Projects and Current Initiatives

International Student Experience

In December 2008, the Vice-President for Campus Life and Dean of Students in the University, Kimberly Goff-Crews, charged a committee with studying the international student experience at the University of Chicago. The committee is conducting an inventory and analysis of existing programs and services for international students. For more information, contact Martina Munsters (mmunster@uchicago.edu), Deputy Dean of Students for Student Affairs.

Health & Wellness Review

A comprehensive review of healthcare services for students was undertaken with the help of external consultants and supported by a committee of students, faculty and staff chaired by Dr. Deborah Burnet and Vice President Kimberly Goff-Crews. In the review, the Student Care Center (SCC), the Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS), the student health insurance program, and wellness programs offered by SCC, SCRS as well as the Department of Physical Education and Athletics were evaluated. The consultants recommended immediately increasing access to the SCC, which was done by extending SCC hours and hiring more medical staff. Other recommendations, which are under consideration and planning included integrating all health care and health promotion-related programs into Campus and Student Life and under the leadership of an Executive Medical Director; improving data collection at both SCC and SCRS; and establishing a student health advisory board to provide regular student advice and input on student needs or concerns about health programs and services. The Office of Campus and Student Life is currently developing plans to implement many of the recommendations.

For more information, contact Martina Munsters (mmunster@uchicago.edu), Deputy Dean of Students for Student Affairs.

Open Housing

Starting in January 2009, the University of Chicago House System began piloting a gender-neutral housing option, allowing students increased choice in selecting roommates, regardless of gender, in order to respect and support the various needs of our students. The Office of Undergraduate Student Housing adopted the open housing policy in January 2009, and the policy will be subject to a formal review in the autumn quarter of 2010.

For more information, contact Katie Callow-Wright (ccallow@uchicago.edu), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Undergraduate Student Housing.

Office of Campus and Student Life