September 22, 2025
At the University of Chicago, Campus and Student Life is dedicated to the intellectual, personal, and professional success of every student. The 2024-25 “By the Numbers” snapshot highlights the depth and breadth of this work, underscoring how CSL programs, services, and more than 400 staff members help build a thriving campus community.
Student employment is one of the many ways CSL helps students connect with the campus community. Last year, CSL departments employed 570 student workers, many through the Student Centers, including at the University’s four student-run coffee shops. As Christopher Burpee, Director of the Student Centers, noted: “Our student-run coffee shops are powered by the dedication and creativity of our student employees. They are the backbone of the operation, providing a valued service to the campus community while gaining real-world experience and transferable skills that will serve them well in their future careers.”
UChicago Student Wellness plays a central role in supporting student well-being. Last year, more than 8,500 students accessed wellness services, including the administration of over 3,500 COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Nearly 1,000 community members participated in Maroon Mental Health Matters as well, a course designed specifically for the UChicago community. Through a combination of instruction, role-playing, and group discussion, the training equips participants to recognize and respond to signs of mental health distress or crisis. Additional information on how to enroll in upcoming sessions is available here.
Food security for the UChicago community remains a top priority for CSL. Through initiatives such as Saturday Night Swipes, more than 33,000 meals were served, while the C.A.R.E.S. program provided 2,234 meals to 334 students, supported by the generosity of 377 individuals donating over 1,700 meal swipes—more than double the number served the previous year. Reflecting on the program’s growth, Christopher Toote, Executive Director of UChicago Dining, explained: "The increase in beneficiaries of the C.A.R.E.S. Program this year was driven by several key changes. We made it easier to donate guest swipes and Maroon Dollars through the GET app, which significantly boosted engagement. Swipe donations increased by 413%, Maroon Dollar contributions by 132%, and utilization expanded during academic breaks: Thanksgiving swipe use rose by 252%, Spring Break by 194%, and grocery pick-ups during Winter Break by 72%. Partnerships with the Center for Identity and Inclusion and the Undergraduate Student Government also helped raise awareness, further increasing participation."
CSL also played a vital role in fostering athletic achievement. This year, 8 UChicago teams qualified for NCAA tournaments, and seven individual national champions were crowned. Beyond varsity competition, nearly 8,000 students participated in intramural and club sports. Angie Torain, Director of Athletics & Recreation, reflected on these successes: “I am particularly proud of our finish in the Learfield Cup, where we placed 9th nationally—a testament to the strength and success of all our athletic programs. Our student-athletes have truly exemplified the best of UChicago, and this achievement reflects the dedication and excellence of our athletes, coaches, and staff. The future of UChicago Athletics has never looked brighter.”
Together, these numbers tell a powerful story about the role CSL plays in supporting the student journey. As we look ahead to the new school year, CSL will continue building on this momentum—expanding opportunities for intellectual growth, enhancing resources for well-being, and fostering a deeper sense of belonging—so that every UChicago student can thrive both on and off campus.