Norris University Center

Northwestern was without a campus in 1853 when trustee Orrington Lunt began exploring sites north of Chicago. A majestic oak grove on the shore of Lake Michigan caught his attention, an oak grove that later impressed Lunt’s fellow trustees. The men purchased the 379-acre Foster Farm and began work on the new university. Northwestern took root when construction on the first building on campus, the Old College, finished in 1855. 

Mindful of Northwestern’s rich heritage, Norris University Center seeks to emulate the oak by offering a place to relax and spend time with friends. While the oak’s acorns represent the growth of students, faculty and staff, its branches represent the many services and program Norris has to offer. The roots represents Norris Center’s core values of people, diversity, community, education, service, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

As students of Northwestern and employees of Norris University Center, we must continue the tradition and spirit symbolized by the oak by working hard and making Norris a destination for all students at Northwestern. 

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