Welcome to the SOA Passport Program
- the ultimate Â鶹´«Ã½ 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-serve basis. This program is for currently enrolled undergraduate students only.
HERE'S HOW TO SIGN UP TODAY!
- Click the button below and fill out the brief Qualtrics form. 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. 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 annouced soon.
- Watch for Passport Event announcements in your email inbox to register for the upcoming events!
The 2024 form is now open!
Explore Chicago this fall at one (or more) of these experiences:
Architecture Boat Tour
October 4th, 2024
World-renowned architecture surrounds the famous Chicago River including the historic , the iconic , and innovative (the world’s tallest structure designed by a woman). Students on this adventure will be led by an expert guide immersing them for 90 minutes into the history and story of Chicago’s legendary skyline.
This event has passed.
Â鶹´«Ã½ Day at the Art Institute
October 10th, 2024
The Art Institute of Chicago is a vibrant cultural oasis where masterpieces from across the globe meet, inviting students to immerse themselves in artistic wonder. From iconic works like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" to avant-garde exhibitions that push the boundaries of creativity, the institute pulsates with the exhilarating energy of human expression.
No registration required. CTA passes are available.
Broadway in Chicago - Harry Potter & the Cursed Child
October 25th, 2024
Built in 1926, a beacon of theatrical enchantment, the transforms every performance into an electrifying spectacle that captivates and exhilarates audiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Chicago. Students attending taken into a time 19 years after the original series, this thrilling stage production follows Harry, his son Albus, and their friends as they grapple with dark forces, time travel, and the legacy of the past.
Registration opens on October 14th. Time TBA.
Chicago Botanic Garden - Lightscape
November 21st, 2024
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 not yet open.
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
- Â鶹´«Ã½ Night at the Art Institute
- Â鶹´«Ã½ 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
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 annouced 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 availablity 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 Archetype Boat tour will be at the dock on 400 N Michigan Ave or for the Botantic 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ 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!