North Park has served five generations of students and continues to grow in diversity, academic relevance, and Christian commitment. Our Chicago location is a great asset that reflects the School鈥檚 global reach and outlook.
After 125 years, we鈥檝e learned how to streamline the process of helping qualified applicants seek admission to North Park and find affordable ways to attend. If you don鈥檛 see what you鈥檙e looking for on our website, please contact us directly!
North Park offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. Classes average 17 students. 84% of our faculty have terminal degrees. Academics here are rigorous and results-oriented.
North Park Theological Seminary prepares you to answer the call to service through theological study, spiritual development, and the formative experiences of living in a community with others on a similar life path.
The Office of Alumni Engagement fosters lifelong connections by engaging alumni with the university and one another in activities, programs, and services that support the university鈥檚 mission and alumni needs.
Transitioning into college can often be difficult, scary, and stressful鈥攈ere are sophomore Macayla Dowling’s top ten recommendations for making the most of your first year.
Top Ten Ways to Survive鈥攁nd Thrive颅鈥擠uring Freshman Year of College
A blog post by North Park Sophomore Macayla Dowling
Transitioning into college can often be difficult, scary, and stressful鈥攅specially if you are moving far away from home. Last year, I moved seven hours away from my small, rural community; needless to say, Chicago鈥檚 urban lifestyle was a major change for me. While my first year at North Park was one of the most trying years of my life, it was also one of the most successful years of my life. That said, here are my top ten recommendations for surviving鈥攁nd even thriving鈥攄uring your first year as a college student.
1. Don鈥檛 be afraid to step out of your comfort zone
Moving so far away from home and everything I have ever known was a huge leap out of my comfort zone, but I would not change it for the world. My first few weeks at North Park were awfully difficult, but pushing myself beyond what I found comfortable led to a year full of growth and life-changing experiences, which, I鈥檝e come to realize, is exactly what college is all about. Seize every opportunity that comes to you鈥攅specially the ones outside of your comfort zone. Try new things and attend events you do not typically see yourself participating in because you might end up finding something that you really enjoy or making new friends!
2. Stay organized
Assignments and activities tend to build up quickly; the best way to keep everything under control is to stay organized. I find keeping separate folders, notebooks, or binders for each class really helps me keep track of everything. I never felt the need in high school to keep an academic planner because my assignments were easy to remember. As a college student, my philosophy has completely changed; I would be so lost without my planner. Recording everything鈥攕uch as upcoming assignments and meetings鈥攊n an academic planner or your phone calendar is an extremely helpful way to stay on top of things.
3. Get involved with programs, teams, and clubs
My first semester at North Park I participated in the Catalyst program, where I met so many friendly people and learned a lot about Chicago. I even found something I was passionate about through my practicum. Fortunately, North Park offers an abundance of ways to get involved on campus. Programs鈥攕uch as Catalyst, CRUX, or COMPASS鈥攁re perfect opportunities to build close relationships and engage in the city of Chicago. Joining sports teams, intramurals, and clubs are also great for meeting new people while pursuing interests. In order to enhance your college experience, I highly recommend getting involved with at least one organization.
4. Go to class, take notes, and don鈥檛 procrastinate
I found that one of the best ways to succeed in classes is to actually attend them. Although going to class may become tedious (especially near the end of the semester), it is still important to be present. Taking notes in class benefits me greatly when it comes to essays and exams, but notes can only be taken while attending class. Another tip for success is to procrastinate as little as possible; I attempt to get assignments done early because it guarantees that they will be turned in on time and allows more time for fun or relaxing because I鈥檓 not stressing out about assignments.
5. Attend campus events
Campus events help break the monotony of classes and assignments, so I always keep an eye out for fliers posted around campus. From Catalyst on Campus to the Cram Jam (my personal favorite), North Park hosts tons of events throughout the year. Attending campus events is another good way to meet new people, hang out with friends, or even learn something new. The best part about campus events is that they typically provide some type of free food, which is every college student鈥檚 ultimate dream.
