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2019 Fall Trimester

Student Support Services

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) fosters the academic development, personal growth and success of students by providing a cohesive set of support services to assist them in achieving their educational goals.  The following services are offered through the OSA:

Counseling Service

The University offers counseling services for all current students who experience academic, personal or relationship concerns. Short-term counseling and educational programs are provided free of charge. Referrals will be made for certain counseling services and for longer term counseling services. The University does not cover the cost of referral services.

Counseling services available to students include help with study skills, and short-term individual counseling. Counseling services are provided with the strictest confidentiality. Unless requested by the student, no information will be released without the student’s written permission, except in the following circumstances: risk of imminent harm to self or others, a court order, the report of abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adult, or an at risk pregnancy due to the use of certain classes of illicit drugs. Additional information on student rights, confidentiality, clinical record policy and emergency counseling services can be obtained in the Counseling Office.

Educational workshops are offered periodically to students who are interested in improving their performance in areas such as study skills, test anxiety, meditation and stress management. Suggestions for special interest workshops are welcomed. Appointments for counseling with the university counselor are scheduled through the Office of Student Affairs.

Students with Disabilities: Applicants and Students

Qualified persons shall receive reasonable accommodations for access to educational opportunities, programs and activities of Northwestern. Disability Services is responsible for the coordination of programs and services for qualified applicants for admission and enrolled students with disabilities. In order for the University to provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, the following process will be used:

  1. The Office of Admissions will notify accepted students of the procedures to receive needed support services.
  2. It is the responsibility of the individual student to inform Disability Services of accommodations that he/she may need as the result of a disability.
  3. Students must submit directly to Disability Services a written request for accommodations or auxiliary aids. Students may be required to submit medical or other diagnostic documentation of disability and/or limitations. This information will remain confidential to the Disability Services coordinator, except as permitted by the student expressly for providing support services to that student.
  4. As needed, Disability Services coordinator will discuss the student’s request for accommodation with the student and faculty member or department involved to determine appropriate accommodation. If there is a question about the appropriateness of a student’s requested accommodation, Disability Services will inform the student of the University’s decision. Northwestern will comply with applicable legal requirements in considering requests for accommodations. However, Northwestern will not waive requirements that are integral to the educational program.
  5. Requests must be made in a timely manner. Students are encouraged to submit a request for accommodation at least 30 days prior to the beginning of a course/program. Untimely requests may result in delay of accommodation.
  6. Complaints concerning the provision of accommodations to students with disabilities will be handled through the Student Complaint process specified in the University Student Handbook.

Applicants are encouraged to review each program’s specific “Qualifications” section (listed under “Admissions Information”) to determine if he/she is able to meet the qualifications with or without reasonable accommodations. Questions regarding the accommodations process should be directed to Disability Services located within the Office of Student Affairs.

Student Short Term Leave of Absence

During times of serious illness or when extended time is needed to address a personal crisis, students have the option to take a Short Term Leave of Absence of up to seven calendar days. Short Term Leaves of Absences are requested through the Registrar. Only the College Dean can grant approval for extensions of Short Term Leaves of Absences. Once the student returns to classes, they are responsible for contacting their instructors to create a plan to complete the work that they missed.