FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For Northeastern StudentsEMERGENCY ISSUES
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'VE BEEN THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL OR PHYSICAL ASSAULT, OR IF I HAVE JUST WITNESSED AN ASSAULT OR ROBBERY?
Immediately contact Northeastern University Police (NUPD) at 617.373.3333. They are available 24/7.
OPEN (office of Prevention and Education) and University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) are confidential resources for survivors.
If you wish to open a case, please be sure to contact Office of University Equity and Compliance (OUEC)
WHO SHOULD I CALL FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY?
Immediately contact Northeastern University Police (NUPD) at 617.373.3333. They are available 24/7.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ISSUES
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE JUST VISITED MY HOME COUNTRY AND I AM UNABLE TO GET BACK INTO THE U.S. TO ATTEND CLASSES?
If you are having trouble with immigration and are not being allowed back into the U.S., contact Northeastern’s Office of Global Services (OGS).
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES (NON-EMERGENCY)
WHERE CAN I GO IF I HAVE A NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE THAT I NEED HELP WITH?
For non-emergency medical issues, contact: University Health and Counseling Services(UHCS) at 617.373.2772 or uhcs@northeastern.edu.
For non-emergency mental health issues, contact find@northeastern: +1.877.233.9477 (U.S.) or +1.781.457.7777 (Intl.)
I'M EXPERIENCING ANXIETY/DEPRESSION. IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN TALK TO?
For non-emergency mental health issues, contact find@northeastern: +1.877.233.9477 (U.S.) or +1.781.457.7777 (Intl.)
IS THERE SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP ME WITH A SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUE?
The Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN) provides education, consultation, and programming on topics related to alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) offers counseling, information, and support services for students who may have a substance abuse issue.
In emergency situations, or when the immediate personal safety of a student is in question, always call NUPD first at 617.373.3333 (emergency calls only, available 24/7).
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'VE HAD AN INJURY AND HAVE TROUBLE GETTING TO CLASS?
If you’re having difficulty getting to your classes due to an injury, please refer to our Temporary Mobility Challenges on Campus tip sheet and call We Care at 617.373.7591 for additional information. We also have a tip sheet for those students who have experienced a concussion or other ability-limiting injuries.
Contact Disability Resource Center at DRC@northeastern.edu.
LEAVES OF ABSENCE
I'VE HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY AND MUST GO HOME TO HANDLE THINGS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
An emergency leave of absence (ELOA) may be required if you need to take time off from classes to attend to a family emergency, such as a natural disaster in your hometown (or home country). Please see our tip sheet for information on how to apply for an ELOA. You may also contact We Care at 617.373.7591 or wecare@northeastern.edu. We can help you discuss all of your options.
WHO DO I SPEAK TO IF I NEED TO TAKE TIME OFF SO I CAN ADDRESS A MEDICAL ISSUE?
For a medical leave of absence (for example, surgery, rehabilitation, or a psychiatric issue), visit UHCS for information about the application process and necessary forms.
I'VE HAD A DEATH IN THE FAMILY AND MUST ATTEND A FUNERAL. CAN I TAKE TIME OFF TO DO THIS?
If you need to attend a funeral or handle some other issue that will take you away from Boston, you’ll need to notify your professors of the issue and determine appropriate plans. If questions arise, or you need further assistance, you can work with your academic advisor regarding options.
TRANSITION ISSUES
I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY ROOMMATE. CAN I GET MY ROOM CHANGED?
For on campus concerns, please contact Residential Life. If you’re having trouble handling other issues in your life, please contact We Care or University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS).
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH AN OFF-CAMPUS LIVING SITUATION?
For off campus concerns, please contact Off Campus Student Services (OCSS). If you’re having trouble handling other issues in your life, please contact We Care or University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS).
I FEEL OVERWHELMED WITH MY WORKLOAD AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
For any academic problems concerning your classes, please speak to your academic advisor. If you’re experiencing other challenges outside of your academics, please feel free to contact We Care at 617.373.7591 or wecare@northeastern.edu. We will work together with our campus partners to make sure you have all of the appropriate support needed.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M HAVING A HARD TIME MAKING FRIENDS AT NORTHEASTERN?
If you find you’re having a hard time connecting you can reach out to various offices on campus based on your interests. These include Residential Life, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service (CSDS), or the Center of Community Service.
I'M VERY UNHAPPY AND THINKING ABOUT DROPPING OUT OF SCHOOL. IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN TALK TO?
You should reach out to your academic advisor or We Care. If you’re having trouble handling other issues in your life, please contact We Care or University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS).
SOCIAL ISSUES
WHAT DO I DO IF I'M BEING HARASSED OR BULLIED BY A CLASSMATE OR OTHER MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY?
