alliance

As NU’s oldest student theatre group, this organization centers on accessible, relatable art. It brings three mainstage shows to life each year.

The Dolphin Show

Each winter, The Dolphin Show puts on the largest student-produced musical in the country. Fun fact: famous actors who attended NU, including David Schwimmer (Communication ‘88) and Warren Beatty, performed for this production during their time at the University.

EighthDay

Theatre Club

This organization, founded in 2021, centers Chinese theatre and storytelling. It is NU’s only Chinese theatre club.

Freshman Musical

Calling all new Wildcats: This is a group made just for you. Each year, a team of freshmen run the entire production. The show runs each Spring Quarter, with full-scale musicals to look out for like “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Heathers.”

Griffin’s Tale Children’s Theatre Repertory Company

Griffin’s Tale brings work written by children to life onstage. It puts shows on for NU in the Fall and Spring Quarters, and also partners with elementary schools for a tour.

Jewish Theatre Ensemble

JTE produces theatre that is “specifically Jewish, universally human.” Past shows have included both new work and productions like “Spring Awakening.”

Lovers and Madmen

Lovers & Madmen creates classic and classically inspired theatre shows across all three quarters.

The Panini Players

Yes, there are real paninis. The Panini Players use the 18th-century Italian theatre type “Commedia dell’Arte” for a show once a quarter, with paninis served on the

side.

Purple Crayon Players

This community service group puts on shows geared toward a younger audience but that are enjoyable for all.

Seesaw Theatre

Seesaw creates interactive, multisensory performances for autistic and otherwise disabled individuals. Its goal is to foster accessibility in a safe, welcoming environment. Seesaw also works with other theatre boards to promote accessibility.

Sit and Spin Productions

Sit & Spin wants to expand the definition of theatre. It values risk-taking and unconventionality across existing pieces, new work and even site-specific theatre.

Spectrum Theatre Company

Spectrum centers a relevant politically and socially conscious issue in its work to empower the community across different identities. During the 2022-23 school year, Spectrum unified with what was previously Lipstick Theatre, which had a mission dedicated to intersectional feminism.

TBD

As a Neo-Futurist-inspired performance group,

TBD produces sets of short plays, engaging with nonillusory and emotional whiplash techniques.

Vertigo Productions

VERTIGO Productions specializes in producing student work and supporting student writers. From full-scale productions to reading series and more, the StuCo board offers performances throughout the year.

Vibrant Colors Collective

VC2 is NU’s only multicultural theatre board, striving to center those who have been historically silenced. It was founded in April 2022 and offers shows like open mics, a Winter Cabaret and more.

The Waa-Mu Show

In NU’s longest theatrical tradition, The Waa-Mu Show creates a musical entirely on its own. Students write, create the music, perform and present the show. Last year’s 92nd annual Waa-Mu Show “Romance en Route” was a rom-com musical taking audience members from O’Hare International Airport to Paris, France.

WAVE Productions

WAVE’s work focuses on stories relevant to the NU community in hopes of inspiring both students and theatre artists.

karapeeler2025@u.northwestern.edu

get some e-clipse with student publications

By MICAH SANDY daily senior staffer @themicahsandy

Along with its prestigious journalism program, Northwestern is home to an array of student publications that offer opportunities for experience outside of the classroom for any student, regardless of their area of study. If you’re looking to snag some bylines during your time at NU, look no further for a breakdown of the journalism scene beyond the arch.

Ethnicity-oriented publications

NU Asian Magazine and BlackBoard Magazine grant students an outlet for publishing ethnicitybased stories and work. NU Asian Magazine, also known as nuAZN, publishes print magazines with a focus on Asian American and Asian stories. BlackBoard offers print and online content that centers around the Black experience at NU, the U.S. and around the world.

Magazines and blogs

With opportunities within various mediums, the University’s student-run magazines each offer room to explore a variety of themes digitally and in print.

North by Northwestern, or NBN, publishes

print magazines on a quarterly basis and regular digital content. A large general interest publication, its topics range from dorm guides to political headlines. Anyone interested can be involved in design, photography, writing and more.

Interested in sports? Look no further than SB Nation’s NU site, Inside NU. Producing content mainly on their site and on social media, the publication is dedicated to following the Wildcats through coverage and analysis.

Another chapter-based publication is Her Campus. NU’s chapter, which requires an application, publishes digitally on a division of the Her Campus website, with additional activity and content on social media.

Looking to do more environmental reporting?

In Our Nature, a paperless magazine, publishes a variety of article types and sustainability tips on their website and nature photos on social media.

If you want to dive into the world of business reporting, Northwestern Business Review could help. A digital publication, NBR covers topics from tech to careers.

If you’re trying to make the arts more seen and heard, give Scene+Heard a try. Through video, photo and article form, their content takes a deeper dive into the arts and culture around the area.

Whether you’ve played around with stitchwork or been fascinated by those who do, STITCH could be the key to exploring your admiration for fashion.

Known as NU’s fashion magazine, STITCH publishes print theme-based magazines with articles and photoshoots each quarter.

If you want a taste of dishing on different dishes, Spoon University might be the place for you. The NU chapter of the nationwide publication publishes a variety of food-based content online and in quarter-based print magazines.

If you’d like to explore writing outside of anything news-related, Helicon could be a perfect fit. Known as the school’s literary magazine, it publishes prose, poetry and art.

Broadcast

If microphones and cameras are of more interest to you, there are also wide opportunities in broadcast on campus.

Northwestern News Network, or NNN, is the campus broadcast news station. Students work to broadcast live coverage of politics, local news, campus news, sports and the arts on a weekly basis at the on-campus broadcast studio.

WNUR, the student radio station, has various subsections that allow for exploring different interests. If you’re interested in sports coverage, WNUR Sports might be a good fit. WNUR News, in addition to hard news, also offers arts and entertainment, weather and “oddities,” a section for bizarre but interesting news headlines.

Academic publications

Northwestern Undergraduate Law Journal, or NULJ, offers a space for law-related pieces based on any topic of interest. Application-based, the

journal publishes its scholarly articles online after multi-step editing.

Northwestern Undergraduate Research Journal, or NURJ, is the only research journal that brings both students and faculty into the picture. NURJ offers a space to practice a variety of skills that are key to the process of publishing original research.

Satire

The Northwestern Flipside, also known as Flipside, is the campus take on nationwide publication The Onion. Making fun of anything from campus mishaps to nationwide headlines, Flipside publishes on its website and on social media.

The Gutter is a new Instagram account that brings satire to all things Northwestern. While it’s not officially affiliated with the University, it allows for submissions from users via Google form.

Us

You’re currently flipping through it! The Daily Northwestern, commonly known as The Daily, is a large general interest publication that routinely publishes content from the newsroom five days a week and covers breaking news stories. The only publication that prints twice weekly, The Daily also publishes content on social media, a website and a newsletter and offers opportunities to expand experience in print, video, audio, photo and much more.

micahsandy2026@u.northwestern.edu

Markus: on the ups and downs of freshman year

NICOLE MARKUS SUMMER EDITOR

I was never more excited for anything then I was to start college. At the time, it seemed like my whole life was a series of days, weeks and years leading up to the moment I moved into my freshman year dorm. After all, college was supposed to be the best four years of my life, according to literally anyone I talked to about it.

When I moved in, though, I was met with what felt like insurmountable anxiety over everything. Wildcat Welcome and the weeks following it were exceedingly difficult for me, as the long days and nights made it seem like everyone had found their friend group, their people and their groove. I, on the

other hand, felt like I was lagging behind.

The crazy part was that I had a friend group I loved, great classes that challenged me and a pretty robust social life. My days were filled with good things, and at times, I felt like I was really enjoying Northwestern. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing — that this was not the best time in my life.

That was the problem. It wasn’t the best time of my life, not by a long shot. And it took me two years to come to terms with the fact that that was okay. I put so much pressure on myself to have a perfect college experience 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that I couldn’t even enjoy the amazing times I was having.

My number one piece of advice to incoming NU students is to simply enjoy the experiences you’re able to have. Though I know it’s incredibly difficult not to, don’t put pressure on yourself to exceed every other memory you have had in the past or will have

in the future. At NU, you will have plenty of great times, but also plenty of hard ones. You also have to remember how damaging social media can be. When I spoke to friends and family from home, they always said, “You look like you’re having the best time!” To some degree, they were right. But I was also posting only the very best moments. I didn’t realize that everyone else was When I saw everyone’s social media presence, it was hard to remember that these apps are a highlight reel. It took me a while to understand (mostly from talking to them) that they were facing rough times, too. Freshman year is supposed to be hard. Because I had done summer programs in the past, I didn’t understand why I was struggling so much being away from home. Later, I realized it’s because I was going through the most intense period of change in my life. All my friends had new friends, my sisters were moving through a school year without me, and I was living on my own. You’re bound to change through

that experience. That’s okay. When you get here and inevitably have hard moments, that’s okay too. Just remember that everyone else is going through the same thing as you. People here are kind and open to making friends. You will have good times. But when the bad times come, don’t be too hard on yourself like I was. If you do end up having the best four years of your life, that’s great. But if you don’t, you have your whole life ahead of you, and you’re in an amazing position to love the rest of your life simply because of your experiences at NU.

