Online Information for Graduate Students

Below you will find important information that new graduate students need to know. Please read over the areas, and click on the link at the end of each paragraph for more detailed information.

1. Begin by reading 1st section below
2. Click web link for the first section
3. A new window will open with additional information you should review
4. Close the new window that was opened and return to the main window
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each of the sections of this “Things New Students Should Know” page

TOP THINGS NEW SCS GRADUATE STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW

Student Handbook

The most important tool that a new SCS graduate student can use is the new student handbook. Information ranges on topics from how to get a Wildcard (student ID), to CAESAR usage (the online student system) and specific program policies. For further information, click on the link below:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/forms/SCS_Grad_Handbook.pdf

Bookstores

There are two bookstores that students may use to purchase class materials. One is located in Evanston (1999 Campus Drive, Norris center) and one is located in Chicago (710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall, 1st floor). We encourage students to call before making a special trip to campus as hours vary. Students taking classes at our Loop and Schaumburg locations may purchase books at the Chicago bookstore. For further information, visit:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/information/student_services.cfm

Classroom Assignments

Room assignments will be posted ion the website 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the term. Be sure to check the website for last minute room or building changes.

For classroom assignments, please see:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/courses/rooms.cfm

For campus maps, visit:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/maps/

Registration, Dropping Classes, Grades and CAESAR

Students may access their grades and register for future terms via CAESAR, the online student web based tool. You must have your active NetID and password handy to utilize this versatile system. Be sure to watch for registration and drop deadlines. Page 8 of the student handbook also provides further specific instructions on dropping a class.

CAESAR Registration Tip Sheet - New

• CAESAR Tip Sheet

To visit CAESAR, please see:

• http://www.northwestern.edu/caesar/

Visit the graduate academic calendar:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/calendar/

Career Services

VAULT and the University Career Services office are just two tools for graduate students to access assistance for career decisions. Check the SCS grad website periodically and be sure to consistently check your email for career workshop and lecture announcements. For more information, visit:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/student/career_services.cfm

Computer Labs, Email & Your NetID

Both the Evanston and Chicago campus have computer laboratory facilities. A NetID and password is required to use these facilities. Students must have an active NetID and password, so that they may register for future terms and access grades. After registering, students receive a letter in the mail that will contain instructions on how to self-activate their NetID. A PIN and temporary password will be included in this mailing. Once activated, you may use computer labs. They are available at our Chicago campus at either the Schaffner Library locate don the 2nd floor of Wieboldt Hall or in Room 415 at Wieboldt Hall (312/593-8820). Be sure to call ahead before making a special trip to campus. For more information, please see:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/student/information_technology.cfm

Graduate Resources and Student Services

SCS graduate students have several resources for program planning and advising. Each graduate program has a specifically assigned contact person to provide program support. The directory is listed on page 29 of the student handbook. In addition to program directors, students have support throughout their academic journey. View the student handbook (PDF Format) or visit the following link to learn more about SCS Student services:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/information/student_services.cfm

Parking and transportation

SCS graduate students may park after 4pm for free at the Evanston campus. Reduced parking is available at the Chicago campus. NU offers a free intercampus shuttle system. Additionally the Chicago “el” system run very close to all campus locations, and the metra is near the Loop and Evanston campuses.

See the link below for shuttle schedules:

• http://www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/shuttles/information.html

City bus and el schedules can be found here:

• http://www.transitchicago.com/

Metra schedules can be found here:

• http://www.metrarail.com/schedule.html

Program Completion and Graduation

Northwestern University hosts one graduation ceremony per year. It is important that you remain in close contact with SCS to make us aware of your graduation date plans. All graduate programs require a capstone project that must be approved by the Graduate School. Check with your Graduate Coordinator for the process and planning schedule to apply for graduation. Information begins on page 21 of the student handbook. For further information, view the graduate handbook:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/forms/SCS_Grad_Handbook.pdf

Libraries

Northwestern University has several libraries that graduate students may study in or use resources. Students may also take advantage of online research tools such as “Einstein” that can be accessed from your home computer. You will need your NetID and password to access tools from home. Lastly, you will need your student id card (Wildcard) to enter on-campus library facilities. For further information, visit:

• http://www.library.northwestern.edu/

Financial Aid

Financial aid at the graduate level often comes in the form of student loans. The financial aid department will need a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and additional paperwork to properly process your financial aid. Be sure to watch for filing deadlines.

Students in the:

• MMI (Medical Informatics)
• MPPA (Public Policy and Administration)
• MQARS (Quality Assurance and Regulatory Science)
• MSA (Sports Administration)
• or MSCIS (Computer Information Systems)

programs should direct their financial aid questions to the Chicago Office of Financial Aid (http://chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/scs) or (312) 503-8722.

Students in the:

• MALit (Literature)
• MALS (Liberal Studies)
• or MCW (Creative Writing)

programs can get assistance from Student Financial Services (www.northwestern.edu/sfs/osa/evancamp/contact.html) or (847) 491-8950.

SCS Offices

SCS offers two locations at Evanston and Chicago to serve students. For more information and office hours, visit:

• http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/about/offices.cfm

Wildcard ID

New students at Northwestern University are entitled to a student ID card called the "wildcard." This allows students to gain access to student events, the libraries and the intercampus shuttle system. Forty eight hours after students are registered, they may pick up their wildcard. For more information, click here.

• http://www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/WildCard/

Welcome and enjoy your first term at the School of Continuing Studies!