6. Get a job
Let鈥檚 face it, college students aren鈥檛 exactly the wealthiest demographic; fortunately, there are numerous jobs available both on and off campus. During my second semester, I found that I had huge gaps in my schedule and decided that getting a job would be an incredibly productive way to fill those gaps. I constantly searched Career Hub and found a position as a student writer for University Marketing and Communications. As an English major, I really enjoy my job and found that working with UMC has provided me with beneficial work experience and has especially strengthened my writing skills.
7. Dedicate time to have fun
During the week, I work diligently, but I always reward myself by declaring Saturday a homework free day. I often find myself getting ice cream, discovering new things in the city, or playing board games with friends. College is often stressful, but that does not mean that it cannot be fun; it鈥檚 all about finding the perfect balance between productivity and excitement. Don鈥檛 don鈥檛 be afraid to set aside time each week to do something that makes you happy.
8. Keep in touch with your friends and family
Every day, I make sure to at least text my friends and family to let them know that I am thinking of them no matter the distance between us. Maintaining relationships with people from home is just as important as establishing new relationships at school, because while your new transition may be difficult for you, odds are that it is also difficult for them. No matter how busy you are, be sure to connect with your friends and family at least once a week to update them on how you鈥檙e doing and find out what鈥檚 going on back at home.
9. Explore the city
My heart was set on Chicago while searching for where to further my education, so when I got to North Park, I utilized my newfound freedom to begin exploring. Whether it be through one of the programs that North Park offers or with friends, get to know the city you live in. No two neighborhoods in Chicago are the same, making it an excellent city to immerse yourself in different cultures. It seems as if there is always an event happening somewhere; not to mention, there is a plethora of free activities to enjoy and over 7,300 restaurants to try. When using your Ventra card and Google Maps, the possibilities are endless!
10. Relax
I have noticed that I always feel like I need to be doing something productive, so I often need to remind myself to take a breather. Sometimes college can feel like a tremendous balancing act between classes, assignments, social life, and extracurricular activities. While it is important to focus on all of those, it is also vital to your health to incorporate time to yourself into the mix. Know that it鈥檚 okay to watch Netflix or take a much-needed nap from time to time. Make sure you are allowing yourself to relax after working hard; you deserve it!
It鈥檚 the second day of class. We had our introduction exercises in our first class, and the syllabus was presented too. We won鈥檛 be wasting any more time; the real deal starts today. My roommate comes in sweaty; of course, they woke up to meet the gym as it opened. Maybe you鈥檒l get a roommate like that too.
10 am: Coffee
Starbucks or Einstein鈥檚 Bagels & Co.? Luckily neither is a difficult choice as the former is across the street and the latter in the Johnson Center. I prefer the snack variety at Einstein鈥檚.
12 pm: Lunchin鈥�
I ordered ahead of time to get my pack lunch at Einstein鈥檚, it does cost a meal swipe, but this way I can sit outside or find a quiet spot in the Johnson Center to call my family, because they call. Every. Single. Day.
2 pm: Catalyst 606__
Some of my friends already have their Catalyst class session now. There are two every semester per afternoon class. I鈥檝e got one of mine next week. We鈥檝e got U-Passes, that means we have unlimited travel on the CTA, Chicago鈥檚 train and bus systems, so Millennium Park here we come. We can still explore the city without the class.
6 pm: ARA
Back on campus, everyone calls the campus dining hall 鈥淎RA鈥�, it鈥檚 infiltrated my use as well. It takes up almost the entire second floor of Magnuson.
8 pm: 鈥淧ogo if you love North Park鈥�
Yep, that鈥檚 one of the chants at the men鈥檚 soccer game. The stands are full and everyone is jumping on one leg with a shoe raised in the air. There are some people at the base of the stands shouting and heckling the other team, in good fun; we joined them for a bit. Why not?
