September 24, 2024
Dear Students,
Welcome to what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding Autumn Quarter at the University of Chicago. Our goal in Campus and Student Life is to help all UChicago students thrive and experience all that our campus and this great city have to offer. There are many opportunities for you to build community in a place that you can call home now and throughout your life.
I write today with suggestions on ways in which to get engaged in activities at the University, as well as information on policies that support UChicago’s longstanding principles of free expression.
I encourage you to explore:
- The Student Activities and Resource Fair (SARF) on October 4, 2024, 3:00-5:30 p.m. on the Main Quadrangle, at which you’ll be able to meet the hundreds of Recognized Student Organizations across a range of interests;
- Numerous leadership development programs available to students;
- Supporting student athletes at a varsity competition;
- A variety of programs and resources that promote inclusivity and belonging with students of color; LGBTQ students; and first-generation, lower-income, and/or immigrant students in mind;
- Spiritual support and gatherings for students of all traditions through Rockefeller Chapel and Spiritual Life;
- Services and resources that promote professional development and wellbeing for students in masters and doctoral programs through UChicagoGRAD;
- Additional programs and services available on our website.
Our remarkable University community is possible because of our diversity of people, thought, and ideas. Through adherence to the University’s core value of free expression, we strive to maintain a climate of respect and civility. Students have a wide range of opportunities to express their views, while recognizing the rights of those with whom they disagree.
The University regularly evaluates and revises policies and regulations to address the evolving needs of our community. This year’s changes include updates that clarify existing policies and help foster a diversity of voices across our student body, in alignment with our free expression principles. Please visit the Free Expression Resources website for more information on policies related to free expression and protest, and this year’s updates.
The University policies and regulations on these subjects are intended to support free expression while restricting individuals from using violence, threats, or harassment while expressing their opinions. University policies do not allow interfering with or obstructing the freedom of others to express different or opposing views. Disruptive conduct that is incompatible with the functioning of the University, and as described in University Statute 21, could result in disciplinary action.
With the academic year quickly approaching, I encourage you to review all policies outlined in the Student Manual, including those that help guide and facilitate free expression at the University during times of protest and/or disagreement:
You will hear from University leaders throughout Autumn Quarter with important information to help you navigate life at UChicago. Please watch for these upcoming messages.
With my best wishes for a successful year,
Mike
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Michael Hayes
Interim Dean of Students in the University