University-wide Graduate Student Orientation 2023

Tuesday, September 19th 

Congratulations to all incoming graduate and professional students, and welcome to the UChicago community. No matter when you arrive in Hyde Park, we look forward to welcoming you to campus!

Join new students from across UChicago’s 12 graduate schools and divisions to mark the beginning of the new academic year. Incoming students are invited to join their classmates for a day full of grad-specific information, resources, and activities. Due to the size of the event, it is open only to the individual incoming student; guests may be welcomed at other activities. Event registration will be sent via email to all invited students, and available in the 2023 New Student Resources site in Canvas.

Event Agenda

  • Opening Procession (11:30 a.m.): Meet on the Main Quadrangles and join other incoming students from your school or division. The bagpipe procession to Rockefeller Chapel will depart by 11:30 a.m., so be sure to arrive early.
  • Welcome Convocation (Noon): 2023 graduate cohort welcomed and celebrated in Rockefeller Chapel, with remarks by President Alivisatos, faculty speakers, and leaders of the University’s Graduate Council.
  • Lunch (1:00-3:00 p.m.): Tented picnic, music, and mingling on the Midway Plaisance.
  • Resource Fair (1:00-3:00 p.m.): Representatives from 50+ campus offices showcase resources and answer questions in Ida Noyes Hall.
  • Additional Resource Programming in Ida Noyes Hall
    • International Student Welcome (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)
    • Applying to Fellowships with UChicagoGRAD (2:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
    • The Chicago Tradition of Free Inquiry and Expression (3:00 – 4:30 p.m.)
  • Grad Council Reception (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.): Come mingle with Grad Council and fellow incoming students with beer and pizza in Ida Noyes Hall. Must be 21+ to drink.

Each program or division will be hosting additional orientation programming in the weeks leading up to the start of Autumn quarter, so keep an eye on your inbox for additional communications from your department. Many programs host events on the morning of the University-wide Graduate Student Orientation, and will have time built in for students to walk to the Main Quadrangle with their cohorts.

Campus offices and resources featured at the Resource Fair:

Online New Student Resources 

Orientation Canvas Course

The 2023 New Student Resources site is now live on Canvas, the system UChicago uses for course content. You can now work through the sections relevant to you at your own pace, and return to the course any time during your first year on campus. Details on additional orientation programming, events in Chicago, and other important reminders will be featured on the Announcements page in Canvas leading up to Autumn quarter.

Featured Course Content:

  • Tax forms for students receiving stipends or for on-campus employment
  • Workday and Direct Deposit setup information
  • U-SHIP and Student Wellness webinar recordings
  • Graduate Financial Aid Office resources for FAFSA-eligible students
  • Office of International Affairs webinars
  • Events for incoming students
  • Safety and security information

MCR UChicago

Keep an eye on your UChicago inbox for your invitation to My College Roomie (MCR), the University of Chicago’s new roommate matching platform, which lets you find potential roommates from UChicago, connect with other incoming graduate students, exchange messages with people in your division, and share information about securing off-campus living accommodations. You will be able to access MCR with your CNET ID and UChicago log-in information after you receive your invitation. Once you access your account, you can begin customizing your profile and complete a housemate matching questionnaire to meet other incoming graduate students.

Please note that most of the communications you will receive about these events and orientation resources will only be sent to your UChicago email account, CNetID@uchicago.edu, so be sure to log in and check your UChicago email account regularly as the Autumn quarter approaches. If you have questions please reach out to Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@uchicago.edu.