10 pm: Cookie Monster
Some of the returning students want to take us to Insomnia Cookies. It鈥檚 off the Fullerton stop and, apparently, the North Parker place to go on a weeknight. There is sleep, but this is college, so鈥�
Edson draws many parallels between academic discipline and gaming discipline. 鈥淵ou have to be willing to put in the time and effort to get better, otherwise, you won鈥檛 become good. You have to practice every day, you have to compete against other good players.鈥�
Edson Lopez, a Business Management major, will graduate from North Park in May of 2020. Edson is also a Top 500 player in Fortnite. Fortnite is an online video game based on the Battle-Royale format. Players scavenge for loot and build structures until the last man standing. Fortnite has around 250 million registered users worldwide. Edson clocked over 1,000 hours of Fortnite last year on his PS4 alone. He has since moved to playing on PC and plays competitively.
To Edson, video games such as Fortnite are just like any other sport, 鈥渋t鈥檚 just a passion. Gaming is one of those things where I just lose sense of time. I have a lot of fun, and it is something I would like to make a living off of.鈥� For Edson, a career in gaming is becoming a reality. He is already signed on a contract with esports organization Bolt Esports LLC. 鈥淭he organization chose me for placing well in events and I have proven that I can compete against some of the best players in the world,鈥� Edson says. He hopes to improve and sign with larger organizations; his ultimate goal is to sign with 100 Thieves.
Edson draws many parallels between athletic or academic discipline and gaming discipline. 鈥淵ou have to be willing to put in the time and effort to get better, otherwise, you won鈥檛 become good. You have to practice every day, you have to compete against other good players,鈥� he says. Communication and networking are other important aspects to gaming Edson says. Networking with other streamers and players has helped him grow his channels and bolster his online presence.
Edson attributes some of this success to North Park鈥檚 School of Business. He cites his professors who intentionally made personal connections with him. They have taught Edson how to communicate and market himself, and have shown him the numbers behind business. Edson says this guidance and learning has 鈥渢ranslated over to the gaming side because communication and marketing myself has helped me grow my Twitch (streaming channel), and helped me make new friends and connections with people.鈥� He adds, 鈥淚 have learned the things I should and shouldn’t do as a professional. Gaming is more serious than many people think.鈥�
Edson is also excited to join the gaming industry in other ways. Esports organizations are similar to other businesses, with a product to sell and talent to acquire. 鈥淪couting would allow me to play the game more casually. The School of Business has really taught me how to communicate, and working as a scout involves a lot of interpersonal skills, so I feel like that would be a good fit for me.鈥�
Last month, Edson and his Duo placed 43rd in a Fortnite tournament in one of the toughest regions in the world: North America East. Edson is currently competing in the Fortnite World Cup qualifiers in Solo and Duo categories. Each weekend, Edson has qualified for finals and has won cash prizes. The Fortnite World Cup has a total prize pool of $30 million.
To follow Edson鈥檚 gaming escapades, find him on Twitter or Twitch @PotentFN.
Back by popular demand,聽萝莉社聽will open its state-of-the-art science facilities to high schoolers who enroll in our Summer Science Academy,聽June 17鈥揓uly 11.
Back by popular demand,聽萝莉社聽will open its state-of-the-art science facilities to high schoolers who enroll in our Summer Science Academy,聽June 17鈥揓uly 11. Now in its fourth year, the Summer Science Academy will offer credit-bearing, university-quality instruction in a supportive, enriching environment.
Some Specifics about聽:
June 17鈥揓uly 11 one- and two-week long courses meet either in the morning or afternoon
Course fee聽$180聽per week per course
2-week courses earn聽North Park听肠谤别诲颈迟
10% early-bird discount registration聽March 31st
Priority registration and scholarship application聽April 30
Final registration聽May 15
“All the experiments were very interesting. I had a lot of fun, along with learning a lot,” said one 2018 student participant.
“These courses are a great opportunity for students to experience science as closely as it could be at a college level but with the added guidance appropriate for high schoolers,” said Dr.聽Yoojin Choi, the program’s director.
New to Summer Science 2019 is Forensic Chemistry, a perfect opportunity to experience聽North Park’s聽Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory. Students learn the chemistry behind techniques utilized in examining physical evidence from crime scenes. Like all Summer Science courses, Forensic Chemistry will use hands-on, experiential learning.
Students can choose from the following courses:
Human Anatomy Boot Camp: Department of Biology
Fins, Fur, and Feathers: Department of Biology (2 weeks)
Genomes from the Chicago River: Department of Biology (2 weeks)
Forensic Chemistry: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Body Dynamics and Comfort: Division of Health Sciences
North Park聽started the program so high schoolers could have access to high-quality, engaging science courses, according to Choi. The idea, she said, is to foster in young people a curiosity about science, which eventually leads to their involvement in science-related careers.
The new pep band will offer renewable $1,000 annual scholarships to up to 16 students who try out for and join the band in the fall of 2019.
萝莉社 has announced it will form a new pep band, and will offer renewable $1,000 annual scholarships to up to 16 students who try out for and join the band in the fall of 2019.
The pep band will play at about 15 home football and basketball games throughout 2019-20, and will include 鈥渕usical, enthusiastic鈥� students who earn their spots through tryouts similar to those held for cheerleading and dance scholarships. University officials hope to eventually increase the pep band to as many as 32 members.
The band will be made up of a rhythm section with an electric guitar, electric bass, and drums, along with a melodic section featuring brass and woodwind instruments such as tuba, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
University officials say they expect many band members to be non-music majors who are nonetheless interested in performing with a band.
The scholarship fund will also include a $3,000 stipend for student band leaders. The move is meant to both boost fan support, and student enrollment, according to Jack Surridge, North Park鈥檚 Director of Athletics.
Students interested in auditioning should schedule an on-campus audition or submit a recorded audition by April 15.聽Check out North Park鈥檚 Website for more details on talent-based scholarships.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY
萝莉社聽is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
萝莉社 will increase scholarship awards to the highest achieving transfer students by 44%, a move that should help traditional transfer students reach degree completion.
Officials at 萝莉社 announced that they will increase scholarship awards to the highest achieving transfer students by 44%, a move that should help traditional transfer students reach degree completion.
The increased scholarships will apply to traditional transfer students starting in the fall 2019 semester.
The scholarships should help traditional transfer students reach degree completion.
Nationally, students who transfer from two- to four-year schools are graduating with bachelor鈥檚 degrees in historically high numbers.
The scholarships are available to transfer students who have achieved outstanding grade point averages at their previous institutions.
Under North Park鈥檚 new award structure: The Platinum scholarship, available to those with a GPA of 3.5 or greater, increases to $13,000 from $9,000, a 44% increase; the Gold scholarship, for students with GPAs between 3.0-3.49, will increase to $9,500 from $7,500, a 26% increase; and the Silver award increases to $7,000 from $5,000, a 40% jump.
鈥淲e believe that these increases in scholarship funds will attract even more high achieving academic students to our world-class institution,鈥� said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Anthony Scola. 鈥淓ven more students will be able to experience the life-changing benefits of a North Park education.鈥�
Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, 萝莉社 is located on Chicago鈥檚 North Side and enrolls 3,200 students. Programs such as Catalyst 606__, a city-centered curriculum, and Crux, North Park鈥檚 Christian living/learning cohort, allow students to find themselves academically and spiritually.
Nationally, the outcomes for students who transfer from two- to four-year colleges have improved in recent years. Of the 268,000 students who transferred from a community college to a four-year institution in 2017, about 42% of those went on to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
ABOUT聽NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY聽
萝莉社聽is a city-centered, intercultural, and Christian university located in Chicago.
