Resources for Academic Support
SPS Learning Studios
SPS Learning Studios are skill building online tutorials. Learning Studios are self-paced, self-directed, and individualized online tutorials to support SPS students and assist in student success. SPS Learning Studios are optional, non-credit, and zero-tuition courses house in Canvas, with no registration requirements in CAESAR.
Writing Support
The Writing Place offers free assistance with writing papers through peer writing consultations to SPS students. Writing Place consultants can provide help at any stage of the writing process, from talking about ideas, to developing a plan, to revising and editing a draft. All consultation appointments must be made online at The Writing Place website.
Math, Science, and Engineering Support
The SPS Math Place offers free tutorial services in math to SPS students currently enrolled in Northwestern undergraduate or graduate courses. To book a tutoring appointment, use the Math Place Scheduling Calendar and select an available opening. Tutoring appointments take place over Zoom. For questions concerning appointments or additional information regarding tutoring services, please contact spsmathplace@u.northwestern.edu. Additionally, the Northwestern University Department of Mathematics maintains a list of mathematics graduate students who offer their services as private tutors in Mathematics for hire independent of Northwestern.
Northwestern Academic Support and Learning Advancement offers free drop-in peer tutoring in a number of subjects throughout the week on the Evanston campus. The Department of Chemistry offers TA tutoring throughout the week for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. Please contact the Undergraduate Chemistry Program Assistant for details. The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers TA tutoring throughout the week each quarter for Physics 130 and 135. Please check with the department for days and times.
Northwestern University and LinkedIn have partnered to offer students unlimited, on-demand access to a full library of online courses at no additional cost. Students can use LinkedIn Learning Courses to stay current in courses or for classes that require additional software skills.
Additional Tutoring Services
The following departments on the Evanston campus offer free tutoring services for undergraduate students:
- NU Academic Support and Learning Advancement (Chemistry, Engineering Analysis, Mathematics, and Physics)
- WCAS Department of Spanish and Portuguese Tutors
- WCAS Department of French and Italian Tutors
- WCAS Department of Economics Tutoring
- WCAS Department of Physics and Astronomy
- NU English as a Second Language Private Tutoring
For tutoring outside of the areas listed above, SPS academic advisers can work to refer students to independent tutors in certain subject areas.
Resources for Student Support
Health Insurance
All Northwestern students must maintain health insurance.
SPS students in an accelerated graduate program (AMPPA, ADS, AIS) are automatically enrolled in the Northwestern University Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP) for the full academic year. Enrollment will be charged in the fall billing cycle.
Accelerated domestic students who wish to opt out of NU-SHIP will have the opportunity to do so in July. Accelerated international students on an F-1 visa, as well as any F-2 dependents, are required by the university to purchase and maintain enrollment in NU-SHIP for the duration of their academic programs.
SPS students in all other programs are ineligible for NU-SHIP and encouraged to explore comparable coverage options.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) serves as the primary mental health service at Northwestern University, with offices on both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. CAPS provides a set of core services, including clinical services, educational workshops, and consultation. As an NU degree-seeking student, you are eligible for mental health consultation and crisis support from CAPS, and assistance connecting to services outside of CAPS.
- Urgent and crisis support is available 24/7 by calling CAPS (847-491-2151) during CAPS business hours (M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT).
- For after-hours urgent and crisis support (e.g., evenings, weekends, holidays), call CAPS (847-491-2151) and follow prompts, or press "0" to connect with a counselor on call.
- Additionally, TimelyCare offers 24/7 free, virtual mental health and wellness support, including scheduled counseling, health coaching appointments, group wellness sessions, and TalkNow on-demand access to a mental health practitioner.
Other Available Services
The following links provide information regarding other university services available to all students: