Symposium, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

11th Annual Northwestern SPS Symposium for Graduate Programs

This annual SPS Symposium is an optional but exciting part of a students' program. The three-day student event and academic conference provides an opportunity for students to interact and learn from fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The 11th annual SPS Symposium corresponds with Northwestern Reunion Weekend (October 6, 2022 through October 8, 2022) and has been developed to forge connections between students at all points in your program.

This is your opportunity to meet students outside of your courses; to talk, listen and engage with exciting speakers and discussion panels, and to experience the city of Chicago and the Evanston campus. Click here to RSVP, or copy https://SPSsymposium2022.eventbrite.com into your browser.

Below is a summary of each day’s events and programming.

Welcome Reception

- Thursday, 10/6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. CDT

- Chicago Campus

Conference

- Friday, 10/7, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT

- Chicago Campus, Wieboldt Hall

Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game

- Saturday, 10/8, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. CDT

- Evanston Campus

GUIDEBOOK AND WEBSITE

All event details (including full schedules, speaker bios, session information, rideshare promo codes, parking information, and more) can be found on the Guidebook app. Visit https://guidebook.com/g/spssymposium2022 or download the app and search guides for “SPS Symposium” to locate the interactive guide. In an effort to make the SPS Symposium more sustainable, we will not be distributing printed materials; please utilize Guidebook for the event schedule and details.

COVID-19 Guidelines

All visitors to Northwestern’s campus must adhere to the University’s safety protocols, which are based on current public health guidelines. The Illinois Department of Public Health and Northwestern encourages community members to wear masks indoors and at large outdoor gatherings or events. All registrants and guests are encouraged to wear their own face mask. All registrants and guests must avoid campus if they are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms.

To attend, submit your RSVP by 5 pm, September 19. We will be sending out more details as we get closer to the fall quarter, and we look forward to seeing you October 6-8.

This Year's Schedule

Below is the full program from the 11th Annual SPS Symposium – 2022.

DAY ONE

Welcome Reception

Thursday, October 6, 5:30–7:30pm

Chicago Campus, Potocsnak Family Atrium, 303 East Superior Street

The Symposium Welcome reception is the kick-off event for the three days of events. The Dean of the School of Professional Studies, Thomas Gibbons will deliver brief remarks followed by an alum presentation from Ashley Kang, CEO + Founder of AHK Business Management. Light food and drinks will be served.

DAY TWO

Symposium Conference

Friday, October 7

Chicago Campus, Wieboldt Hall,  339 East Chicago Avenue

The Symposium conference academic presentations and discussions are an opportunity for students to interact with their instructors face-to-face and engage in topics not covered in a typical course for further learning and professional development. The conference portion of SPS Symposium begins with breakfast at Wieboldt Hall at 8 a.m., followed by academic presentations, career panel/networking, and discussions sessions for students in all programs from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

DAY THREE

Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game

Saturday, October 8

Tailgate: Evanston Campus, 405 Church Street

Game: Ryan Field, Evanston Campus, 1501 Central Street

The final day of the SPS Symposium will take place on the Evanston campus, during the spirited festivities of Reunion Weekend (“Homecoming”). All are invited to attend a lunch with fellow SPS students, faculty, alumni, and staff in Evanston. Following lunch, attendees have the option to cheer on the Wildcats at the Northwestern vs. Wisconsin Homecoming Football Game (estimated game time is 2:30 p.m. CDT).

Football tickets can be purchased through this link (limited quantities available on a first come, first served basis; limit 2 per student; $55 each; use code SPS2022). Clear bags will be provided.

** social media hashtag for the event is #SPSSymposium2022 **

Transportation

A Uber event code will be shared with guests who attend Symposium to accommodate for travel between Chicago and Evanston during the scheduled events. More information and instructions will be shared with you by email the week before the event.

Travel and Accommodations

Please refer to the Northwestern University Reunion Weekend's webpage on travel and accommodations. These are suggestions and accommodations made by the University to make booking your stay easier. You are not obligated to stay in these recommended hotels to attend the SPS Symposium. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements. The North Shore Convention and Visitor's Bureau and Choose Chicago maintain complete lists of hotels in Evanston and the Chicago area.

Parking

Parking on the Evanston Campus

Parking is free on the Evanston campus throughout Symposium. University parking restrictions will be waived from Thursday, October 14 at 4 p.m. through Sunday, October 17, excluding emergency lanes and reserved spots. See the Evanston campus parking map.

Parking on the Chicago Campus

A discounted daily and evening rate of $9.00 is available for parking at the Erie Ontario Garage and the Huron Superior Garage from 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. or daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You must park and exit within the specified time to receive the discounted rate. If you enter before the rate takes effect, or exit after the specified end time on the date of entry you will be charged the full public rate for the entire time you are parked. If parked for 12 hours or more, regular garage rates will apply. See the Chicago campus parking map.

How to obtain a discount:

1. Park in the eligible garage and obtain a parking ticket at entry.
2. While at Symposium in Wieboldt Hall, obtain a QR code from the check-in desk, the Symposium Guidebook app, or the Erie Ontario or Huron Superior Customer Service Offices.
3. When ready to exit, go to a garage pay station on the ground level and insert your parking ticket.
4. Once the pay station has stated parking fee, scan the QR code on the pay station scanner. Once scanned correctly, the pay station will reduce the parking fee.
5. Pay the fee with payment card or cash following the machine instructions.
6. Collect the parking ticket back from the machine after your transaction is complete.
7. Insert the parking ticket at the exit gate as you leave the garage with your vehicle.