February 14鈥揗ay 11, the North Park community has the exciting opportunity to attend original art exhibits featuring North Park鈥檚 very own senior art majors.
Interested in exploring local artistic talent but not sure where to start?聽February 14鈥揗ay 11, the North Park community has the exciting opportunity to attend original art exhibits featuring North Park鈥檚 very own senior art majors. Every week the spotlight will shine on one senior鈥檚 solo art show. The exhibits are held in Carlson Gallery located in the Carlson Tower lobby. Closing their solo shows, each talented artist will hold a reception where they provide insight and lead discussion regarding their work.
The tradition of senior solo exhibitions is relatively new; until 2012, the senior shows were held as group exhibitions. According to Tim Lowly, gallery director and assistant professor of art, the shift from group to solo exhibitions gives seniors the opportunity of exhibiting more ambitious and expansive work鈥攁 challenge they鈥檝e risen to year after year. Professor Lowly says, 鈥�It never ceases to amaze me to see the diversity of the work being produced by 萝莉社 art majors. This year is certainly indicative of that variety and creativity,鈥� making this year鈥檚 senior art exhibitions a series of events you won鈥檛 want to miss.
2019 Senior Art Major Exhibitions
Ethan Oliver:聽February 14鈥�21
Reception: February 21, 5鈥�7 pm
“A display of antique phenomenon and nostalgia, Ethan聽has composed a聽compilation of fish and cigarettes strewn across grandma and grandpa’s house.”
Jessica Doering:聽February 21鈥�28
Reception: February 28, 5鈥�7 pm
“A nostalgic nosedive into the inner workings of a creative psyche. Bring your imagination.”
Samantha Gee:聽February 28鈥揗arch 7
Reception: March 7, 5鈥�7 pm
“Magic? Madness? Magicness.”
Lina Granberg: March 7鈥�21
Reception: March 21, 5鈥�7 pm
鈥淎s a curatorial studies聽art major, I am presenting an exhibition of work by two Chicago artists鈥�Shannon Downey and Beverly Nash.鈥�
Rebekah Law: March 21鈥�28
Reception: March 28, 5鈥�7 pm
鈥淎n abstracted study of the effects of trauma through monochromatic acrylic paintings of individuals.鈥�
Michaela Scholte: March 28鈥揂pril 4
Reception: March 29, 5鈥�7 pm
鈥淚 want viewers to see how my paintings physically feel; I use paint to map texture and give an understanding of touch and implication of dimension.鈥�
Mee-Joo Kong: April 4鈥�11
Reception: April 5, 5鈥�7pm
“Being real and true is a part of everyone’s humanity; showing that through film is one part of a unique identity.”
Arturo Valadez: April 11鈥�18
Reception: April 18, 5鈥�7pm
Maria Flores de Leon: April 18鈥�25
Reception: April 25, 5鈥�7pm
鈥淐hildren鈥檚 day should be a day where kids are celebrated by their uniqueness, their interests, their personality and so much more!鈥�
Amy Ryzewicz: April 25鈥揗ay 2
Reception: May 2, 5鈥�7 pm
鈥淣ature is understood through science, replicated by artists and designers, and embellished upon by writers.鈥�
Emmanuel Garfias: May 2鈥�11
Reception: May 9, 5鈥�7 pm
“My art consists of a coalition of familiar forms that hopefully lead the viewer to start foreshadowing.”
Working as a senior financial analyst at global healthcare manufacturer Fresenius Kabi USA, Elvin Ahmeti C鈥�15 says it was his combined education in business and life sciences which prepared him for his career.
Elvin Ahmeti C鈥�15 took full advantage of North Park鈥檚 multidisciplinary academics and internship opportunities, completing a double major in finance and accounting with a minor in biology. Now based in Chicago and working as a senior financial analyst at global healthcare manufacturer Fresenius Kabi USA, Ahmeti says his combined education in business and life sciences prepared him for his career and helped him to stand out in the job market.
