About Academic Advising

The SPS academic advising team helps students navigate the school and university resources available to them, guides academic planning, explains policies and administrative procedures, and promotes a supportive environment to foster student success.

Academic advisers students in a variety of academic-related matters during their time at SPS, including:

SPS Chatbot

In partnership with Ivy.ai, an industry leader in Artificial Intelligence for higher education, SPS is implementing a conversational agent (‘chatbot’) to provide quick and convenient access to information around the clock. The chatbot is live on this page and the SPS Information Technology page.

Access to SPS academic advisers isn’t changing- they are still available to help with program-specific questions and your individual needs. The chatbot offers real-time responses 24/7 to simple questions so that you don’t need to search through webpages to find answers to questions like, “when does registration for next term start?” or “what career resources are available?”

Frequently Asked Questions

View FAQ's

Can I switch my class to another course?
Yes, but only before a certain date. Find the last day of the term you can add a course and change sections in CAESAR on the Important Dates calendar. 
 
It's the first week of classes. Why isn't my course showing up on Canvas?
Email your faculty member to ask if they have made the course active. Most faculty members will open the course 1-2 days before the term starts, while some wait until the first day of classes. It is entirely up to the faculty member when courses become available.
 
How do I switch sections if CAESAR won’t let me?
If you would like to switch sections during the registration period, please submit a Change of Registration form on the Forms and Documents page. If the period to add classes has ended, please contact your academic adviser.

I need to drop a class. When is the last day to get a full refund?
Please consult the Important Dates calendar and the refund schedule.
 
How do I add a class after classes start?
Students are able to add courses in CAESAR until the end of the first week of classes. If you receive an error message in CAESAR, you can add a course by submitting a Change of Registration form on the Forms and Documents page. If you want to add a course after the registration period has ended, please contact your academic adviser.
 
I registered during week 1 of the course. When can I anticipate my class becoming available in Canvas?
Students who register once the course is already in session should allow 24 hours before their course will become available on their Canvas dashboard.
 
Do I need instructor permission to enroll in a course the first week of classes?
No, instructor permission is not needed for open courses as open registration remains open the first week of classes. You may confirm the dates of open registration on the Important Dates and Academic Calendar page.
 
I have not received access to my course on the first day of the quarter. Who do I contact?
If your course does not become available on Canvas by the first day of the quarter at 8:30 a.m. CT, reach out to your instructor or notify your academic adviser.

Please see our list of questions students frequently ask above. The academic advising team is also happy to answer your questions. Email spsacademicadvising@northwestern.edu to contact them or set up an advising appointment.

 

Contact Academic Advising

Advising Email Addresses

Students in any SPS program can email spsacademicadvising@northwestern.edu to set up an appointment with an academic adviser.

Each academic program also has a dedicated inbox to reach the academic advisers for your program directly.

Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs
Graduate, Graduate Certificate, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Programs

Compliments or concerns can be directed to the advising manager, Sean Kavanaugh

Advising Staff and Offices

Academic Advisers

Amanda John, Assistant Director of Graduate Advising
Lauren Sirota, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising
Stephanie Barnes, Academic Adviser
Llyoandra Cooper, Academic Adviser
Colleen Kjellberg, Academic Adviser
Scott MacPhee, Academic Adviser
Ariella Mak-Neiman, Academic Adviser
Allyssa Schweisthal, Academic Adviser

Concerns and Complaints

While SPS strives to ensure a positive student experience at SPS, we realize that issues can arise in and out of the classroom. If you have a complaint or a concern, your adviser is an excellent first resource for resolution. Students also have the option of emailing the Associate Dean of Student Services to voice your concerns at SPSDeanForStudents@northwestern.edu. 

If you are in need of assistance, please let us know.

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