Nicole Markus is a Medill junior. She can be contacted at nicolemarkus2025@u.northwestern.edu. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

Li: me, myself and i: learning to be alone in college

I’m convinced I opened too many fortune cookies growing up; I think that’s why I’m obsessed with predicting the future. Freshman year was no exception. When I was packing for my first year of college, I envisioned and mentally prepared for every outcome: failing my classes, falling out of friendships, fiending for my mom’s home cooked meals. I even dared to imagine meeting my future husband: we would accidentally reach for the same MOD pizza and happily walk into the sunset together. But I wasn’t prepared to be so alone.

Despite being surrounded by 8,000 young adults, this was the first time in my life where I sometimes had no one to talk to. In high school, I was used to

spending classes chattering with my classmates, and after school, bugging my parents. I had no idea that as the buzz of Wildcat Welcome died down and midterms began to loom, my greatest enemy would be coming home to a silent dorm room. When I went to grab dinner at Allison Dining Hall, it felt like everyone was sitting with their close-knit friend group — except me. When I scrolled through Instagram on a Friday night, it seemed like I was the only one not at a party.

I felt like I was doing something wrong, like I was back in third grade and the only kid without a partner for a class project. If my social calendar wasn’t filled to the brim, I thought I was falling behind. So I started treating friendships like a scarce commodity, like gallons of water I needed to make it through a social desert. I would ask different people to have dinner with me every day of the week so I would never eat alone. I would stay at parties where I wasn’t having fun just so I could feel like I was doing something. This did help me make new friends, and I had new

experiences, but I really wish I could tell my freshman year self to relax. I would tell myself to stop treating my loneliness like a bleeding gaping wound that I needed to stitch up. I should let myself bleed a little, so I could form a scab and eventually, tougher skin.

Loneliness is normal. Now, I’m not saying this is definitely going to happen to you, but if you find yourself on a weekend night with absolutely nothing to do, don’t rush to “fix it.” Accept it, and maybe even find a way to enjoy it. Or, if you’re invited to a party but just want to stay home do it! I promise the friends that really matter won’t stop talking to you just because you all spent one weekend apart.

You will make amazing connections and memories during freshman year (maybe not the best memories of your entire college career, but good vibes nonetheless). However, if you find yourself paralyzed with anxiety that no one likes you and you have nothing to do, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, realize it’s not true and have a blast on your own!

I’m an extrovert, and being lonely definitely

sucked sometimes, but it taught me so much. I found new hobbies, like painting my nails with a thumbtack (don’t knock it until you try it), reading and late-night ramen. And maybe most importantly, I’ve learned to enjoy my own company a little more.

There’s nothing wrong with craving the constant company of people. But learning to be able to spend time alone and not hate it is pretty awesome. I didn’t expect this, but by surviving and thriving in my alone time, I learned to love myself unconditionally.

All of my deepest friendships formed serendipitously, not through desperation. But most importantly, don’t forget to become best friends with yourself.

Anita Li is a Medill junior. She can be contacted at anitali2025@u.northwestern.edu. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

CHOOSE A MISSION WITH THESE DISTROS

By DIVYA BHARDWAJ daily senior staffer

The paths for majors and minors seem relatively straightforward, but when it comes to fulfilling foundational disciplines requirements, there are dozens of courses that satisfy each one. With so many options, the freedom can be daunting, and you might be pushed out of your comfort zone when taking a class outside of your area of study.

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences categorizes foundational disciplines requirements into one of six areas: Natural Sciences, Empirical and Deductive Reasoning, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Historical Studies, Ethical and Evaluative Thinking, and Literature and Arts, but other schools at NU have similar requirements. Here are 12 interesting, yet manageable choices to tackle your requirements this fall when you may be unfamiliar with the subject matter.

For a Natural Sciences course that goes beyond high school staples:

Highlights of Astronomy

Learn about the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe while delving into topics including supernovae, black holes and dark energy. Beyond lectures in the Technological Institute, you’ll also head over to the Dearborn Telescope for observing sessions.

The Ocean, the Atmosphere & Our Climate

Combining elements of geology, biology, chemistry and physics, this course offers an overview of the realm that covers 71% of the Earth’s surface. Using the shore of Lake Michigan as a classroom, the curriculum includes field trips to the lakefront during class time.

For an Empirical and Deductive Reasoning course that doesn’t involve calculus:

Introduction to Empirical Methods in Political Science

This course will teach you to think like a political scientist. It provides insight into how to evaluate inferential claims, how to design experimental research tackling complex questions and how to convey findings.

Computer Science 110: Introduction to Computer Programming

Separate from the introductory course taken by computer science majors, this class offers a beginner-friendly approach to learning programming fundamentals in Python, one of the most commonly used coding languages. By creating interactive animations and simple apps, you can develop skills to apply in other areas of study, even if you never take a computer science course again.

For a Social and Behavioral Sciences course to expand your worldview:

Introduction to Sociology

Gain an understanding of a different facet of sociology each week, with subtopics including money, family, gender and deviance. The course also offers insight into the thought process of sociologists — how they pose and consider questions.

Economic Geography

This course offers an overview of economic activities on a global scale, including primary industries, energy, minerals, industrial production and international trade. It incorporates case studies to add real-world context, focusing on subjects like the automobile industry.

level up your idea at the garage

By ALYCE BROWN daily senior staffer @alycebrownn

If you’ve ever had an idea for a new company — or even just felt the entrepreneurial bug — The Garage is the place for you.

The Garage, Northwestern’s dedicated entrepreneurial space, allows students to gather, work and build startups with guidance from successful creators. Since The Garage started, it’s had over 1,000 student startups under its umbrella.

The space is mainly designed to facilitate collaborative work, complete with snacks and a mini kitchen. It also caters to the technical needs of some of its startups, housing a prototyping lab that includes 3D printers, woodworking equipment and an electronics workbench.

For incoming freshmen hoping to get involved, there are a few quick ways to jump in, depending on

remain at “Tinkerer” status for the remainder of that academic year.

For those looking to join a startup rather than found one, The Garage has special sessions called “Startup Matchmaking.” These sessions are held quarterly, and allow entrepreneurs in The Garage looking for more team members to pitch their companies to other students hoping to join one.

Founders share what type of team members they’re looking for — from coders to social media managers — and students are given an opportunity to talk further with the teams they’re interested in joining. For further information and dates on these matchmaking sessions, keep an eye on The Garage’s ‘Events’ tab on their website.

So you’re on a team — what’s next? If your company has spent at least one quarter in the Tinker Program and has at least two members, you can apply for the Residency Program.

The program, for “the truly committed entrepreneurs,” according to The Garage’s website, offers teams round-the-clock access to The Garage’s space and a dedicated mentor in the industry to help the team along. Applications for the Residency Program are open for about a month at the beginning of each

“Office Hours” are a key piece of The Garage’s list of resources for student entrepreneurs. Through The Garage’s website, any NU student can schedule a meeting with peer entrepreneurs or Founders in Residence — a group of alumni and former students that are working on their startups full-time from The Garage.

Members of the Tinker Program and Residency Program get special access to Office Hours with Garage staff and Subject Matter Experts.

While the Tinker and Residency programs are The Garage’s most popular, they also have more selective programs that offer teams various amounts of funding. A more complete list of these programs can be found on The Garage’s website.

No matter your level of involvement with The Garage, it offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of startups — from the comfort of campus.

alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu

For students who want a Historical Studies course involving more than memorization:

History of the American Family

This survey of the role and regulation of families from pre-colonial times to the present day emphasizes factors that influence family dynamics, like race, class and gender, and how families’ standards and models have changed over time. You’ll also get the opportunity to write your own history.

Classical Mythology

Did you go through a Percy Jackson phase in middle school? If you take this course, you may have a chance to put some of that knowledge to use. You’ll read and analyze Ancient Greek myths both in their original historical contexts and through a contemporary lens

For a thought-provoking Ethical and Evaluative Thinking course: Introduction to Philosophy

If you’ve never studied philosophy before, this course will help you understand many philosophers’ perspectives — and develop your own outlook — on philosophical concepts including free will, ethics and existential issues. You’ll also learn to convey your ideas — and those of philosophers — in the format of thesis papers.

Introduction to Buddhism

Want to learn more about one of the largest religions in southeast Asia? This course analyzes both primary and secondary documents to gain insight on the core tenets of Buddhism alongside its history, culture and practice.

For a Literature and Arts course which doesn’t involve reading a novel or picking up a paintbrush:

Literary Histories

Do you prefer poetry and music over novels? This may be the course for you. The intersection between popular culture and poetry forms the basis of this course, which focuses on songs and sonnets from the late 16th century until the present day.

Introduction to Asian Art

This course spans ancient, medieval and modern art from South Asia, including architecture, monuments, sculptures, paintings and photography. Placed in a historical context, the curriculum includes examining the influence of East Asia, Central Asia and Europe and working on close reading skills.

divyabhardwaj2025@u.northwestern.edu

USEFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR JOURNEY

By JONAH ELKOWITZ daily senior staffer

Starting a new academic journey at Northwestern can be an exciting yet daunting experience. To ensure a smooth transition into NU, the University provides a range of support services to assist new students and their families.

AccessibleNU

AccessibleNU serves as a resource for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal access to education and campus facilities. The office collaborates with students, faculty and staff to implement necessary accommodations. These can include note-taking assistance, extended exam time and accessible technology.

