Navigating Northeastern University: A Comprehensive Guide to the Student Hub and Essential Resources

Embarking on a graduate program at Northeastern University is an exciting step. To ensure a smooth transition and a successful academic journey, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the resources and systems available. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the Northeastern student hub, campus resources, and essential information for graduate students, particularly those at the Seattle campus, but also relevant to other campuses like Boston, Toronto, and more.

The Student Hub: Your Centralized Online Portal

The Student Hub is a vital online platform designed to streamline your academic experience at Northeastern University. You can find the Student Hub on the web at me.northeastern.edu. Launched in August 2020, this user-friendly hub provides access to various functions and services related to your academic life, all in one convenient location. It was designed with the global and mobile student experience at its core, and the digital experience continues to transform with a focus on students’ changing needs.

Key Features and Functions

The Student Hub serves as a launchpad for:

Course Registration: Easily register for courses and manage your enrollment.
Course Schedule: View your class schedule and stay organized.
Student Accounts: Access your student account information and manage finances.
Husky Outlook Account: Access your email and communication tools.
"I Am Here" Verification: Complete the mandatory "I Am Here" process each semester.
Accessing Services and Links: Direct access to essential university services and resources.

Customization and Feedback

The Student Hub offers customization options to tailor the experience to your needs. Northeastern values student feedback and continuously improves the Hub based on student input gathered through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. If you have suggestions or encounter any issues, don't hesitate to provide feedback through the appropriate channels. To learn more about its features and customization, visit about.me.northeastern.edu. This site features information about the Hub including screenshots, release notes, video demos, and testimonials from students.

Essential Information for New Graduate Students

Before starting your graduate program, keep in mind the following important information.

Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA)

All new students must complete the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA) before accessing their Northeastern University student account. This agreement outlines your financial obligations and responsibilities as a student. This form is required for on-ground students only.

Tuition and Billing

Your first e-bill is generated when you register for courses. You will receive an e-bill from the university with instructions on how to pay it. For questions about payment methods or billing, contact the Student Financial Services (SFS) Office.

If you are supported by a Stipended Graduate Assistantship (Research Assistantship; Teaching Assistantship; Dean’s Fellowship; Distinguished Dean’s Fellowship; Chair’s Fellowship), the tuition and health insurance waiver are administered by the Office of Student Financial Services, graduate financial aid division. You are responsible for paying any portion of your bill not covered by your SGA by the due date.

Health Insurance

Massachusetts law requires all on-the-ground full-time and part-time students enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or degree-granting program to participate in a student health plan or a health benefit plan with comparable coverage. Northeastern University’s Student Health Plan (NUSHP) offers comprehensive health benefits at an affordable rate.

On-ground graduate students are automatically charged for the Northeastern University Student Health Plan (NUSHP). If you have comparable coverage and wish to waive NUSHP, you can do so once the insurance fee appears on your e-bill. Be sure to complete the waiver before the deadline to avoid being responsible for the health insurance bill.

Immunization Records

While the State of Washington does not require graduate students to provide full immunization reports, it's always a good idea to keep your records up-to-date and accessible.

Student ID Card

All students are required to carry their student ID card while on campus. Your Student ID serves as identification and provides access to various campus resources and services. Before your program begins, you will be asked to send in a photo to have a card created for you when you arrive on campus. Students are required to wear their Student ID at all times when on campus, so you must pick it up before you attend your first on-ground class.

International Students

The Office of Global Services (OGS) is dedicated to supporting international students, scholars, and their families. OGS provides guidance on F-1 student status, I-20 requests, and other related matters. International students on a J-1 or F-1 visa at our US campuses are required to arrive at campus no later than the date published on the I-20. However, students who are coming from abroad sometimes have to arrive a bit later because of the unavailability of international flights or because of visa administrative processing delays. International students at our Canadian campuses should refer to the program start date on their Proof of Acceptance Letter (POA). The last day to arrive to attend courses at the Canadian campuses is the first day of classes, as indicated on the POA. IRCC recommends students should arrive no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of classes.

If you need assistance with your application or an I-20 status update, you must contact OGS directly by submitting a ticket via your Student Hub or visiting the OGS Service Portal.

Campus Resources and Support

Northeastern University offers a wide range of resources to support your academic and personal success.