Ahmeti developed his skills in North Park鈥檚 rigorous business and biology classes, and through an internship as a business analyst at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Ahmeti stayed on-board at Swedish Covenant for another year post-graduation before moving over to Fresenius Kabi. As a senior financial analyst, Ahmeti works in a team to ensure the sustainability of the company鈥檚 pharmaceutical product portfolio.
鈥淭he fact that I had a biology minor along with my business major made me stand out as a job candidate,鈥� Ahmeti says. Many of Ahmeti’s classes, including Advanced Finance and Strategic Management, were “exact replicas of what is expected from financial professionals in the real world.鈥�
鈥淭he courses I took at North Park were challenging and properly prepared me for my future,鈥� says Ahmeti, who encourages students to work hard. 鈥淏e focused on your end goal and eventually you will reach it.鈥� 聽While at North Park, Ahmeti鈥檚 favorite classes were Advanced Finance, Public Speaking, and Management and Leadership.
When not working, Ahmeti enjoys cooking, traveling, watching soccer, and learning about history and politics. He considers himself lucky to live in Chicago because of its cultural and culinary diversity. One day he hopes to own a restaurant specializing in artisan sandwiches and breakfast food somewhere warm like Vietnam.
North Park summer research experience students describe how NPRESS benefited their education.
The聽North Park Research Experience for Summer Students (NPRESS) provides opportunities for North Park students to participate in directed undergraduate research with a North Park faculty mentor over a period of eight聽weeks during the summer.聽NPRESS is open to full-time faculty and undergraduate students of all disciplines.
The research projects are awarded by the Undergraduate Research Committee to students based on:
Merit: Is the project 鈥渁n inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline鈥�?
Outcome: Does the project have clearly defined goals and are the goals achievable during the summer?聽 Will the project engage the student for a period of 8 full weeks of 30-40 hours of research work per week?
Commitment: Is the student committed to the project and to full participation in the NPRESS program?
Previously, NPRESS has offered research projects to over 10 students for the duration of the summer. However, this year, NPRESS was limited to granting three students research opportunities because of a smaller pool of funding.
The three students who were chosen for NPRESS this year, Chanel Metti, Jacob Bretz, and Karen Weldler, are all seniors. Each student offered to share their experiences across the duration of the summer, giving their initial and final impressions of the research program.
Karen Weldler聽psychology major C’18 December聽used her summer experience as a pilot study for her senior project to test the methodology. Her project analyzed reactions to cognitive testing and her results and methodology need to remain confidential until her presentation at the end of her studies.
Jacob Bretz聽philosophy major C’18 December spent his research time to look into the concept of wilderness and the implementation of protected wilderness areas through a post-colonial framework.
Chanel Metti聽biology major C’19, along with her faculty adviser Dr. Brown, researched how cancer cells react with a dye.
Karen Weldler
NPRESS is a good way to kickstart the research that I want to do and to have the summer time devoted to my research is very helpful. My project is something that I have wondered about, developed theories on, and asked people about for a long time. When I decided I was going to do undergraduate research, I chose a study design accordingly.
Our little NPRESS team, we are each other’s support group, even though we are in different disciplines, we are all part of the same experience together.
I used my time at NPRESS for a pilot study as a precursor to my senior project in the fall. For a pilot study, we got the results we wanted. It was a smaller sample than we hoped for, but we really wanted to test our methodology, and for that, our purpose was definitely fulfilled. We know a larger sample will yield more significant results.
I anticipate that I will have more participants in the fall. Our trial will be a little longer than the 8 weeks in the summer. Others aspects of the research will be a shorter process because I’ve already practiced them.
This summer, I had an internship alongside my NPRESS research. I want to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology, and at my internship, I got to see a lot of the therapy side of psychology, while with NPRESS I got to see a lot of the research side of psychology. I knew I wanted to have more hands-on work, but I didn’t know what exactly that meant for me, and because of NPRESS, now I do.
