Winter Update – Campus Resources

January 5, 2023

To: All Students
From: Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University, and Eric Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security
Subject: Winter Update – Campus Resources
Date: January 5, 2023

With the Winter Quarter underway, we are sharing updates and reminders on transportation and safety resources, as well as updated information on health and wellness services.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

  • Downtown Campus Connector: The Department of Safety & Security (DSS) is launching the Downtown Campus Connector shuttle to provide free transportation for students and employees between the Hyde Park campus, the Gleacher Center, downtown UChicago Medicine clinics, the Roosevelt CTA station, and the Metra Electric 51st/53rd Street station. Here are the details of the new shuttle service, which is free for all members of the University community by tapping your ID:
    • This route will begin partial service on Monday, January 9, with possibly extended wait times between shuttles; the route will be fully operational by Tuesday, January 17.
    • Shuttles will run the route continuously Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., excluding holidays, with approximately 20 minutes between shuttles.
    • A detailed route map is on the DSS website, and real-time shuttle locations and arrival/departure times are available on the TransLoc app.
    • The connector, which primarily stops at University locations in downtown Chicago and the Hyde Park campus, will also make two stops on each route near the Chicago Transit Authority’s Roosevelt station and one stop near the Metra Electric line 51st/53rd Street station.
    • The Downtown Campus Connector service will continue to evolve as we better understand the needs of the shuttle’s ridership. To submit feedback, please fill out this form.
  • Kimbark South Parking Garage: A new parking garage on campus at 6021 S. Kimbark Ave. will open later this month, and monthly permits can be purchased by filling out the parking permit application online or in person at the garage. The monthly rate is $160. Daily rates range between $13 and $29; on weekends there is a flat rate of $11 for 24 hours. There are license plate recognition cameras at the garage gates, so monthly permit holders’ license plates will serve as their access permits. Your UChicago ID can also be used for access, as at the Campus North (Ellis) and Lexington garages. More information is available on the DSS website; email questions to parking@uchicago.edu.

NEW SAFETY RESOURCES

  • New Department of Safety and Security communication tools: The University has launched a new Department of Safety and Security website that is easier to use and better provides safety information and resources. Some of the additions include a video that provides an overview of the robust safety resources available to students as well as tips for staying safe, and a video guide to transportation resources at UChicago. The website’s new transportation section has extensive information on shuttle and bus routes, train stations, and Divvy bike sharing stations. DSS has also launched social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that we encourage you to follow for helpful and timely safety-related information. 

HEALTH & WELLNESS REMINDERS

  • Reminders about COVID-19 precautions: As many are returning from campus after traveling over the winter holidays, it is important that you stay home and test for COVID-19 if you have potential symptoms, and follow the University’s exposure protocols if you test positive. Please visit UChicago Forward for information on how to get a COVID-19 test. The University recommends staying up to date on the CDC’s vaccine recommendations.
  • TimelyCare: The University is committed to supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing by providing accessible, high-quality, and culturally sensitive mental health services. Eligible students have access to TimelyCare, a leading telehealth company that provides scheduled counseling, psychiatric care, health coaching, and other virtual services through its network of licensed providers. This service is designed to complement the full suite of virtual and on-campus health and wellness services the University offers.

In addition to the resources listed above, please remember:

  • We encourage you to download the UChicago Safe app, which has numerous helpful safety features.
  • All students are eligible for a free, annual 10-ride pass on the Metra Electric line by registering on my.UChicago.edu.
  • The Metra Electric line is subsidized for all riders through 2023 by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, including half off one-way and 10-ride fares in the service area that includes Hyde Park.
  • Lyft Ride Smart at UChicago offers students 10 free rides per month (up to $15 off per ride) on evening and late-night rides within the service area from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m., seven days a week through the summer of 2023.
  • Members of the University community with an active UChicago ID can park for free after hours at the Ellis Avenue garage and the new Kimbark South garage between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m., seven days a week. Those who access the garage after hours without a parking permit must exit the facility by 7 a.m. each day to avoid daily parking fees.
  • Visit the cAlert website to add or edit your preferred contact information for campus emergency alerts.

We hope you have a safe and productive Winter Quarter.

UChicagoSocial: Campus and Student Life