Graduate students are supported throughout their time at the University by their Dean of Students, who serves as the first stop for any student navigating the wide variety of offices and programs across the University.

Deans of Students are available to speak with students about both academic and personal issues, identify university resources, help students navigate administrative processes, and answer questions about policies and procedures. Deans of Students are knowledgeable about — and can provide support accessing — resources listed on this site. They will also be aware of any division or program-specific resources, policies, programs, and opportunities.

Students or campus partners who have questions about information presented here may contact Amanda Young, Director of Graduate Student Affairs, at amanday@uchicago.edu.

Resources Table of Contents

Financial Assistance

Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency Assistance Programs are available to assist currently enrolled degree-seeking students. Examples of Emergency Assistance eligible emergencies include:

  • Unanticipated/extraordinary medical and health expenses
  • Theft of Personal Items
  • Urgent Travel/Transportation Needs
  • Temporary Loss of Housing/Unanticipated Moving Expenses

UChicagoGRAD Administrative Services

The GRAD Administrative Services team supports graduate student financial wellness by providing information about payments to students, sharing general guidance on graduate student tax responsibilities, and providing workshops, one-on-one counseling to help graduate students manage personal financial wellness.

If students have questions about any type of payment (fellowship stipends, assistantship stipends, reimbursements), taxes, or any other administrative issue, they can email gradhelp@uchicago.edu for assistance.

Financial Aid 

Graduate Financial Aid’s mission is to ensure that UChicago graduate students understand the financial aid process and are aware of their responsibilities as loan borrowers. Financial Aid counselors are available to work students in every graduate and professional school except for the Booth School of Business and the Pritzker School of Medicine, who have their own financial aid offices.

Office of the University Bursar

The Office of the University Bursar supports University Students with an array of student account management tools and information.

Housing and Food Security

Housing Insecurity Support

The University of Chicago is committed to supporting students that may be at-risk of housing insecurity. Staff from Student Support Services and Student Case Management support students by connecting them to on- and off-campus resources and removing barriers to encourage persistence and completion.

Food Security Resources

Student Support Services provides information, resources, and support to graduate students who are experiencing hunger or skipping meals.

Relocation Resources

Students who are new to Chicago can find information about neighborhoods, finding roommates, tips for renters, and more on UChicagoGRAD’s website.

Grad Council Legal Advising

Graduate Council provides graduate students access to legal advising. Students can use this service for advice on legal matters including immigration, landlord/tenant issues, false identification matters, criminal issues, credit and debt issues, dissolution of marriage, automobile accidents, business formations, and parking/traffic violations.

Other Legal Resources

Campus and Student Life maintains a list of legal resources designed to provide students with information to explore options, learn about their legal rights, and connect students with additional University resources.

Health and Wellness

Student Wellness

Student Wellness provides medical, mental health, and wellness support that is tailored to students’ needs. Counselors at Student Wellness can provide critical support services to students navigating all manner of challenges.

Student Wellness provides 24/7 resources for medical and mental health that can be accessed from anywhere.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion provides a range of services and programming to support students in managing stress and leading balanced and healthful lives.

University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP)

Information about U-SHIP, the University’s student health insurance plan, can be found online at the Student Wellness page. The University’s Student Health Insurance Policy is available in the Student Manual.

Athletics and Recreation

Graduate students who pay the Student Services Fee have access to gyms and other athletic facilities on campus. Students can participate in recreational activities and programs.

Menstrual Hygiene Products

Free menstrual hygiene products are available across campus for students’ convenience. Find a list of distribution sites on the Student Wellness website.

Safety Resources and 24/7 Support

Deans-on-Call

The Dean-on-Call is the University official responsible for providing referrals, information, and support to students during an emergency. The Dean-on-Call is available 24/7 to provide students and those concerned about a student with support and guidance.

Sexual Assault Deans-on-Call

The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call (SADoC) is the University administrator specifically trained in trauma-informed 40+ Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention. This administrator is available 24/7. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call provides emotional administrative support to students who are survivors of gender-based violence. By providing basic procedural, legal, and medical information, and referrals to other resources on campus and local community service organizations, the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call helps students make informed decisions about next steps.

The SADoC is a confidential resource.

UChicago Safe Mobile Safety App

UChicago Safe is a free app to quickly access safety information. Some of the provided services are:

  • Direct calling capabilities for the UCPD and CPD with the tap of an icon
  • Mobile blue light sends your location and calls UCPD simultaneously
  • Links to safety resources
  • The ability to report a crime or speak to UCPD dispatch center
  • Information for emergencies
  • Transportation information including CTA routes and campus shuttles

University of Chicago Police Department

The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) is a full service, CALEA-accredited police department serving the University of Chicago and surrounding areas from 37th Street to 64th Street, and Cottage Grove Avenue to Lake Shore Drive.

UCPD has support services for victims and witnesses of serious crimes who report those crimes to the UCPD. The Victims and Witness Services Unit will work closely with University partners, such as Deans-on-Call, as well as city and county victim support services to ensure that all individuals who report serious crimes to UCPD are guided to resources and support services.

Safety Alerts and Information

Students can review information about daily crime logs, security alert systems, and opt-in services like the Daily Crime Bulletin which provides email updates about serious crimes within the entire UCPD extended patrol area.

Residential Safety Assessments

For members of the University community and neighbors who live off campus within the UCPD’s patrol area, UCPD offers free Residential Safety Assessments. Upon request, a trained member of UCPD will meet the owner/renter at their residence, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the residence, and provide a report with recommended security enhancements, if needed.