I had the best faculty advisers for my project. Dr. Shirkey and Dr. O’Toole helped me come up with the design of the study together. Dr. O’Toole will be my direct communication adviser for the fall and I am excited because we work really well together.
Jacob Bretz
Through聽NPRESS I looked at the concept of wilderness and the implementation of protected wilderness areas through a post-colonial framework. Basically, our concept of wilderness is dependent on imperialist countries, and the only way we can implement the parks system is through colonialism.
Having spent my spring semester in Norway, I was not excited to return to Chicago for the summer. I had spent my previous summers in national parks as well. But coming back here for NPRESS, I thought this was awesome. I haven’t seen anyone make this argument explicitly, so I’m excited to do something that may be new in the field. I’m really excited to produce something interesting.
I wanted Dr. Greg Clark to work with me as my adviser because he knows so much about the idea of wilderness. I’m not as interested in the environmental argument, but the conservation argument. I’ve been in a lot of Greg’s classes, I’ve done the Writing Retreats with him, he’s been a mentor to me outside of NPRESS. If I could be half the professor Greg has been to me, that would be sweet.
I’ve never done anything close to this during the regular semester. Having two months to just bury yourself in research is amazing. And North Park isn’t a traditional research institution, so having something like this to show students the other side of what academics can be, I think is really important.
NPRESS is also for the students, which is different than other summer experiences because we’re not helping anyone else with their project; it’s our projects. The program allows students聽to say original things.
Chanel Metti
NPRESS is something I wanted to join since my freshman year. It has allowed me to focus on one project during the summer. You can’t do that in the regular semester. It has been especially helpful for me because what I’m working on is so time intensive that I need 10 hours in a day sometimes. This program has benefited me with finding more results.
My relationship with my advisor has been something that has grown over the summer as well. Dr. Brown has allowed me to grow in my research. This is a technique that most medical and graduate students use, so it was really cool that I got to use it because our University is dedicated to giving students summer research opportunities. I鈥檝e worked with Dr. Brown for two years. I meet with him weekly to show him my experiments and find out new techniques or ways to improve my experiments.
I wish there were more people in the program this year because I don’t get to see what everyone else is working on. It beneficial to have people sharing their ideas and projects along the way. NPRESS offers an extension of coursework that you might especially be interested in, and offers more in-depth learning. I think that it reflects grad school work too.
I’m so glad that I was chosen. I would definitely recommend NPRESS for all majors because you get to focus on one area, and it is a smaller experience of grad schools, so you get prepared in that way.
If I had picked a bigger university, I don鈥檛 think I would have the same opportunities as we have at North Park. There might be those opportunities, but they would also likely be way more competitive.
At the conclusion of the NPRESS program, each student is required to share a presentation on their research findings as well as submit an academic essay to the Undergraduate research committee. The amount of students admitted into the summer research experience varies in relation to the total available funding. Students who are accepted into the program receive a stipend throughout the eight-week program as well as free housing for the entirety of the summer. 萝莉社, as well as the members of the Undergraduate Research Committee, are excited to welcome many more students into the research program next summer.
We’ve compiled a list of the top ten must-dos for North Park Freshmen.
Everyone says that in your first year of college you should get involved, join a club, and watch out for those Freshman fifteen. While all of those are true, aren鈥檛 there any other fun suggestions? Well, glad you asked because here are ten things you don鈥檛 want to miss at North Park. Situated in the city of Chicago, North Park gives you proximity and access to millions of people and thousands of opportunities to try something new!