Undergraduate Academic Advising

Navigating the academic landscape can be overwhelming for new students. NU’s Academic Advising office is dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their educational journey. Upon enrollment, students are assigned academic advisors who assist in course selection, major exploration and long-term academic planning. At Regular meetings with advisers, students can receive personalized guidance, with advisers providing valuable insights into career opportunities. Students can utilize these resources through ConnectNU, an online portal hosted by the University.

Career Advancement

Preparing for a future beyond college is vital, and NU’s Career Advising office offers a plethora of resources to help students achieve their professional goals. From resume building and interview preparation to networking

events and career fairs, this office equips students with the tools they need to succeed in the job market. Additionally, career advisors provide guidance on internships, co-op programs and postgraduate education, ensuring students are well-prepared for their chosen career paths.

Global Learning Office

Studying abroad is highly encouraged for students at NU, and the GLO office facilitates these life-changing experiences for students. This office assists in finding suitable study abroad programs that align with students’ academic interests and language proficiencies. Whether it’s a quarter in Europe, an immersion program in Asia or a research opportunity in Africa, studying abroad broadens horizons and fosters cultural awareness and adaptability. NU’s study abroad program offers students the opportunity to participate in 150 programs across 50 countries.

Financial Office

Managing finances during college can be a significant concern for students and their families. NU’s Financial Office offers guidance on scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs to alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, financial advisors are available to help students budget wisely, make informed decisions about student loans and explore potential funding opportunities for research or study abroad experiences.

jonahelkowitz2025@u.northwestern.edu

A guide to pizza in the windy city

By NICOLE MARKUS daily senior staffer @nicolejmarkus

If you’ve never been to Chicago or its surrounding suburbs, the pizza scene can be difficult to navigate. Here is The Daily’s guide to pizza in the Windy City.

Tavern-style vs. deep dish

A big source of contention among Chicago residents is whether tavern-style or deep dish truly represents the city. The two couldn’t be more different.

Tavern-style is known for its signature thin, crispy crust. It is traditionally cut into squares, and common toppings include sausage or spicy giardiniera. It’s probably more practical to enjoy on an everyday occasion, since it’s easier to transport and eat. The pizza style has a storied history in Chicago, created in the World War II era. It was originally served on the South Side of the city, designed to keep people in taverns buying drinks for longer periods of time. Deep dish also has a long history in Chicago. It’s known, as its name suggests, for its thick, dense crust. Also notable is its inverted style: the cheese goes under the tomato sauce. Like tavern-style, it’s commonly served with sausage. The iconic style of pizza evolved over time, but was originally introduced in the mid-1900s. Each person has their own preference, but it’s important to note that the two styles fill two entirely different niches. Both, in their own way, represent the city.

Restaurants

In Evanston and Chicago, there are some classic pizza joints everyone should hit up before their time at Northwestern is up. Deep dish is easier to come by in Evanston, with classic chains Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s within walking distance from campus. NU students often debate which option is better. Both restaurants are known for their deep dish, but you can also order tavern-style if you’re interested.

There are also some non-tavern, non-deep dish options to enjoy near campus. Bob’s Pizza, a popular spot for NU students, serves Pilsenstyle. Union Squared offers Detroit-style. Plus, students looking to grab a slice on campus can use a meal exchange to grab a MOD Pizza in Norris University Center.

In downtown Chicago, there’s a bigger range of options. Some famous deep dish places include Pequod’s Pizza, Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta and Pizzeria UNO. If you’re looking for tavernstyle, Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria and Candlelite are some well-known spots.

Pizza preferences vary person by person, so recommendations on the best place will change depending on who you’re talking to. Luckily, for pizza enjoyers in Chicago, there’s something for everyone.

nicolemarkus2025@u.northwestern.edu

OTHERWORLDLY CLASSES and clubs to explore

By LUIS CASTAÑEDA the daily northwestern @luiscasta220

The quarter system can be brutal. It can seem like one second you’re registered for your first set of classes during Wildcat Welcome and the next, you’re graduating. Here’s The Daily’s guide to some of Northwestern’s most “cult-classic” courses to take before that happens, along with a few hidden gems.

Weinberg

Professional Linkage Seminar (BUS_INST 394-LK)

From the CTECs: “In my (almost) four years of college, the majority of classes I’ve taken here feel like courses I could’ve learned on Coursera for $20 back home in less–terrible weather, as opposed to paying $70k tuition. This is not one of those classes.”

Taught by former President Barack Obama’s speech writer, Prof. Cody Keenan, the class is a “oncein-a-lifetime opportunity,” as one student described it. If you’re lucky enough to get in, you’ll learn “why some speeches endure and most are forgotten” from the “down-to-earth” NU alumnus that worked with one of the most powerful men in the world. Depending on what you’re looking to get out of it, this class might just get you one step closer to the White House.

McCormick

Human-Centered Product Design (DSGN 308)

Prof. David Gatchell is described as “design Gandalf” by some, and his wisdom comes in handy in this course where students learn about design research methods. Many students described this course as fast-paced after the third week and say a good tip is to have a good team. In the end, students are expected to develop a product to the prototype stage.

Medill Politics, Media and The Republic (JOUR 352)

Students rave about this professor and the class,

with one stating “Drop EVERYTHING to take any class you can with (Prof.) Peter Slevin.” Slevin challenges his students with “enthusiastic discussion” about journalism and politics in the classroom and out of it. His previous classes included a 3-day reporting trip to Wisconsin for the midterm elections and an opportunity to see former President Obama speak in Milwaukee.

School of Communication

Music Theatre Ballet (DANCE 130-1)

Prof. Vanessa Valecillos’ guidance makes this class worthwhile for dancers of all levels. Students have said that she is a “rare” type of ballet teacher that “truly cares about her students’ growth and success,” according to the CTECs. Advanced dancers can appreciate the slow pace to improve basic technique, and newcomers will benefit most greatly if they become familiar with basic vocabulary before beginning this class.

Bienen

Alexander Technique (MUSIC 350)

Prof. John Henes teaches this course on body mechanics, breathing and stress management for performance exclusively for Bienen students. Described by some as almost a “yoga class,” one of the only drawbacks is that it only meets once a week.

SESP

Building Loving and Lasting Relationships: Marriage 101 (HDPS 340)

Prof. Alexandra Solomon continues teaching this longstanding course, where students can think critically about the role love plays in their lives. From a range of topics including dating, sex and relationships across cultural differences, students are educated on how to “manage conflict and evaluate compatibility.” From family interviews to journaling, papers and quizzes, the workload is worthwhile for many given how “it prepares you to transition out of college,” according to the CTECs.

luiscastaneda2026@u.northwestern.edu

By DAVIS GIANGIULIO daily senior staffer @giangiuliodavis

Clubs are a perfect way to meet friends, take a break from studying and focus on something you’re passionate about, especially when you’re looking for activities beyond your classes. With nearly 500 clubs and organizations at Northwestern, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find one that interests you.

What makes NU particularly special is the unique organizations among those 500 that you won’t find in your favorite film about stereotypical college students.

Here are just a few of the clubs you can join when you get to NU:

Survivor Northwestern

Based on the hit CBS show with the same name, Survivor NU is a way for fans of the reality show to play their own version, without being shipped off to a remote island.

Participants are divided into two teams that face off in a series of challenges. Every week, one player gets voted off until there’s only one person left, who becomes the sole survivor. Challenges can be anything from physical activities to memory challenges.

Whether you’re a fan of the show and looking to live out your reality TV dreams, or just simply looking to challenge yourself while not being in the library, you may want to become a new contestant on Survivor NU.

Crossword Team

Are you an ace at the New York Times’ Sunday Crossword? Or even the Mini? NU’s Crossword Team is the place to put your talents to the test.

Despite being labeled a “team,” all competitions in the club are low stakes. Once a week, members come together to try to complete the Times’ Sunday puzzle. As the club has grown since its founding, they’ve begun to split into two groups and see which group can get it done faster. But don’t worry, the winner only earns “bragging rights.”

Including an application that will test your

comedic skills, NUXW is the perfect club to introduce you to NU.

Knitwestern

Whether you’re new to knitting or a veteran, Knitwestern is a great way to unwind and do something for a good cause.

Most of the clubs’ work is donated — in the past, they’ve donated their creations to organizations that help the unhoused and campus workers. Members can bring their own yarn or use the club’s, on one condition: the clubs’ materials must be part of something that will be donated. Knitwestern is a place to either hone and perfect your artful craft, or take on a new skill.

Mayfest Productions

Heard of Dillo Day? Mayfest runs that.

Yes, you heard it here first: The largest student-run music festival in the country is in fact run by a student organization. Mayfest typically recruits in the fall and takes on members to help run everything from booking artists to promoting the highly-anticipated Spring Quarter event.

If you want to be behind Dillo and get a sneak peek at who the artists will be, think about applying for Mayfest. But if you’re looking to enjoy the festival on the actual day, maybe reconsider — Mayfest members not only plan the event, but also must work it on the day of.

Outdoors Club

If you’re looking to escape the concrete of greater Chicago, the NU Outdoors Club is for you.

With activities throughout the school year on the weekends, there’s surely something to interest you. They can range from biking to camping and rock climbing. The best part about it is the low commitment necessary: all you have to do is join their email list and you can attend their planned activities at your own pleasure.

These are just a taste of some of the clubs NU has to offer, so you’re sure to find one, or many, that are perfect for you.

davisgiangiulio2025@u.northwestern.edu

By MADISON BRATLEY daily senior staffer @madisonbratley

The infamous freshman flu — along with illnesses like strep throat, mononucleosis or something as unoriginal as a really bad cold — threaten every incoming freshman class, as well as other undergraduate students. Healthy habits can be a key defense, but no one is invincible. Make the best use of your health care options on campus with the help of this brief guide.

