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Get ready

What onboarding looks like

Once you've found a placement, here's what to expect before your first day.

Three students collaborating around a laptop in a library
  1. Background check

    Most positions require a fingerprint clearance as part of onboarding. There's no cost to you — Northwestern reimburses the district for each fingerprint scan.

  2. Health requirements

    In some cases the placement requires a TB test per school board policy. This will be communicated to you and can be done through Northwestern Student Health Services.

  3. Getting there

    There's no transportation provided. Students use public transit to reach D65 sites around Evanston. If transit cost is a barrier, reach out to discuss.

  4. International students

    You may need additional forms for service work in the community. Contact your advisor in the Office of International Students and Scholar Services, and email us (cc your advisor) so we can explore options with you.

  5. Your first shift

    Once you're placed, you'll learn who your supervisor is and how to report for service. Questions like 'what if I need to miss a shift?' will be answered during onboarding.

A Northwestern student and professor talking together in an office

Good to know

Requirements and timing vary by pathway and district team. For more details, visit the Q&A page.