1. Attend a North Park sporting event, especially against Wheaton. Whether we are playing in Carlson Tower or on Holmgren Field, there鈥檚 always a chance to show support for North Park鈥檚 student-athletes. At soccer games, super fans dubbed 鈥淔oster鈥檚 Finest鈥� lead chants, and their friendly heckling of the opponents is always sure to draw a laugh. My favorite one thus far was 鈥渘umber seven drinks skim!鈥� Swaying back and forth with the crowd to 鈥淣orth Park 鈥榯il I Die鈥� in the crisp autumn air while stoking our rivalry with Wheaton College is your initiation into campus life at North Park. Sports events happen year-round, so suit up in your blue and gold.
2. Eat at Tre Kroner and Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club.
The restaurants around North Park are excellent, especially for brunch. Tre Kronor, affectionally known as Tre K by every North Parker, leans on their Swedish heritage to serve excellent brunch (get the waffle, it鈥檚 a requirement for graduation). The Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club is within walking distance of campus as well. Just make sure you wake up early to get a seat inside these restaurants for a weekend brunch.
3. Explore the Art Institute of Chicago.
The Art Institute is Chicago鈥檚 premiere art exhibitioner. It houses thousands of paintings and sculptures in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Art Institute has everything from original Picasso鈥檚 to the shining armor from the knights and Vikings of yesteryear. After passing over the Metra and Amtrak rails, you鈥檒l find the Modern Wing, which houses modern and contemporary art exhibits. On Thursdays after 5 pm, it鈥檚 free to any Chicago resident; just show the teller your Student ID and give them your Chicago zip code: 60625 for North Park!
4. Attend a Catalyst event.
Catalyst 606__ is North Park鈥檚 newest endeavor to bring campus to the city, and the city to campus. While the Catalyst excursions get a lot of attention, often overlooked are the Catalyst on Campus events offered Wednesday afternoons for those not on excursions. Speakers range from school staff and faculty to NFL players and Olympic medalists.
5. Use your U-Pass!
Whether you are a commuter or campus resident, your North Park issued U-Pass gives you unlimited access to the CTA, both busses and 鈥楲鈥� trains. Grab a couple friends and explore the city of Chicago. Because Wednesday afternoons are always free from classes, you should use the time to de-stress and find a new part of the city to love.
6. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Free for every entrant, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a short skip and hop away from the Fullerton or Sedgewick Brown line stops. Watch sea lions swim and bears climb. The Lincoln Park Zoo also lights up for the Holiday season, making it an excellent hangout spot regardless of the weather or time of year.
7. Travel with Global Partnerships.
Global Partnership trips are facilitated through University Ministries and are the best way to explore the world while serving others. Global Partnerships team members assist you with fundraising鈥攕o you don鈥檛 have to pay for your awesome experiences鈥攁nd prepare you for traveling domestically or internationally.
8. Desert campus for dessert.
Insomnia Cookies is a must eat for every North Parker. The closest locations are by the Loyola Red Line 鈥楲鈥� stop or off the Fullerton Brown Line stop. You can pick up a cookie after your trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You鈥檝e probably already visited that Insomnia location because it鈥檚 the spot North Parkers take their prospective students when they are in town. They are open from morning until the late night, so you can grab warm cookies any time.
9. Network with staff across campus. Many want a student worker and it could be you if you put yourself out there.
Your major might not require you to have an internship until your Junior or Senior year, but why wait when you can already get experience now? Taking a work-free first year is a great idea if you can swing it, but start building relationships with staff and faculty on campus early. Offices are always looking for student workers or those eligible for work-study, and a simple connection could land you the job. The more experience you have applying for internships for your Senior year, the more employers will notice your proactive work spirit!
10. Enjoy Friendsgiving at ARA. Celebrating Thanksgiving in the dining hall, known to students as ARA, is a North Park tradition. Every year, the week before thanksgiving, ARA hosts a Thanksgiving dinner called Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is a time to enjoy a proper Thanksgiving dinner as part of your meal plan, with your friends and faculty and staff. What鈥檚 more fun is that the school President, Provost, and other faculty and staff serve the students dinner.
Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Stories