Academic Resources

Canvas: This is the learning management system (LMS) where students can view class materials, submit assignments, and communicate with instructors and classmates.
Claude: A powerful learning companion that helps you excel in your academic journey. Get help with understanding course concepts, organizing your notes, drafting assignments, and preparing for exams with practice questions.
College of Science Graduate Student Support Site: A resource for students in master’s degree programs and graduate certificate programs within the College of Science.
Systems Reference Guide: A resource to help students navigate the various systems often used, such as Banner, Canvas, the Student Hub, and the COS Graduate Student Support Site.
Academic Policies & Procedures: All graduate students are subject to the University policy regarding Minimum Cumulative Grade-Point Average.
Academic Honesty & Integrity: A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeastern University.

Career Services

Northeastern is recognized for having one of the best career services offices. The university also offers Graduate Cooperative Education (Co-op) positions to gain industrial experience. Please note that the process is competitive, positions are not guaranteed, and requirements apply.

Technology Resources

Tech Service Portal: Go to the Tech Service Portal for complete IT support, including answers to IT questions technology solutions, and tech support- all in one location.
NUwave: The secure wireless network for laptops, phones, and other personal devices in residence halls, classrooms, and across campus.
eduroam: A secure roaming wireless network developed for and used by the international research and education community.
NURes-device: An open Wi-Fi network, is available in the residence halls (but not leased properties) to support certain devices that are not compatible with NUwave.
ResNet: The high-bandwidth, high-speed wired network available in Northeastern residence halls (but not leased properties).
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Northeastern offers the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite for Northeastern faculty, staff, and students at no cost.
Loaner Laptops: Loaner laptops can be borrowed by visiting the Tech Bar on the Boston and Oakland campuses.
Printing: Students have access to general-use printers across all of Northeastern’s regional campuses.
Comcast Xfinity Streaming: Available to students residing in university housing on the Boston campus.

Campus Life and Community

Campus Ambassadors: Available to answer questions from the student perspective.
Student-Led Affinity Groups: Students are eligible to propose and run a group, request funding, and host events on campus.
Communities at Northeastern: Communities are where Northeastern students can start and participate in groups based on academic interests, residence halls and floors, sports, hobbies, and anything else that brings people together.
Social Media: Northeastern University in Seattle has social media pages for all current and incoming students. You are now connected with the Seattle campus community!

Other Resources

Family Hub: A centralized online hub designed for those with a Northeastern undergraduate student.
University Health and Counseling: The University Health and Counseling fee is not covered by your SGA.
Smoke-Free Policy: The University has a smoke-free policy, prohibiting tobacco smoking anywhere on campus - inside and outside.
Husky ID Card: Along with identification, the Husky Card is also used for building/residence hall access, parking, laundry, printing, vending, dining services, library book check-out, discounts and more.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): A security measure that protects your online identity and personal information.

Campus-Specific Information

Seattle Campus

Near the start of your first term, you will receive information about Welcome Days to help you get physically oriented to the campus. Due to the size of our campus, on-campus student jobs are limited. The three main types of positions which are available to students are Operations support positions, ambassador positions, and teaching assistants (TAs). The Seattle campus does not have dedicated housing available for students.

Boston Campus

Interdisciplinary programs on the Boston Campus such as: Cybersecurity, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Climate Science and Engineering, Data Science, Extended Realities, and Product Development.

Portland Campus

Guests to campus can park in the UPP parking garage within the building’s P0 level (public rate is $5/hr) or utilize nearby street parking administered by the City of Portland.

Toronto Campus

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the public transport agency that operates bus, subway, streetcar, and paratransit services in Toronto, Ontario. GO Transit is the regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Transportation and Parking

Northeastern University offers various transportation options for students:

MBTA (Boston): The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides extensive travel options throughout the greater Boston area, including trains, trolleys, ferries, and buses. Northeastern is served by many convenient transit stops, such as Ruggles Station (via the Orange Line) and the Northeastern T-stop (via the Green Line).
Parking (Boston): Visitors to the University are expected to park in the Renaissance Park Garage or the Gainsborough Garage. The fee is based on an hourly rate structure. Prior to the start of each academic year or semester/quarter, students can apply for a parking permit via myNortheastern. All vehicles being used by students must display a valid parking permit in order to park on University property.

Important Reminders

Complete Prerequisites: If your program has prerequisites, complete them within two academic semesters of starting the program.
Academic Performance: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher each term to remain in good academic standing and progress toward graduation.
Academic Honesty: Adhere to the University's Academic Integrity Policy.

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