Transportation

The University provides services to support students in moving safely around campus and the Hyde Park area.

International Travel Safety

UChicagoTraveler

All international travel related to official university programs, events, or activities, and/or supported with University resources should be registered on UChicago Traveler. The registry allows the University to better assist students overseas, including in emergencies or times of crisis.

International Travel Emergency Assistance Program

The University partners with International SOS (ISOS) to provide assistance services for students traveling internationally on University-sponsored travel. Please review the International Travel Emergency Assistance Program website for more information about ISOS services, resources, and restrictions.

Additional international travel and safety resources and support is available on the UChicagoGRAD website.

Bias, Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct

Bias Education and Support Team (BEST)

BEST supports and guides students seeking assistance in determining how to handle incidents involving actions committed against them that are motivated by a bias against their identity, background, ability, or physical appearance.

UChicago CARES

The Center for Awareness, Resolution, Education, and Support (UChicago CARES) works to prevent and respond to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct within the University community. The Center supports all members of the University community through prevention education and training; responding to reports; providing services, support, and resources; and facilitating resolution options.

Sexual Assault Deans-on-Call

The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call (SADoC) is the University administrator specifically trained in trauma-informed 40+ Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention. This administrator is available 24/7. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call provides emotional administrative support to students who are survivors of gender-based violence.

The SADoC is a confidential resource.

Support for Students with Disabilities

Student Disability Services

Student Disability Services (SDS) works in collaboration with University of Chicago faculty and staff to provide resources, support, and accommodations to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible and inclusive of persons with disabilities.

Support for Student Parents

UChicagoGRAD Parenting Community

The UChicagoGRAD Parenting Community supports families via enrichment programming, information sharing, and building connections among fellow parents. The University also offers need-based, annual child care stipends to eligible PhD student applicants. Students are reminded that in accordance with Illinois state law, parents may breastfeed in any location, public or private, where they are otherwise authorized to be. The University maintains a list of spaces convenient for nursing parents.

Community Building and Belonging

Center for Identity + Inclusion

The Center for Identity + Inclusion creates intentionally diverse and inclusive communities, serving as a bridge builder by engaging students and members of the University community of all backgrounds to ensure personal, academic, and professional growth and success. Offices within CI+I includes Multicultural Student Affairs, LGBTQ Student Life, and Student Support Services.

Graduate Council

Graduate Council is the representative student government for the University of Chicago’s 10,000+ graduate students. Graduate Council organizes social events to enhance graduate student life and build graduate community on campus.

International Graduate Student Advisory Board (IGSAB)

The goal of IGSAB is to coordinate communication, centralize efforts in advocacy and supportive programming, and plan activities to enrich the academic, personal, and professional experience of international students at UChicago.

Office of Military-Affiliated Communities

OMAC supports veterans and military-affiliated students across campus through public programming, community building initiatives, and individualized support.

Spiritual Life

Spiritual Life organizes programming, offers individual advising for students with spiritual life staff and religious advisors, and is a general resource for students seeking information about spaces and groups for all spiritual traditions.

International Student Support

Office of International Affairs

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides advising services and supportive programming to the international community at the University of Chicago.

Students can consult the OIA on visa related issues, tax information, work authorization questions, travel information and more.

UChicagoGRAD

International Student Initiatives at UChicagoGRAD creates programs, resources, and practices throughout the University that support the professional and personal development of international graduate students. In collaboration with campus partners and student groups, they aim to help international students build community; find enriching academic, professional, and personal experiences; and adapt and transition successfully to life in the United States and at the University of Chicago.

International Graduate Student Advisory Board (IGSAB)

The goal of IGSAB is to coordinate communication, centralize efforts in advocacy and supportive programming, and plan activities to enrich the academic, personal, and professional experience of international students at UChicago

Undocumented and DACA Student Support

The Student Support Services office at the Center for Identity & Inclusion maintain lists of Frequently Asked Questions and Campus & Community Resources for undocumented and DACA students.

Reservable Campus Spaces

Graduate Student Lounge

Located on the fourth floor of the UChicago Bookstore, The Lounge is a space where graduate students from across programs can drop in for individual study, small-group collaboration, and socializing.

In addition to two reservable meeting spaces, the lounge features a quiet space, kitchenette with daily refrigeration service, free daily locker rentals, coffee, tea, and light snacks.

UChicago Libraries

Students can reserve rooms for private use and group study. They also have a selection of video conference rooms.

Questions, Complaints, Concerns, and Conflict Resolution

In addition to area Deans of Students, the following offices support students with conflict resolution and questions or concerns about the University:

  • The Student Ombuds Office is a resource for all University of Chicago students to assist in the resolution of conflicts, concerns, and other problems that they may encounter through the course of University life.
  • The Director for Graduate Student Affairs in UChicagoGRAD, Amanda Young, is an administrator who serves as a campus-wide resource for graduate students on mentorship support and grievance policy for graduate students.

University Policies

The Student Manual is the official statement of University policies and regulations, and expected standards of student conduct that are applicable to all students. Academic units and administrative offices may have additional policies and guidelines that may provide more detailed information.

Graduate Student Union Information

The University has a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Graduate Students United – United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GSU-UE) – Local 1103. The contract and frequently asked questions about unionization are available on the Provost’s website.

Students with questions about the contract or union-related matters can email for assistance. Students can also contact the union, GSU-UE, directly.