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

2023 Annual Northwestern SPS Symposium

October 5-7, 2023

The annual SPS Symposium is an optional but exciting part of a student's program. The three-day, in-person student event and academic conference provides an opportunity for students to interact and learn from fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni on the Northwestern campuses in Chicago and Evanston. 

The SPS Symposium corresponds with Northwestern Reunion Weekend (October 5, 2023 through October 7, 2023) 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.

Feel free to reach out to SPS Student Services at spsstudentservices@northwestern.edu with any questions.

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

Welcome Reception

• Thursday, 10/5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CDT
• Chicago Campus, Lurie Center - Ryan Family Atrium

Conference

• Friday, 10/6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT
• Chicago Campus, Wieboldt Hall

Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game

• Saturday, 10/7, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT
• Evanston Campus, 405 Church Street

GUIDEBOOK AND WEBSITE

All event details (including full schedules, speaker bios, session information, local information, and more) can be found in the Guidebook app. Visit this link or copy this address into your browser - https://guidebook.com/g/spssymposium2023/. Tap “Download the app” to access the guide on your iOS and Android device. 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.

DAY ONE

2023 Welcome Reception

Thursday, October 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Chicago Campus, Lurie Center - Ryan Family Atrium, 303 East Superior Street

The Symposium Welcome Reception is the kick-off event for the three days of events. Leadership from the School of Professional Studies will deliver brief remarks followed by an alumni presentation. Light refreshments will be served.

DAY TWO

2023 Symposium Conference

Friday, October 6, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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 9:00 a.m., followed by academic presentations, career panel/networking, and discussions sessions for students in all programs.

The 2023 Conference Event Schedule is below.

2023 Schedule

DAY THREE

2023 Homecoming Tailgate & Football Game 

Saturday, October 7 (Kickoff - 2 p.m.)

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 brunch/lunch with fellow SPS students, faculty, alumni, and staff in Evanston. Attendees have the option to cheer on the Wildcats at the Northwestern University Homecoming Game.

To purchase tickets, visit this link (www.nusports.com/groups) and use code: SPS2023. A limited quantity is available on a first come, first served basis; $45 each.

Transportation

A rideshare 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 will be available on the Evanston campus throughout Symposium. Additional information regarding rates will be posted here when it becomes available. See the Evanston campus parking map.  

Parking on the Chicago Campus

A discounted daily and evening rate will be 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.