Healthy habits in daily routines

Proper nutrition can create the foundation for keeping you happy and healthy as you transition into Northwestern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends students understand their nutritional needs before entering college. Age, sex, size and activity levels all influence a person’s needs.

For students with religious or allergy restrictions, NU dining halls offer halal, kosher, non-dairy, glutenfree, nut-free, soy-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Students and parents can also arrange a complimentary meeting with registered dietician Madeline McDonough to develop an individual, inclusive dining plan, including meals made from scratch.

Some dorms, such as 1838 Chicago and Willard Residential College, have their own fitness rooms. However, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on North campus offers students the widest variety of workout options to keep themselves fit during the year. Between group workout classes, six indoor tennis courts, three basketball courts, a dedicated spin room and a seemingly endless 7000 square foot fitness room on the first floor, students have many opportunities to work new exercises into their routines.

If you fall ill

Students can schedule and manage appointments through the MyNM Patient Portal, which can either be virtual or in-person.

Students can select one of three options when scheduling their appointment: sexual and reproductive health, sports medicine and general health. If these options don’t capture your needs, you can call the student health service during business hours, weekdays between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., to schedule an appointment.

Students needing urgent care for a physical illness or injury after regular business hours should call the After Hours Nurse Call Line. Also, the Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Centers are open every day, including holidays, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. There is one location near campus, located at 1630 Sherman Ave.

NU-SHIP

Northwestern requires all undergraduates to have health insurance and defaults most students each year into the Northwestern University Student Health Insurance Plan.

Students with an alternative, comparable health insurance coverage can fill out a health insurance questionnaire through CAESAR during the open enrollment period of July 1 until October 1 to see if they qualify to waive their enrollment in NU-SHIP. Students intending to enroll in NU-SHIP are encouraged to

confirm their enrollment as soon as possible.

Students enrolled in NU-SHIP after the open enrollment period will be charged $5,144 for coverage of the plan year, which lasts until August 31, 2024. Students can request financial assistance from the Undergraduate Financial Aid office to help cover the insurance premium.

If you are an international student, you are required to enroll in NU-SHIP regardless of your health insurance status in your home country.

Mental health resources

NU’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers full-time students access to mental health services year round. Students can get started with CAPS either through a same-day walk-in appointment or through a scheduled initial assessment. Both options also allow virtual meetings.

CAPS uses a short-term treatment model for individual therapy but provides referral support for students seeking long-term therapy or specialized care.

Three psychiatrists are available through CAPS to students on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. The psychiatrists offer assessments, evaluations and medication consultation, but students are only eligible for psychiatric services if also enrolled in concurrent therapy through CAPS.

For students enrolled in NU-SHIP, outpatient mental health care from an in-network provider costs up to $20 per visit. For care from an out-of-network provider, students pay a $20 copayment plus 20% of the remaining charge (NU-SHIP covers the other 80%).

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, you can call the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787.

madisonbratley2025@u.northwestern.edu

Illustration by Danny O’Grady

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religious spaces

By EVELYN MULCHRONE the daily northwestern @mulchroneevelyn

Beginning your college journey at Northwestern can be intimidating. While NU has an abundance of clubs, communities and support spaces, incoming students often find themselves unaware of the opportunities the university offers.

This guide aims to serve as a starting point for new Wildcats, helping to uncover the various religious and spiritual communities on campus. Joining a religious organization or club can be a great way for new students to connect with like-minded individuals and find support throughout their time at NU.

The NU Religious and Spiritual Center provides students with a range of spaces for meditation and prayer. Located on South Campus, the facility contains three main spaces: Alice Millar Chapel, Jeanne Vail Chapel and Parkes Hall.

Alice Millar Chapel frequently hosts musical performances and, along with Jeanne Vail Chapel, boasts beautiful stained glass. Parkes Hall houses both a Multi-Belief Space and a Muslim Prayer Space. Jummah, Friday Muslim prayers, are held nearly every week in the Parkes.

Prayer and meditation spaces are also dispersed throughout campus. Norris University Center features a prayer room in its basement and the Technological Institute provides a meditation room.

For those who prefer outdoor prayer spaces, Northwestern’s lakeside campus offers beautiful gardens and beaches for meditation. The Shakespeare Garden serves as a space for reflection, abundant with plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.

The Sheil Catholic Center is a hub for worship, learning and communion centered around the Roman Catholic faith. Supporting the Catholic Student Association, Sheil provides a multitude of educational, spiritual and social opportunities for Catholic students seeking fellowship.

There are a number of Christian ministries on campus, representing different denominations and providing students with enriching opportunities for learning, worship and service.

Hindu YUVA is a student organization that fosters collaboration between Hindu and non-Hindu students, emphasizing community service and the celebration of Hindu festivals. The organization frequently hosts live performances and community service events, embodying its namesake as Youth for Unity, Virtues and Actions.

OM is a spiritual student group on campus dedicated to celebrating and sharing Hinduism and Vedic culture with the NU community through educational dialogues and social events. OM provides an environment for prayer and exploration, curating an atmosphere of curiosity and spiritual growth.

The Muslim-cultural Students Association is a group dedicated to nurturing the religious well-being of NU’s Muslim community. They engage in weekly meetings, bonding activities and programming events. Notably, McSA has organized events featuring Muslim speakers, comedians and musicians.

The Shia Muslim Association promotes meaningful dialogue among its members and the broader NU community. As a space for learning and prayer, SMA offers its members nuanced perspectives of Islam through workshops and lectures.

NU Hillel represents one chapter of the world’s largest Jewish college campus organization, Hillel International. NU Hillel celebrates Jewish life through a social and religious calendar, including an annual formal and Mega Shabbat event.

NU Chabad, another Jewish organization on campus, is a division of the Tannenbaum Chabad House and the first Chabad center to open in the state of Illinois. Through an array of holiday services, weekly Shabbat dinners and social outings, Chabad strengthens Jewish community at NU and in Evanston.

Seva is NU’s inaugural student organization dedicated to Sikhism. Seva aims to represent and support Sikh students on campus through its programming—including Wildcat Langar, a free community meal.

Sponsored by Religious and Spiritual Life, NU’s Interfaith Initiative strives to build presence and awareness of all faiths on campus. Through weekly dinners and discussion, NUii strengthens the mutual respect of diverse religious groups at NU.

transport options when a rocket isn’t AVAILABLE

By COLE REYNOLDS daily senior staffer @charcole27

Northwestern sits about 12 miles from the skyscrapers of downtown Chicago. The transportation tentacles of the nation’s third-largest city stretch all the way to Evanston, giving NU students a plethora of opportunities to move about the Chicago area. With tree-lined sidewalks, a protected bike path along Sheridan Road and three rail stops just blocks away from campus, the area adjacent to the University provides a spectrum of different options to explore. Let’s take a look at some.

Rail

Both of Chicago’s rail services run through Evanston: the Chicago Transit Authority train and the Metra.

The CTA (better known as the L train) is the more traditional urban rail system, making frequent stops as it moves toward downtown.

The Purple Line on the CTA makes three stops adjacent to campus, at Davis, Foster and Noyes stations. It takes students as far as Howard

station, where they can transfer to the Red Line and continue south. A ride into downtown Chicago via the L typically takes an hour and costs $2.50.

The Purple Line Express runs weekdays starting just after 2 p.m. and continues all the way into The Loop, making less frequent stops than normal CTA trains.

The Metra is Chicago’s commuter train, known for its signature double-decker cars. It’s much faster than the CTA, making only a few stops and whisking riders into downtown Chicago in approximately 20 minutes. However, the Metra also runs less frequently than the CTA, especially at off-peak times, and usually costs at least double the CTA fares to get into downtown Chicago.

Traveling north to south is very easy via rail, but the weakness lies in the east-west transit. Moving between suburbs or Chicago neighborhoods not directly adjacent to The Loop poses a challenge because almost all CTA trains are designed to shepherd passengers toward downtown.

Bus

If the CTA leaves a void in east-west

transportation, Pace — the suburban bus service — at least somewhat fills it.

Perhaps the most used bus by Northwestern students is the 250 line, which leaves every 20 minutes on weekdays (every hour on weekends) from the Davis rail station. It moves west through Skokie, delivering passengers to O’Hare International Airport about an hour after their ride commences. Outside of hitching a ride, the Pace 250, at $2 per trip, is the cheapest way for students to get from O’Hare to campus.

Northwestern students also have a unique bus route available to them: the University’s Intercampus shuttle. It runs fairly frequently from Ryan Field (at the very north of the Evanston campus) all the way to Northwestern’s Chicago campus in The Loop. Although the ride is long, it’s free to all students, making it the most cost-effective route to The Loop.

Bikes

Many students own bikes to move about campus, a form of transportation especially enabled adjacent to campus. Sheridan Road has a protected bike lane stretching the length of campus and areas alongside campus are fairly

bikeable as well. Students who do not own bikes can rent them through Divvy, a subsidized bikeshare program. Bikes cost approximately $11 per hour, and about a half dozen stalls are located within walking distance of campus.

Rideshare

Many students, especially those who are trying to move east-west, turn toward rideshare. While the most expensive form of transit, the various rideshare options give students unparalleled convenience. Uber and Lyft are popular both to move students to outings in Chicago and to shuttle students to O’Hare.

