International Parent Orientation 20 September 2018
The mission of the International Office is to enrich the academic and cultural experience of Northwestern’s international students, visitors, employees and families. • • • •
2 locations: Evanston & Chicago Advising and visa information Supportive programming Friendly staff
Practical Information Part 1: WEATHER
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Embrace & Enjoy
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Winter is coming‌
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Winter
• The university is prepared: sidewalks are cleared, buildings are heated, and ice is melted • Survive & Thrive: embrace and enjoy winter – NU has ice-skating, outdoor gear rental, and ski trips • Pro tip: wait until you arrive on-campus to buy a winter coat, gloves, a warm hat, and winter (e.g. water) proof boots • Average sunrise in winter: 07:00; average sunset in winter: 17:00
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Practical Information Transportation Tips Two major airports serve the Chicago area, O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. • O'Hare is located northwest of Chicago downtown and is about 45 minutes – 1 hour to campus by taxi, Uber, Lyft, etc. • Midway is located on the south side of Chicago and is 1 hour to 1.5 hours from campus by taxi, Uber, Lyft. Both airports are accessible to campus via public transit or car. See your handout for more!
Practical Information Transportation Tips – Getting around Campus Northwestern Transportation & Parking Office www.northwestern.edu/transportation-parking On-Campus, Around Evanston, and to/from Chicago • Northwestern Safe-Ride • Intercampus Shuttle • Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) – “el” train and buses • Metra commuter rail (Evanston downtown Chicago in 20 minutes • Pace 201 Bus (free for students with WildCard Sept.-June • Pace 250 Bus “Kiss-n-Fly” from Davis St. CTA station to O’Hare
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Practical Information Northwestern Academic Calendar Most academic program schedules are quarter-based calendars. The Pritzker School of Law operates on an academic semester calendar: Quarter (10 weeks long) Fall Quarter 2018: 9/27 – 12/15 Winter Quarter 2019: 1/07 – 3/23 Spring Quarter 2019: 4/01 – 6/15
**The quarter system moves very quickly! Successful students will need to be organized, proactive, and know when and how to ask for help, whether from professors/TAs for academic issues, or CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) for help managing stress**
Breaks: Winter, Spring, and Summer • •
Winter break: 12/16-1/7/2019; Spring Break: 3/23-3/31; Summer Break: 6/16-9/23 Living on-campus? Housing remains open during Spring Break (and Thanksgiving), but closes over winter break. Think about your travel plans now!
Practical Information Campus Safety & Security Northwestern is committed to promoting the safety and security of the University community–students, faculty and staff. Northwestern University Police (NUPD) is responsible for crime prevention, law enforcement, parking control, emergency response, residence hall security, policing of special events, and for various other community services. University Police patrol the campuses on foot, bicycle and vehicle. 12
Practical Information Assistance is available: • NU Police Department 24-hour number – 847-491-3456 (Evanston) – 312-503-3456 (Chicago)
• Dean on Call – 8:30am to 5:00pm Mon – Fri: 847-491-8430 – The after hours Dean on Call phone number: 847-467-3022
• International Office After Hours – 847-532-2037 13
Campus Information & Reminders Student Health Insurance What to do if you get sick… 1. If you feel like you may need to see a doctor, schedule an appointment with Health Services (on-campus clinic and pharmacy) – General medicine (flu, cold, allergies, other infections, vaccinations, etc.) – Appointments are available within 48-hours from time of inquiry – Full staff of board certified doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists
2. For life threatening or severe emergencies call 911 or go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital
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Campus Information & Reminders Student Accounts How do I pay tuition bills? Your student will need to authorize you to view or pay bills – Students must provide you with “Guest Access” – Once granted, you can view and pay bills online via CAESAR (the online system at Northwestern for payments, class registration, record-keeping and more!) – You can also set up payments, direct deposit, request refunds, etc.
Student Financial Services has a Help Guide just for parent! www.northwestern.edu/ sfs/help/help-forparents.html
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