About Mini Courses
The Norris Mini Course program offers a wide variety of non-credit, recreational, classes for adults four times a year, beginning in October, January, April, and July. Established in 1973, the program continues to offer over 30 recreational courses. Our classes offer intense individual attention while operating in a relaxed, informal environment. Registration is open to the Northwestern community and the public. We welcome students from Chicago, Skokie, Wilmette, Evanston, or anywhere in the Chicagoland area!
Most classes take place once a week in the evening, in an attempt to provide an escape from the daily academic or work routine. These classes are a fantastic way to unwind, make new friends, and learn something new, all at the same time. Most Mini Courses are held inside the Norris University Center, located on Northwestern University’s beautiful Evanston campus.
The Norris Mini Course program offers a wide variety of non-credit, recreational, classes for adults four times a year, beginning in October, January, April, and July. Established in 1973, the program continues to offer over 30 recreational courses.
Meet the Staff
Linda Luk | Program Manager![linda-luk.jpeg](/norris/images/linda-luk.jpeg)
Student Supervisors
Kayd Bhagat
Ashley Burwell
Student Attendants
Amina Dayisi
Savannah Alexis Abdul
Helen Pacheco
Isabella Candal
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY
- No fees will be charged if you request a refund within 24 hours of your purchase. You must submit the within 24 hours of your purchase. We will request that you purchase the $5.00 convenience fee if it is beyond the 24 hours.
- All courses and workshops require a 5-business day notice before the start of the course for a full refund. This means that if your course is scheduled on Wednesday, you must submit the the Wednesday before the start of the course.
- To request a full refund, both steps must be completed. It may take up to 10 business days for the money to return to your account.
- The completion of the
- The purchase of the $5.00 convenience fee.
- If your request for a refund does not meet the 5-business day requirement, no refund will be given. If you purchased the $5.00 convenience fee, that fee WILL NOT be refunded.
- The Mini Courses Program does not issue full or partial refunds for lack of attendance or indifference to the course curriculum.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS
We reserve the right to cancel a class at any time for any reason. Should a course be canceled, all registered students will be notified via the email address provided during registration. Full refunds will be provided for any canceled class.
WINE AND LIQUOR CLASSES
All wine and liquor Mini Course participants must present valid ID that shows they are at least 21 years old at the start of each class session. You will not be permitted into the session without a valid ID.
To buy more than one ticket for a wine or liquor course, or if the billing name is different than the participant’s name, you must enter the name of the person taking the class in the “Recipient’s name” field when registering online. Only this person will be able to use this ticket. If there is no name on the ticket by the first day of class, it will be refunded to the purchaser.
Mini Course participants may not switch into different sessions of wine and liquor courses after registration.
AGE RESTRICTION
Unless otherwise noted in the class description, courses are limited to patrons 16 years of age and older. Wine and liquor classes are limited to persons 21 years of age or older with a valid photo ID.
CAMPUS SAFETY POLICY
Due to increased vigilance nationwide, campus security may be tight, particularly during the evening hours. If you are not a member of the Northwestern community, please note that your enrollment in a Mini Course guarantees you access only to the building in which your course is held and the Norris Center and only during class time. While we welcome you to campus for Mini Courses, campus security personnel are trained to recognize persons who are not students. Please carry a photo ID at all times, and should you be approached, simply state that you are a registered participant in Mini Courses. The Mini Course Office, located on the Underground level of the Norris University Center, (call 847-467-7112 or email minicourses@u.northwestern.edu) will be available to verify your enrollment in the evening hours if necessary.
CLASS TIMES AND DATES
All dates, times, prices, and other information are subject to change. Please visit our website and social media pages for up-to-date class information (there may have been changes that are not reflected in our print advertisements). If there is a change in schedule, all registered students will be contacted by email and will have the option of receiving a full refund.
MISSING CLASSES
We cannot prorate course fees or provide partial refunds if you miss any class session.
Attendance at the first two weeks of the Ceramics Mini Courses is required. If a student fails to attend the first and second scheduled Mini Course (week 1 and week 2) the Mini Course office will drop the student from the course for the rest of the quarter.
Should you miss a class, you are encouraged to contact the Mini Courses Office for access to missed course material.
CLASS LOCATIONS / ROOM TBA
An email noting the room location will be sent to the class prior to the first day.
Due to the busy nature of the student center, classes may change location throughout the quarter. We will email students to notify them of a classroom change as soon as possible. Room locations are also listed on the Norris Center's event schedules, located on the TVs near the elevators, and at the Center Desk on the first floor.
Current Instructors
See all current instructor's biographies here
Call for Mini Courses Proposals
Norris Mini Courses is currently accepting proposals from the Northwestern community for Mini Courses for Spring 2023! The Norris Mini Courses program offers a wide variety of non-credit, recreational, classes for the Northwestern and Evanston community. We are looking for new and innovative Mini Courses that appeal to the local community. If you have teaching experience and are a content expert in a subject, consider proposing a Norris Mini Courses. Below are some topics that do well with Mini Courses. Please check out our current course offerings online.
- Introductory language courses
- Arts (drawing, painting, and photography)
- Crafts (quilting, crochet, DIY)
- Music (instrument lessons, songwriting, producing)
- Food workshops
- Technology-based workshops (podcasting, video editing, etc)
- Gaming (chess, mahjong, board game strategy)
Most Mini Courses are taught at Norris University Center on the Evanston campus. Mini Courses offers both 4 - 6 weekly evening courses and one-day workshops. For Spring 2023, most courses will start in the first week of April and conclude in mid-May. This is a great opportunity for faculty, staff, and graduate students to share their knowledge and get paid to do so. Compensation varies. Please complete this to propose your course by Monday, Feb 13, 2023, for consideration.
Questions? Email Norris Mini Courses, minicourses@u.northwestern.edu.
Applications for subsidies for Fall 2024 open on August 19th, 2024.
The Norris Mini Course subsidy program is designed to provide financial aid to those who are interested in enrolling but are facing financial barriers. Anyone interested in enrolling in a Norris Mini Course may apply to the subsidy program. Funds are limited and will be granted on a first-come first served basis.
Subsidies are given from $10 - $30 and Mini Courses do not require any proof of income to qualify for one. We have a finite funding course, so we rely on an honor system to ensure that funding is granted to those who need it.
If you are approved for one, the subsidy is applied to the Regular registration fee for an unregistered course. Subsidies are not given on courses that students have registered for and are requesting a subsidy portion refund.
Limitations
- Subsidies are only available for 4 - 8-week courses. One-day workshops and courses with 1 - 2 sessions do not qualify.
- Subsidies are not granted to students who have already registered for a course.
- Subsidies may not be used in combination with any other discount.
- Subsidy if approved, is good for 1 course per person per quarter.
- The deadline for subsidy for wheel throwing courses is 9 AM on Friday, August 23. Applicants will be notified before registration starts on Monday, August 26th
Withdrawal and Cancellation
Fees and policies are still applicable on all subsidy assistance registrations.
How to Apply
Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Students –
- The SES One Form is a two-step process.
- Complete the Basic Profile.
- Complete the Mini Courses Subsidy Fund application.
Faculty, staff, and community members –
If you are granted a subsidy, you are responsible for registering for the course. Please email minicourses@u.northwestern.edu if you have any questions.