Welcome to the SOA Passport Program
- the ultimate Northwestern path to getting off campus and exploring all the experiences the Chicagoland area can offer! This program offers students a variety of FREE experiences that include attending major league sports games, visits to local cultural institutions like the Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute of Chicago, popular theatrical performances, and so much more. Enrich your undergraduate experience by snagging your own SOA Passport, collecting stamps at each event, and making memories along the way!
In concert with SOA's Barrier Free mission, SOA will provide registered and participating undergraduate students entry into the experience and round-trip transportation via charter bus or CTA passes. Students collect stamps for each event they participate in and can cash in their stamps to win prizes at our annual Final Flight event at the end of the year!
*Each event has limited capacity and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is for currently enrolled undergraduate students only.
HERE'S HOW TO SIGN UP!
- Fill out the brief Qualtrics form below. Once complete a final page will prompt you to show your completed registration to an SOA team member.
- To pick up your SOA Passport Booklet, come to our table by the revolving doors on the first floor (west entrance) of Norris University Center on one of our designated distribution days. Have your Wildcard ready and we'll verify your registration to get your very own SOA Passport! Dates for our next round of distributing Passport Booklets will be announced soon.
- Watch for Passport Event announcements in your email inbox to register for the upcoming events!
Registration for the Passport Program for the 2025-26 academic year is not yet open! Check back reguarly to see for updates!
Dive in at the top of the year by adventuring through the Chicagoland area at one (or more) of these experiences:
Architecture Boat Tour
September 26th, 2025
As the boat glides along the iconic Chicago River, you’ll be surrounded by world-renowned architecture that tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future. From the massive historic charm of the Merchandise Mart, to the glamorous rooftop of London House Chicago, to the sleek and soaring St. Regis Chicago (the tallest building in the world designed by a woman) every turn of the river offers a new “wow” moment.
Registration opens September 19th.
Northwestern Night at the Art Institute of Chicago
October 16th, 2025
The University Partnerfest offers students an exclusive opportunity to engage with one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the United States - In this unique membership initiative, colleges and universities open the door to an unparalleled wealth of resources, helping students extend their learning beyond the classroom. As a University Partner, the institution will gain access to the Art Institute’s world-class global collection, a dynamic exhibition calendar, and special programming designed to foster creativity and intellectual growth. This is more than just museum access—it’s an invitation to immerse in the cultural vibrancy of one of Chicago’s greatest institutions. For more information visit the page.
No registration required. CTA passes will be available.
Chicago Botanic Garden: Lightscape
November 20th, 2025
Experience the magic of the season with the at their annual Lightscape, where the Garden comes alive with radiant lights, captivating art, and enchanting music. The garden, , is home to 300 acres of forest and comprised of 24 different displays, and four natural habitats. This year's newly reimagined trail elevates the garden’s sixth annual holiday celebration with stunning installations, some making their U.S. debut. Students on this trip will step away from their routine and step into a scene of beautiful sights and unforgettable memories at Lightscape.
Registration opens November 11th.
To request a replacement SOA Passport, please fill out the form here -
Check out previous places and spaces we've explored around Chicago:
FALL 2023
- Northwestern Night at the Art Institute
- Northwestern at the Chicago Fire FC
- Visit to the Shedd Aquarium
- Broadway in Chicago: The WIZ
WINTER 2024
- Broadway in Chicago: HAMILTON
- Trip to the Museum of Science & Industry
- Lunar New Year in Argyle
- Univeristy Day at the Art Institute
SPRING 2024
- Night at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
- Explore the Color Factory - Chicago
- University Partnerfest w/ the Art Institute of Chicago
- Passport Program: Final Flight
- University Night at the Chicago Fire FC
FALL 2024
- Architecture Boat Tour
- Northwestern Night at the Art Institute
- Harry Potter & the Cursed Child
- Chicago Botanic Garden - Lightscape
WINTER 2025
- Field Museum
- University Partnerfest at the Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns
- Museum of Illusions
SPRING 2025
- Northwestern Night at the Art Institute
- Northwestern Night at the Chicago Fire FC
- Final Flight
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get my SOA Passport?
To pick up your SOA Passport Booklet, come to our table by the revolving doors on the first floor (west entrance) of Norris University Center. Have your Wildcard ready and we'll verify your registration to get you very own SOA Passport! Dates for our next round of distributing Passport Booklets will be announced soon.
Are the events required?
No, none of the events are required to participate in the program. Each event will fill up quickly. Some events will have more availability while others will have more limited seats, availability depends on each event.
How will I know when events are happening?
SOA will email you at the email you've provided us with the Passport Event offerings as they arise! We now have a live website, SOA Passport Website that you can visit to check out all of the program offerings and dates!
Can I get a replacement passport?
If you've received and lost/misplaced your SOA Passport, you are able to request one (1) replacement SOA Passport. To do this please visit and fill out our Passport Replacement Form here and we'll process these on an individual basis.
What if I forget my passport at home?
If you forget your Passport for an event, you can come to The Source and receive your stamp after the event, but no later than the end of the year we offer that event!
What if an event is sold out and I want to go?
If you want to attend an event and were unable to sign up, you can meet SOA at the loading location of the specific event to wait and see if seats become available. (Example. Waitlist for the Architecture Boat tour will be at the dock on 400 N Michigan Ave or for the Botanic Gardens waitlist will be at Arts Circle on campus at bus loading). We will fill in remaining seats on a first-come, first-served basis!
Who can register for the SOA Passport Program?
The SOA Passport Program is only available for currently enrolled Northwestern undergraduate students.
I registered for the SOA Passport Program, but haven't received any emails?
Enrollment for the SOA PAssport program is on a rolling basis. We will update the listserv and provide the "Welcome" email on Mondays. (Example: If you register on a Tuesday, you'll be added to our listserv the following Monday)
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you have more questions about the Passport Program, you can reach out to K. Parker Hess at kparkerhess@northwestern.edu. Please allow a few days to respond!