Issues of harassment should be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR). If this is occurring within your place of residence you can also speak with your Resident Assistant/Residence Director/Area Coordinator, if you live on-campus or with Off Campus Student Services (OCSS) if you live off campus.
In emergency situations, or when the immediate personal safety of a student is in question, always call NUPD first at 617.373.3333 (emergency calls only, available 24/7).
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I'VE RECEIVED INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, OR BEHAVIOR FROM A PROFESSOR OR NORTHEASTERN STAFF MEMBER?
Inappropriate behavior, etc., by a professor (or any faculty/staff member) at Northeastern should be referred to the Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) at 617.373.4644 or titleix@northeastern.edu.
In emergency situations, or when the immediate personal safety of a student is in question, always call NUPD first at 617.373.3333 (emergency calls only, available 24/7).Â
I'M BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST AT NORTHEASTERN BECAUSE OF MY ETHNICITY, RELIGION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR GENDER IDENTITY. WHO CAN I SPEAK TO ABOUT THIS?
Northeastern University takes any incident of discrimination very seriously. If you believe you have been discriminated against, please contact the Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) at 617.373.4644 or at titleix@northeastern.edu. Students may also complete this form that will be sent directly to OUEC.
ACADEMIC ISSUES
I'M STRUGGLING WITH THE CONTENT MATTER IN THIS COURSE. IS THERE ANYWHERE I CAN GET HELP?
If you’re experiencing any academic problems with your classes, the best person to speak to is your academic advisor. Whether you feel overwhelmed with the classwork, you don’t have the necessary credits you need for graduation, or some other issue, they can work with you to find a solution. They can also act as a mediary, if you’re having trouble speaking with your professor about an academic issue.
A CLASS I NEED TO TAKE FOR GRADUATION IS NOT BEING OFFERED THIS SEMESTER. WHAT DO I DO?
If you’re experiencing any academic problems with your classes, the best person to speak to is your advisor. Whether you feel overwhelmed with the classwork, you don’t have the necessary credits you need for graduation, or some other issue, they can work with you to find a solution. They can also act as a mediary, if you’re having trouble speaking with your professor about an academic issue.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH MY CLASS LOAD?
If you’re experiencing any academic problems with your classes, the best person to speak to is your advisor. Whether you feel overwhelmed with the classwork, you don’t have the necessary credits you need for graduation, or some other issue, they can work with you to find a solution. They can also act as a mediary, if you’re having trouble speaking with your professor about an academic issue.
I'M NOT ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE CLASSWORK AND I'M FALLING BEHIND THE REST OF THE CLASS. IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME?
If you’re experiencing any academic problems with your classes, the best person to speak to is your advisor. Whether you feel overwhelmed with the classwork, you don’t have the necessary credits you need for graduation, or some other issue, they can work with you to find a solution. They can also act as a mediary, if you’re having trouble speaking with your professor about an academic issue.
FIND YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR
MISSING OR STOLEN POSSESSIONS
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PASSPORT/VISA ARE MISSING OR HAVE BEEN STOLEN?
Losing something important, such as your passport and student visa can be extremely upsetting and cause a myriad of difficulties. See our tip sheet for missing or stolen passports/visas.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY LAPTOP HAS BEEN STOLEN?
Losing something important, such as your laptop can be extremely upsetting and cause a myriad of difficulties. See our tip sheet on stolen laptops.
WHAT IF OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS HAVE BEEN STOLEN?
If any personal property has been stolen from you, either from your residence hall room or elsewhere on campus, contact the Northeastern Police Department (NUPD) at 617.373.2121 (non-emergency number). If your passport, student visa, or laptop has been lost or stolen, please see our tip sheets.
If you have experienced a theft of property off campus, please contact your local police department to file a report.
FINANCIAL ISSUES
WHAT CAN I DO IF I'M HAVING TROUBLE PAYING MY NORTHEASTERN BILLS?
For financial related problems, such as questions about your tuition bill or how to adjust your tuition payment plan, we suggest you reach out to Student Financial Services for assistance. If your challenges go beyond financial, please let us know how we can help you and we will do our best to guide you.
I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE. IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN SPEAK TO?
For financial related problems, such as questions about your aid package, we suggest that you reach out to the Student Financial Services for assistance. If your challenges go beyond financial, please let us know how we can help and we will do our best to guide you.
OTHER CONCERNS OR CHALLENGES
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DON'T FIND MY PROBLEM IN THIS LIST?
If you are having difficulties with an issue not mentioned here, please contact We Care at 617.373.7591 or wecare@northeastern.edu. We are here to help!