However, a unique rideshare opportunity available to students is a discount on a Zipcar membership. Those with driver’s licenses can rent cars through the platform for prices starting at about $11 per hour. Membership to the service typically costs $90 per year, but Northwestern students receive a $65 discount. Zipcar lots are located throughout Evanston and Chicago, including one at the parking lot outside of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

There’s also one unique rideshare service only open to community members: Safe Ride. From 7 p.m. to 3 a.m, University-commissioned cars are available to pick students up and drop them off in most parts of Evanston. The service is free to students and is meant to help students navigate safely during the nighttime. While cost-effective, the service can sometimes be slow, with waiting times up to 45 minutes if a vehicle is not in the area. Students can download the Northwestern Safe Ride app to gain access.

Accessible Transit

For those who qualify for accessible transportation, there are a few options in Chicagoland. The City of Evanston provides limited accessible bus service for those who qualify. Interested people can inquire about approval at the Levy Senior Center.

Additionally, Pace provides taxi cab services and some bus services for those who qualify.

colereynolds2026@u.northwestern.edu

Illustration by Olivia Abeyta

pack these 10 things from the mothership

By ANGELI MITTAL daily senior staffer @amittal27

Packing for college can be stressful. You might even forget a few things in the process, which is usually okay, given that there’s a Target near South Campus. However, to make your transition to Northwestern a bit easier, here are 10 things you probably want to have by the time the academic year starts.

1. Noise-canceling headphones.

Sometimes you just want to study in your room but, alas, you have some really loud roommates. Or you’re trying to cancel out other noises (if you catch my drift). Regardless, a really good pair can make a huge difference.

2. Shower flip-flops.

Who knows what has touched those public shower floors (and I don’t recommend finding out). I would recommend just getting a cheap pair for about $3 at Target. They also serve well when you are too lazy to put on sneakers to do a load of laundry.

3. A mini-fridge with a freezer component.

Don’t forget the freezer component. There have been too many times where I’d get an ice cream pint from Lisa’s Cafe and have it turn into soup if I don’t eat it all within 20 minutes. Plus, it’s really nice to have a fridge to store leftovers or extras from the dining hall in case you’re looking to save trips for food.

4. A desk fan.

A fan is necessary, especially if you’re living in BobbMcCulloch Hall or Sargent Hall, both of which are notorious for their lack of air conditioning. I lived in one of the converted fraternity houses my sophomore year and would sit in front of my desk fan for a solid five minutes every time I came in because it can get so hot at the start of fall and end of spring.

5. A twin XL mattress topper.

Residential hall beds are not the most comfortable.

You can change that with a foam mattress topper.

6. Extension cords.

Some outlets are just hard to get to and not so plentiful, so it comes in handy when you have extra places to plug in your electronics.

7. A mesh shower caddy.

There usually isn’t a place for you to easily store your bathroom stuff, so a caddy with a handle is great to hang in the bathroom or on the shower knob. A mesh caddy (over a plastic one) allows for more flexibility in terms

of where you can hang it, and the mesh allows for water to easily drain out if you place it in the shower.

8. A really long phone charger cord.

Going back to my sixth point, if your only available outlet is far from the bed (or wherever you keep your phone), having a wire that’s at least six feet long is really useful.

9. A mini vacuum cleaner.

There have been too many times when I’ve relied

on my roommates for their vacuum cleaner because of the long hair strands and dust that clutter the floor. You might want to get your own, though, in case your neighbors aren’t as nice.

10. A set of dishes and cutlery. I really liked having a bowl, a few mugs, a plate and some cutlery in my dorm. If you have those leftovers in your mini-fridge, it can be nice to have something to microwave your food in, especially if you’re trying to make late-night ramen.

amittal@u.northwestern.edu

The daily northwestern 2023 sports preview M

T S KY ‘ S L

H E TH E I IT

Who to Watch: athletes primed for blastoff

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

The past year provided several banner moments throughout Northwestern athletics.

Women’s soccer shot up the national rankings, field hockey clawed its way back to a second consecutive national championship appearance, men’s basketball stunned then-No. 1 Purdue and punched its ticket to the Big Dance, fencing trounced No. 1 Notre Dame in Ryan Fieldhouse, softball won a regular season and Big Ten Tournament title and lacrosse cut down the nets in Cary, North Carolina as national champions.

These feats, among many others, wouldn’t have been possible without the stars donning purple and white. New sensations soared to sky-scraping summits, sidelined superstars returned to the limelight and each Wildcat worked relentlessly to improve their respective programs.

With conference and national accolades up for grabs in each of NU’s 19 varsity squads, here’s four Cats carrying breakout potential.

Junior Brooks Barnhizer Men’s Basketball

Following the departure of Chase Audige and Robbie Beran, Barnhizer will become a crucial mainstay in coach Chris Collins’ starting lineup, where he could

play either guard or forward.

Although he logged just 82 minutes in his freshman season, Barnhizer’s role swiftly gained steam throughout his second year in Evanston. The 6-foot6-inch guard excelled as the Cats’ sixth man, stuffing stat sheets down the stretch and stymying opposing shooters in the process.

Barnhizer played a pivotal role in NU’s historic 2022-23 campaign, helping the team weather the storm of a grueling Big Ten slate.

While he tallied just 7.6 points per game last season, the Indiana native will carry a much heavier load this winter in hopes of a second consecutive March Madness appearance.

Sophomore Caterina Regazzoni Women’s Soccer

Regazzoni shone throughout her first season, starting in each of her 22 appearances. The FC Zurich product registered three goals and three assists in her debut campaign, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

The midfielder played all 90 minutes in all but two starts, handing coach Michael Moynihan a central piece to build around. Her technical ability and collected presence on the ball helped the Cats end the season ranked No. 11.

With Rowan Lapi heading to Happy Valley this fall as a graduate transfer, Regazzoni will step into an

elevated role, carrying a season of collegiate experience under her belt.

While she may be a known commodity in conference play, Regazzoni carries potential for national prominence. She and her veteran teammates must buy into a winning mentality from the jump for a shot at another NCAA tournament run.

Graduate student Lindsey Frank Field hockey and lacrosse

NCAA Division I athletics are often described as a full-time job. Student athletes spend countless hours studying film, training and maintaining peak performance for long stretches of the year — on top of academic requirements.

Frank took it to the next level at Richmond, starring for three seasons on the field hockey squad and electrifying the Atlantic 10 for four years in lacrosse. Now, a joint effort between field hockey coach Tracey Fuchs and lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller convinced the former Spider to trade in her threads and become a Wildcat.

Listed as a midfielder in both sports, Frank tallied eight goals and five assists in 18 starts for Richmond’s field hockey program last fall. She garnered first team all-conference honors, notching a career-high 21 points.

Then, Frank stepped back onto the lacrosse field, where she took no prisoners. In 21 games, she scored a Richmond-record 67 goals and 23 assists. She also

scooped 33 ground balls and collected 74 draw controls.

With Amonte Hiller adding another All-American to her national championship winning team, Frank will benefit from playing alongside 2023 Tewaaraton winner Izzy Scane and fellow finalist Erin Coykendall. Every move Amonte Hiller makes in the transfer portal serves a purpose — and Frank proves no different.

Men’s golf: Sophomore Daniel Svärd Men’s Golf

While entering the collegiate ranks is a major adjustment to most students who march through the arch, Svärd hit the ground running on the links, immediately showcasing his potential in the team’s tournament slate.

Despite his early success, few expected Svärd’s late April accolade.

In a weather-shortened Big Ten Championship at Galloway National Golf Club, Svärd claimed a share of the individual title, tallying a three-under scorecard. His sharp shooting and composure on the greens helped NU achieve a runner-up finish.

With longtime star David Nyfjäll graduating out of the program, coach David Inglis now looks to Svärd to consistently top leaderboards and push the team to the next level.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

The Smartest Place to Stay

Daily file photo by Gabe Bider

Daily file photo by Claudia Arriaga

Daily file photo by Esther Lim

FALL

Recovering under new head leadership

By ALYCE BROWN daily senior staffer @alycebrownn

After a difficult off-season, the Wildcats are looking to, in the words of interim head coach David Braun, “write their own story about overcoming adversity.”

Braun was elevated to the position in July, after former head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired in the wake of The Daily’s publication of hazing allegations on the football team.

The fallout has been immense — from players transferring and de-committing to former players suing the school over the alleged hazing — and the season ahead will now be an even tougher one.

Coming off last season, the Cats struggled on both sides of the ball, finishing at a stark 1-11. One of the team’s trademark issues was an agonizing turnover rate that highlighted the struggles of their revolving quarterback slot.

Luckily, that rotating spot has the possibility to be one of this season’s saving graces — sixthyear University of Cincinnati transfer quarterback Ben Bryant, a proven starter at Cincy, will most likely be the pick for the starting position over sophomore Brendan Sullivan. Bryant passed for 2,732 yards (50th nationally) and 21 touchdowns (44th nationally) last season.

Another promising arrival is Braun’s. He was originally hired as a defensive coordinator in January, and comes to NU after four years in that position at North Dakota State, where he helped lead the team to national FCS titles in 2019 and 2021 and allowed just 15.3 points per game during his tenure.

Across other positions, the Wildcats are returning some notable faces like senior running back Cam Porter and redshirt senior linebacker Bryce Gallagher that will help production on their respective sides of the ball, but many positions still look precarious.

