October 26, 2022
To: College, Graduate, and Professional Students
From: Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University
Subject: Resources, Programs, and Services for UChicago Students
Date: October 26, 2022
As we approach the mid-point of the Autumn Quarter with its cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and mounting workloads, I am writing to remind you of the resources and diversions available to enhance your experience at the University of Chicago.
Health and Wellness Services
UChicago Student Wellness offers students access to coordinated and comprehensive medical care, counseling, psychiatry, and health promotion services targeted at building and maintaining overall wellbeing. Services are provided in the University’s Student Wellness Center located on 59th Street and Maryland Avenue. Virtual appointments are also available, depending on the nature of your need. A full list of services is on the UChicago Student Wellness website. Services are provided at no cost to eligible students. (Most degree programs that convene full time on the Hyde Park campus are eligible.)
To help further support mental wellbeing, eligible students now have access to TimelyCare, a service that complements the in-person and virtual appointments offered through UChicago Student Wellness. TimelyCare offers scheduled counseling and psychiatry with licensed clinicians, as well as a 24/7 on-demand service where students can discuss any concern. I encourage you to download the app now so you have easy access if you ever need it. The service is free, and registration takes only a few minutes.
Fitness and Recreation
You can stay active and de-stress through Athletics & Recreation’s many free fitness classes (available in person or virtually) and intramural and sport clubs. Students also have access to the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center with their UChicago ID (no membership is required). Ratner provides a fitness center with weights and cardio equipment, an auxiliary gym with a multipurpose court, and the Myers-McLoraine Pool.
Center for Leadership and Involvement (CLI)
CLI supports hundreds of Recognized Student Organizations across a range of interests, from community service and fine arts to politics. CLI also offers leadership development programs to help students cultivate skills to become effective leaders, advocates, and change agents.
Center for Identity + Inclusion (CI+I)
CI+I supports intentionally diverse and inclusive communities and is home to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, LGBTQ Student Life, and Student Support Services. CI+I offers 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.
Speakers, Performances, and Other Special Events
UChicago frequently hosts leading figures from the world stage. International House’s Global Voices Performing Arts and Lecture Series features prominent speakers, roundtable discussions, music and theater groups, and other guests. Rockefeller Chapel and Spiritual Life offer in-person and virtual spiritual support and programs for students of all traditions, in addition to regular worship services.
Access Services
Student Disability Services assists students with disabilities to ensure equitable access to University programs. The Center for Awareness, Resolution, Education, and Support (UChicago CARES) supports the full participation of all members of the University community and works to prevent and respond to all forms of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
Emergency and Crisis Services
The Dean-on-Call and Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call are available 24/7 to support and care for students. To contact either resource, call the University of Chicago Police Department at 773.702.8181 and ask for the Dean-on-Call or Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call to be paged. These resources are also available via text through the UChicago Safe App.
If you are concerned about the physical or mental wellbeing of another student, contact the Dean-on-Call or report your concern online to request a well-being check.
More information about these resources is at help.uchicago.edu. In addition, the University’s safety webpage has an overview of the robust safety resources available to members of the University community.
Resources for Graduate Students
UChicagoGRAD offers a range of services and resources that promote professional development and wellbeing for students in masters and doctoral programs. The Graduate Student Lounge offers space where graduate students from all programs can do work, reserve a private study room, and meet other grad students. UChicagoGRAD also works closely with several student groups to receive feedback, ideas, and guidance for supporting graduate students most effectively.
You can learn more about Campus and Student Life programs and services on our website. On behalf of my colleagues, best wishes for a healthy and successful year.