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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ section below, please email us. We'll gladly connect you with someone who can help with your specific question or need.

Do I have to pay to receive services from your office?

No. Companies do not need to pay to receive services from the Industry Partnerships office at Northwestern University. If you are not sure who to contact to get started, please email our office.

Who is my Industry Partnerships contact?

If you are not sure who to work with on the Industry Partnerships team, please email our office to tell us more about your needs.

Who can help me recruit students for internships or full-time employment opportunities?

The Northwestern career services teams work with companies looking to hire our students and alumni for internships, co-ops, and full-time job opportunities. To discuss recruitment options for your company, connect directly with one of the career services offices listed on this page.

Can Industry Partnerships help my company find faculty experts who might be interested in a potential research project?

Yes. To learn more about industry-sponsored research opportunities, contact Industry Partnerships. We can introduce you to researchers working in specialized areas and help get the conversation started.

What companies partner with Northwestern?

Northwestern partners with companies of all sizes and in all industries. Industry Partnerships manages a portfolio of companies and corporate foundations that collaborate with the University in a variety of ways. For examples, please read our partnership stories.

I want to build up my company’s brand on campus. What’s the best way to do that?

Northwestern offers companies unique opportunities to gain visibility on campus. Please email us to tell us more about your needs and we can help you identify engagement opportunities that will raise brand awareness and meet your business priorities.

Who can work with me on an NDA?

Requests for non-funded agreements such as NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) should be submitted to the Principal Investigator (PI) before details of the project are discussed. The NDA request will be forwarded to the appropriate Northwestern University office for review, negotiation, and approval by a designated signatory. No university entity, including a PI, can enter into a verbal or written agreement with a company on behalf of Northwestern without prior review and approval by a designated signatory.

Who has the authority to approve a contract at the University?

All contracts including gift and research agreements must be reviewed, negotiated, and finalized by a designated signatory at Northwestern. The PI or Industry Partnerships team member will assist you in getting the appropriate approvals and institutional signatures for your contract. No university entity, including a PI, can enter into a verbal or written agreement with a company on behalf of Northwestern without prior review and approval by a designated signatory.

Does your office process gifts and sponsored research agreements?

The Industry Partnerships office processes corporate gift funds and facilitates gift agreements with companies. The Office for Sponsored Projects (OSP) at Northwestern is responsible for negotiating all sponsored research agreements and will manage and close-out all industry-sponsored research awards.

I’ve scheduled my visit to campus with Industry Partnerships. Where can I park?

Visitors to the Evanston campus may park at the North or South parking garages. Your Industry Partnerships representative will confirm a meeting location prior to your arrival and will recommend which parking garage to use.

Can I facilitate payment to Northwestern on behalf of my company through my corporate card?

Yes. Companies can make contributions to Northwestern University by check, wire transfer, or credit card by following the instructions provided on the Ways to Give webpage.

Where should my company route payment via wire and check?

Companies can make contributions to Northwestern University by check, wire transfer, or credit card by following the instructions provided on the Ways to Give webpage.

I’d like to provide feedback about a recent collaboration with Northwestern. Who should I contact?

We value your feedback and want to hear from you. Please contact Jim Bray, Executive Director of Industry Partnerships, to share your opinions about your recent collaboration with Northwestern.