The offensive line is one such place, where

Peter Skoronski’s departure to the NFL gives way to an inexperienced O-line that might be cause for concern.

This season will be one of rebuilding and reconstruction for the Cats. With a new coach and new eyes across the nation looking to see how the team bounces back from the hazing scandal, it will be an interesting season to watch.

alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu

Daily file photo by Angeli Mittal

sky high expectations set for team

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

Northwestern came up a goal-shy of a second consecutive national title in 2022, dropping a 2-1 heartbreaker to undefeated North Carolina.

The battle-tested Wildcats displayed grit and a killer instinct throughout the season, launching several late game sieges to draw well within reach of their ultimate goal.

Now, every team will carry a blank slate into 2023.

With one of the sport’s all-time great players and tactical minds at the helm in coach Tracey Fuchs, NU enters the fall slate as a contender for the national title.

However, a plethora of perennial powerhouses all seek to get their hands on the coveted championship crown, and the road to Chapel Hill, North Carolina will require talent across the board.

Between the pipes, NU boasts one of the NCAA’s premier netminders — who is no stranger

to the biggest stages. Senior goalkeeper Annabel Skubisz tallied 111 saves in her junior campaign, including seven in the national championship bout. For the Cats to make a deep postseason run, Skubicz must live up to her All-American billing.

Graduate student midfielder and back Alia Marshall and senior midfielder Lauren Wadas will provide a veteran two-way presence for NU, while Fuchs possesses an additional flurry of experienced attacking and defensive options at her disposal.

Although freshman forward Olivia Bent-Cole has yet to compete at Lakeside Field, the 2022

MAX Field Hockey National Player of the Year packs a potent scoring stroke that could carve up significant minutes for the first-year. Bent-Cole earned a roster slot on Team USA this June and has made five international appearances for the senior squad. Expectations will soar sky high as the reigning national finalists look to ascend field hockey’s summit for the first time since 2021, launching their quest in August.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

continuing to soar across the finish line

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

Northwestern’s 2022 season saw the squad soar to historic heights, highlighted by the Wildcats’ first NCAA Championship bid in 20 years.

Led from the front by Rachel McCardell, arguably the top runner in program history, NU placed 30th at

the national championship meet in Stillwater, Oklahoma. But looking forward, coach Jill Miller must build on this success in McCardell’s stead, as the Cats’ captain recently capped her storied collegiate career, graduating in the spring.

While McCardell’s absence presents a potential obstacle to progress, Miller is no stranger to defeating stacked odds, catapulting a program without an official track and field team back onto the nation’s grandest stage.

Senior Katherine Hessler looks to succeed her record-setting teammate as NU’s veteran leader and propel her squad back into the national conversation this season. Hessler boasted a standout outdoor track season this past spring and will carry momentum off the rubber circular surfaces and back onto the rolling Midwestern cross country hills.

NU’s junior class packs a significant blend of speed and savvy, which Miller will rely on throughout the Cats’ fall campaign. Expect juniors Ava Earl and Anna

Hightower to build on strong sophomore slates and help NU compete in contentious conference and regional meets.

The road to the 2023 National Championships in Earlysville, Virginia proves an uphill climb, but Miller and the Cats look to silence the doubters and make their second-consecutive appearance this November at Panorama Farms.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

cats look to EArn FaLL winning record

By PALOMA LEONE-GETTEN the daily northwestern @pleonegetten

Northwestern volleyball will have the chance to gain its second consecutive winning season this fall. The 2022 Cats went 18-14 (7-13 Big Ten), earning their first winning season since 2014 and finishing 10th in the conference. However, those wins were earned with the help

of several players who have since left NU. One of the most notable is outside hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara, who ended the 2022 season ranked second in the Big Ten in kills. Thomas-Ailara, who received Big Ten Player of the Week honors three times last season, will spend her final year of eligibility as a Wisconsin Badger.

But with transfers Lauren Carter, Maddy Chinn, Ellie Husemann, Julia Sangiacomo and Rylen Reid joining the Cats, the gaps in the lineup may be filled. On the younger side, first-years Gigi Navarrete and

western daily north

Drew Wright will arrive at NU with impressive volleyball resumes. Navarrete, a 2022 AVCA 1st Team High School All-American libero and defensive specialist, and Wright, a 2021 USA Volleyball Championship All-Tournament outside hitter will bring their deep experience to Evanston.

Impact players returning to the Cats are senior setter Alexa Rousseau and senior middle blocker Leilani Dodson, alongside sophomore outside hitter Kathryn Randorf and junior defensive specialist Ellee Stinson. The influx of new faces on the roster will require these

returners to ground the team, especially early on this fall.

As always, NU will face a tough Big Ten schedule, opening conference play against the Wisconsin Badgers, who finished fifth in the nation in 2022. The team is also set to face Nebraska twice, after the Cornhuskers’ ninth-place finish last year.

But if the new and returning Cats gel, this could be a big season for NU. palomaleone-getten2026@u.northwestern.edu

Visitor Services Assistant Work-Study/Non-Work-Study Positions Available

Applications for Fall/Winter 2023 are now open!

The Block Museum of Art’s Visitor Services department is seeking Visitor Services Assistants who are able to ensure the safety of works of art on display, proactively enhance the visitors experience through excellent visitor services, greet the public, field basic facilities questions, and act as liaison to the Visitor Services Info desk.

$15/hr 8-20 hours per week

Responsibilities:

• Must be dependable, punctual, and dedicated.

• Provide critical visitor services and security support during regular and extended public hours, programs, movies and special events.

• Ensure a warm, friendly, helpful atmosphere in the Museum/galleries.

• Participate in cross-trainings to assist on the exhibit floor.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work well with the public

• Professional, congenial, and display a confident manner with the public

• Reliable, flexible, and willing to work evenings and weekends when required

• Must have neat and clean appearance and successfully complete security background examination

Visitor Services Department

Aaron Chatman

Manager, Security & Visitor Services

Email: a-chatman@northwestern.edu

Phone: (847) 491-7536

Northwestern shoots for Big Ten title

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

Junior defender Emma Phillips’ bicycle kick heroics versus Kansas State last August jumpstarted a dream season for Northwestern.

The then-second-year star scored the game winner in a 2-1 victory in the Little Apple, but few foresaw the flying heights coach Michael Moynihan’s team would surpass. Despite being tabbed to finish 11th in the Big Ten, the Wildcats earned a Sweet Sixteen bid and finished the season ranked No. 11 in the United

Soccer Coaches poll. NU amassed a 16-5-2 record and fell to the eventual national champions, California-Los Angeles, in a 2-0 result.

Three graduate student stars return for a fifth season, as defender Danika Austin, forward Aurea del Carmen and midfielder Lily Gilbertson look to make one final mark in Martin Stadium.

Austin will maintain her role as the core of the Cats’ defense, where she’ll be tasked with overseeing buildup play. At the other end, del Carmen and Gilbertson must both make a flurry of goal contributions for NU to cap a strong conference campaign.

The Cats aren’t bereft of young talent either — sophomore midfielder Caterina Regazonni, the 2022 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, became a rising star for NU from the moment she stepped onto the collegiate stage. Now, Regazzoni looks to enter the conversation of the conference’s elite.

Additionally, graduate transfer Jaelyn Eisenhart will arrive in Evanston via Southern California with both backline and midfield experience.

Although the Cats hold onto many of their veteran starters, midfielder Rowan Lapi’s transfer to Penn State leaves a significant void in the spine of the field. Moynihan’s system requires a strong defensive midfielder to thwart opposing counterattacks and advance the ball to the flanks, meaning a new contributor must slot into the number-six role and fill Lapi’s All-Big Ten sized shoes.

With a conference title in the back of its mind, NU will look to fire on

all cylinders once the season officially kicks off this August.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

wildcats aim to climb conference table

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

Following a final-day Big Ten table jump, Northwestern clinched an improbable return to the conference tournament last season with its lone Big Ten victory over Michigan State.

Although the Wildcats dropped a 1-0 first-round match to top-seeded Maryland in College Park to

put a bookend on a sub-.500, whirlwind 2022 season, prospects point toward improvement this fall.

Fresh off serving on US Men’s National Team interim head coach B.J. Callaghan’s staff, coach Russell Payne looks to turn the tide of NU’s recent run of form in his third season at the helm.

Much of Payne’s 2022 recruiting class made instant impacts at Martin Stadium, and many of these now sophomore standouts will be leaned on heavily to make a push up the conference standings.

HISTORY IS SOOOO MUCH MORE INTERESTING THAN AP U.S. HISTORY!

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FALL CLASSES TO SEE JUST HOW EXCITING IT REALLY IS

First-years are also welcome to enroll in higher-level courses as well!

Find them on our website!

www history northwestern edu

847-491-3406

• history@northwestern edu

Sophomore defender Nigel Prince provides prototypical size and aerial prowess for a center back, and the former Atlanta United youth product looks to build upon a standout debut season in the purple and white.

Prince’s classmate, sophomore midfielder Jason Gajadhar, will play a pivotal box-to-box role in central midfield. Gajadhar’s grit and vision earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Tournament team last fall.

While the Cats struggled to scorch opposing

History 201-2 Modern Europe

MWF 11:00am-11:50am

Prof. Deborah Cohen

nets last season, senior forward Justin Weiss and sophomore forward Christopher Thaggard look to link up and form a speedy strike partnership this fall.

With graduate student midfielder Reese Mayer highlighting a dynamic group of transfers to blend with another solid recruiting class, the pieces are in place for Payne to produce a winning outfit in Evanston.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

This is a course about the two centuries after 1750 when events in Europe determined the course of world history. We will ask why Europe came to dominate the world in the nineteenth century, considering especially industrialization, revolution and imperial expansion. We will investigate, too, how these apparent triumphs paved the way for the catastrophes of Europe’s 20th century – the world wars, the Holocaust, decolonization and the Cold War – and explain the relatively peaceful decades that followed World War II and the monumental experiment in European integration. Our central theme will be the transformation of social relations: how societies of subjects and serfs became societies of citizens and comrades; how intimate relations within families changed; how masters and workers came to think about their interests and what they had to do to defend them.

History 210-1 North America and the US to 1865

MWF 10:00am-10:50am

Prof. Caitlin Fitz

The setting: North America, 1400 to 1865. The characters: Indigenous, African, European, Asian, and their descendants; enslaved, free, and in-between; genders of all kinds. The plot: full of tragedy and triumph and terror and twists, including the surprising emergence of the United States, the world’s first modern republican empire, trumpeting inalienable rights and the pursuit of happiness while spreading slavery.

History 219 History of the Present

MW 3:30pm-4:50pm

Prof. Kathleen Belew and Prof. Lauren Stokes

This course takes a reverse approach to the study of history, defining issues relevant to the current moment—some determined by the students—and exploring the long stories required to understand the present. Each week we will examine a different issue with the help of guest lecturers and selected readings. Topics might include climate change, abortion, global pandemics and their aftermath, racial justice, economic inequality, labor activism, transgender rights, immigration, and the global far-right.

History 250-2 Global History: The Modern World

MWF 2:00pm-2:50pm

Prof. Daniel Immerwahr

This course introduces the main episodes and themes of modern history. Unlike other history classes, however, its focus isn't on a particular region or country, but on the whole planet. That broad scope will allow us to better understand large-scale phenomena such as empire, industrial technology, communism, the two world wars, HIV/AIDS, and globalization. We'll particularly look at humanity's adoption of fossil fuels, and the prosperity, inequality, and environmental changes that resulted.

History 251 The Politics of Disaster: A Global Environmental History

TTh 3:30pm-4:50pm

Prof. Lydia Barnett

Research from the social sciences and humanities shows that so-called "natural" disasters are not very natural at all. Instead, they are deeply political and profoundly man-made. This course adopts a historical and global approach in order to denaturalize disaster.

“History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”

David McCullough

last season’s victories place pressure

By ANGELI MITTAL daily senior staffer @amittal27

Last season was a historic one for Northwestern’s men’s basketball team.

The Cats suffered five consecutive losing seasons before last season’s 22-12 record.

Not only did NU beat then-No. 1 Purdue on home turf, but the Wildcats were seeded in the NCAA’s March Madness — only their second time competing in program history.

The Wildcats didn’t just show up, either: They danced. The team managed a 75-67 win against Boise State in the Round of 64 showdown in Sacramento, California. And even though NU lost against No. 2-seeded UCLA in the Round of 32, the margin was small at 63-68.

But with some of the key players in last season’s victory leaving the program, the stakes are high and much remains uncertain. After taking a shot at the NBA Draft, guard Chase Audige joined the Miami Heat’s summer league team. Guard Julian Roper II will be starting his junior year as a transfer to Notre Dame, and Richmond native Robbie Beran transferred to Virginia Tech after four years as an NU forward.

On the bright side, guard Boo Buie is back for his final year of eligibility after exploring

the draft process. As the other half of the BuieAudige backcourt duo, Buie averaged 17.3 points and 4.5 assists last season — the most of any Wildcat that season.

In other standout performances from players that will be returning this season, senior guard Ty Berry doubled his number of rebounds per game from his previous performance. Senior center Matt Nicholson showed the largest improvement, averaging 1.2 blocks per game and scoring the highest number of rebounds per game.

The court also saw more of junior guard Brooks Barnhizer and the potential of sophomore forward Nick Martinelli, who played more games than any other in his incoming class that year. And, of course, there’s Head Coach Chris Collins, who signed a three-year contract extension at the end of last season.

Collins recruited three transfers for the upcoming season, one being Chicago-area native and sophomore guard Justin Mullins, who averaged 3.1 rebounds with the Denver Pioneers last season. NU also welcomed graduate forward Blake Preston 10 days after Beran entered the transfer portal. With the highest point average at 12.7, former Princeton guard Ryan Langborg will also join the team as a graduate transfer.

amittal@u.northwestern.edu

Dennis Meade

Daily file photo by Angeli Mittal

Wildcats shoot for bounceback campaign

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

After a difficult season that culminated in a first-round conference tournament loss to Rutgers, Northwestern will look to make significant strides in the second season of the post-Veronica Burton era.

While the Wildcats struggled to find their footing in a grueling Big Ten slate, several players emerged as potential pieces for coach Joe McKeown to build around in hopes of flipping the program’s fortunes.

Junior forward Caileigh Walsh displayed elite post presence at times, and will look to emulate her success at a more efficient clip this season. Walsh’s ability to stretch the floor makes her an irreplaceable component of McKeown’s system.

Alongside Walsh, senior forward Paige Mott emerged as a mid-season scoring stalwart for NU, piling on a flurry of double-digit outputs for the Cats. With Mott and Walsh both firing on offense, McKeown’s squad becomes difficult to slow down.

With last year’s starting point guard Kaylah Rainey transferring to Tulane, sophomore guard Caroline Lau now holds the keys to NU’s offense. Lau showed flashes of brilliance during

her inaugural season in Welsh-Ryan Arena, and McKeown described the guard as a “gym rat,” constantly striving to improve.

The Cats’ identity rests in their tenacious defense, and junior guard Hailey Weaver

embodies the team’s mantra of defense-first basketball, thriving in opposing passing lanes. Expect Weaver to provide crucial minutes — either in the starting five or off the bench.

Although a bevy of returners hand McKeown

plenty of options to craft his rotation, NU must vastly improve on last season’s display to compete in a stacked conference schedule.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

Daily file photo by Angeli Mittal

By MICAH SANDY daily senior staffer @themicahsandy

Following a season of records both on the purple Welsh-Ryan Arena home mats and on the road, No.13 Northwestern Wrestling is poised to hit the ground running towards more achievements this upcoming winter season.

The Cats (7-3) had a strong home start,

competing in and hosting the 58th Ken Kraft Midlands Championship in December. With three wrestlers taking first place in their respective weight classes, the team took home the Team Champions’ banner after topping Penn, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Illinois in the team leaderboard.

The regular season ended with a 5-3 Big Ten record following Northwestern’s last conference victory against No. 9 Minnesota. Sporting their home singlets and scoring wins for six out

By NICOLE MARKUS daily senior staffer @nicolejmarkus

The Wildcats achieved a nearly 77% win rate in 2022-23, a record they will try to top this upcoming year.

The Cats — led by coach Zach Moss — had a 43-13 record. Excellence was not limited to the court, as 20 Cats earned United States Fencing Coaches Association All-Academic honors, leading the Central College Fencing Conference.

The team’s impressive regular season performance was enough to land them a No. 4 spot in

SWIMMING AND DIVING

of the nine individual matches, the successful dual-meet represented the Cats’ first home win over the Golden Gophers since 1996. With the 2021-22 season’s Big Ten record having previously represented their best conference performance, coach Matt Storniolo and the team are becoming a force to be reckoned with for the upcoming season.

Beyond their regular season schedule, 10 Cats competed in the 2023 Big Ten Championships at Ann Arbor, Michigan, seven of whom

earned podium finishes. Then-redshirt senior heavyweight Lucas Davison also landed a bookend fifth-place finish at the NCAA championships, earning All-American honors while doing so. With the team only working their way up from high points, it’s best not to miss the takedowns and the pins at the Welsh-Ryan Arena this season.

micahsandy2026@u.northwestern.edu

staying the course after meteoric rise young core to power squad in winter

the rankings, up five spots from No. 9 before the season began. Four fencers also made the NCAA championships.

Though the team placed lower than expected in the tournament, some of the team’s strongest showings came from then-freshmen sabre Megumi Oishi and épée Karen Wang. Sabre Sky Miller, the highest-ranked fencer in NU history,

keeping pace after coach departure

By KATE WALTER daily senior staffer @katewalter03

Northwestern will look to build upon its solid performance during the 2022-2023 season as it begins its first season in four years without Katie Robinson as a part of the program.

Robinson, who has served as director of swimming and diving since 2020 and first came to Evanston as an associate coach in 2018, announced her departure in June to join the coaching staff on Stanford’s women’s team.

As one of only two female coaches to oversee both men’s and women’s teams among Power 5 schools, Robinson led the program to new heights. Several school records fell during Robinson’s tenure and both the men’s and women’s teams achieved a slew of top-25 national rankings.

This season, the women finished sixth at Big Ten Championships and earned three All-American Honorable Mention performances at NCAA Championships, placing 28th overall. Diver Jaye Patrick snagged an All-American Honorable Mention in the platform event. The men finished seventh at Big Ten’s, with senior Kevin Houseman, who’s been named to the USA Swimming National team,

placing fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Several Wildcats rewrote the record books this season, with graduate student Miriam Guevara breaking a school record in the 100-yard butterfly and finishing 10th at NCAA Championships. Junior Jasmine Nocentini, multi-time Big Ten swimmer of the week, set a new mark of 21.59 in the 50-yard freestyle.

The Wildcats are also making a mark on the global stage this summer, with six swimmers competing at the World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan and four at the World University Games. katewalter2025@u.northwestern.edu

and foil Anna Biasco also performed well. Though Biasco and four others graduated this year, nine new recruits will join the team. The young core of the Cats, headed up by Oishi and Wang, make them a force to be reckoned with next year.

nicolemarkus2025@u.northwestern.edu

cats to bounce back after rough season

By ALYCE BROWN daily senior staffer @alycebrownn

This past season was a struggle for the Wildcats, who went 12-13, 7-4 Big 10 and missed out on the NCAA tournament for the first time in 23 years.

In the months since that difficult season drew to a close, the squad took another hit with the graduation of Christina Hand, who came into last season ranked No. 57, and Briana Crowley, two of the team’s top players.

The loss of Hand and Crowley does not bode well for a team that has already been struggling, but a few graduate transfers will hope to fill the team’s experience gap.

Britany Lau and Elisa Van

searching for stars after players exit

Meeteren will be coming to Evanston from Brown and William & Mary, respectively. The graduate transfers will bring with them experience in the NCAA tournament, and that familiarity will be incredibly valuable to this relatively young team.

The Cats might also have some homegrown stars this season, as new players rise up to be leaders.

Keep an eye on Maria Shusharina, a senior and All-Big 10 selection, to help lead the way. She has plenty of experience playing the top singles spot and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Junior Justine Leong will be a similar presence to watch as she continues to occupy the top singles courts.

This season will be a tough one — but if the team’s younger core can come into their own, the Cats have a chance at pulling off a shocker.

alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu

By ALYCE BROWN daily senior staffer @alycebrownn

The Wildcats’ past few seasons have been a slow crescendo of success, always cut off a second too early. This past season, they went 21-10, 7-2 Big 10, but fell in the second round of the NCAA tournament. They flew as high up as No.12 in the rankings, on a mission to prove they can hang with top Big 10 contenders.

For a team that’s been toeing the line of large-scale success, a gutting of their experienced roster is not ideal — but that’s exactly what the Wildcats will be contending with this upcoming season.

The lineup will be losing Steven Forman, Ivan Yatsuk, Simen Bratholm and Trice Pickens, players who make up the team’s first through fourth singles slots and are large contenders in the doubles pairings.

All of them — especially Forman — have been

the backbone of this team, and such an extensive roster change could point to a season focused on rebuilding. But don’t count them out. The younger side of this squad is ready for action, with seniors Presley Thieneman and Gleb Blekher, both with a long list of valuable singles wins last season, most likely leading the lineup.

Junior Felix Nordby, with a good amount of singles experience, will also be a key player, followed up by junior Max Bengtsson, who got a couple rotations on the 6th court this season.

Doubles will see a completely new trio of pairings after the top players’ exit, and will be an interesting space to watch as coach Arvid Swan tries out new duos.

It could be a promising season for the Cats if the younger players can hold their own, but the lineup uncertainty will definitely make this a season to keep an eye on.

alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu

lines up for title defense, 9th national win

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

After securing its first national title since 2012, Northwestern enters the preseason primed for another shot at the game’s ultimate crown.

The Wildcats, who capped a 21-game winning streak with an 18-6 thrashing of Boston College in the National Championship, return many of the key pieces that propelled coach Kelly Amonte Hiller’s team atop the collegiate landscape.

Graduate student attacker Izzy Scane, the 2023 women’s Tewaaraton Award winner, provides the nation’s most potent scoring presence.

But, the Michigan native won’t be left on an island. Carrying one of the most well-rounded supporting casts in the NCAA, the Cats pack starpower at every position.

Alongside Scane, graduate student attacker Erin Coykendall possesses a patented behindthe-back ability and game-altering vision, leading the most feared offense in the Big Ten — if not nationwide.

Sophomore attacker Madison Taylor’s clever crashing acumen helped her take home Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, and the former

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Although Hailey Rhatigan departed the program for graduation and took her game to the professional level in the Athletes Unlimited League, Amonte Hiller holds several options eager to step in.

Perhaps redshirt freshman attacker Abby LoCascio will slot into Rhatigan’s role, or senior attacker Leah Holmes will reclaim her spot in the rotation.

With Amonte Hiller and field hockey coach Tracey Fuchs bringing in dual-sport graduate transfer Lindsey Frank from Richmond, NU may have struck gold in the transfer portal for

the second consecutive season.

Junior midfielder Samantha Smith maintains her command of the draw, while junior defender Samantha White will help with circle duties and stymie opposing attackers in the process. Despite entering the season with a national champion-sized target on their back, the Cats will be chomping at the bit to prove their prowess amongst some of the most talented teams in college sports. A successful title defense would do wonders for the team’s resume, adding a ninth national championship to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

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wildcats are down players and coaches

By AAYUSHYA AGARWAL daily senior staffer @aayushyagarwal7

The 2023 season was not kind to Northwestern. Finishing 4-20 in conference play and 10-40 overall, NU suffered its most defeats in program history and finished last in the Big Ten.

The start of the season could not have been worse for the Cats. After starting off the season 0-6, the team lost three assistant coaches in the middle of season, leaving them to finish out the season without a full coaching staff.

Making matters worse was a tumultuous offseason. Following reports of coach Jim Foster creating an abusive environment that included bullying and sexism, the University indefinitely suspended him.

The team’s poor 2023 showing and Foster’s alleged negligent culture likely caused many players to enter the transfer portal. When Foster was initially relieved of his duties on July 13, there were fifteen NU players in the transfer portal.

Now as the Cats look towards the 2024 season, a lot of questions arise about the roster and coaching staff. The team mostly consists of underclassmen and still needs to fill out its roster. NU announced former

MLB outfielder Brian Anderson as its interim coach, but it is still unclear whether he will lead the team when the season starts.

Ultimately, the expectations for Northwestern baseball are low entering the upcoming season. With a low bar set from this past season and the offseason, NU can only look up from here.

aayushyaagarwal2024@u.northwestern.edu

rocky 2024 path after dominant season

By SAUL PINK daily senior staffer @saullpink

The Northwestern softball team that will take the diamond at Sharon J. Drysdale Field this spring will look different.

NU is coming off of an unforgettable season, which

featured an undefeated record at home and the Cats’ first Big Ten Tournament championship since 2008. Coach Kate Drohan’s squad fell just short of a return to the Women’s College World Series, losing to Alabama in a tight three-game super regional.

With five key veteran leaders graduating, NU’s path to Big Ten dominance in 2024 will be rockier.

This season, Drohan will likely look to senior Lauren Boyd and Michigan State transfer Ashley Miller to fill

cats look to future

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

The 2023 Big Ten Coach of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year and four First-Team All-Big Ten honorees propelled Northwestern to a spot in the NCAA Championship tournament last season.

Ending the season at No. 15 in the nation, the Wildcats enjoyed a dominant stretch of stellar tournament showings in the spring.

NU advanced to the NCAA Championship after placing third at the NCAA Palm Beach Regional, but eventually cooled down, finishing 22nd out of the 30

qualifying squads.

The Cats will return three First-Team All-Big Ten honorees next season.

Senior Jieni Li will look to build upon an impressive 2022-23 season having averaged the second-lowest strokes per round on the team.

Also returning is junior Lauryn Nguyen, who tallied four top-10 tournament finishes. 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Dianna Lee led the team with two top-5 finishes last season.

The departures of Kelly Sim and Irene Kim will certainly have a noticeable impact on the team. The Cats will need to find a way to replace their production.

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu

Williams’ shoes in the rotation. losing key players in the field and at the plate, as well. Catcher Jordyn Rudd, outfielder Skyler Shellmyer, first baseman Nikki Cuchran and shortstop Maeve Nelson all graduated.

But NU benefitted from freshman firepower from infielder Kansas Robinson and outfielder Kelsey Nader, who will both see bigger roles in their sophomore seasons.

Drohan is also adding eight freshmen, who

could provide the Cats much-needed depth at each position.

NU’s Big Ten competition remains strong, and the loss of so many veterans gives the Cats a challenging road to back-to-back Big Ten Tournament titles, let alone a trip to Oklahoma City. But with a rising young core, NU has a chance to do the unexpected.

saulpink2025@u.northwestern.edu

new faces to step up

By LUCAS KIM daily senior staffer @lucaskim_15

Northwestern’s 2022-2023 campaign resulted in an individual Big Ten Championship title and an NCAA Regional appearance, but ended on a sour note as the squad fell a mere three strokes short of advancing to the NCAA Championship.

The Wildcats enjoyed a stellar spring season finishing second in the Big Ten Championship.

Though the team failed to appear in its first NCAA Championship since 2018, there remains much to look forward to in its upcoming season.

With the departure of superstar and 2022 Big Ten Champion David Nyfjäll, sophomore Daniel Svärd is poised for a breakout season.

The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year medalled at the 2023 Big Ten Championship a year after Nyfjäll did the same. Svärd became the 12th different individual Big Ten champion in program history. The Cats will also return junior Cameron Adam, who notched a top-20 finish at the NCAA Las Vegas Regional.

With three freshmen signees prepared to compete for a starting rotational spot, the Cats will have to rely on some unfamiliar faces to step up.

lucaskim2025@u.northwestern.edu