Dear Students in the College:
Earlier today, the University of Chicago announced that we plan to invite all students to be in residence, classrooms, and labs for the 2021 Autumn Quarter. I am delighted by this news, and I write to share the information specific to College students that is currently available.
Throughout the pandemic, our College community has demonstrated tremendous resilience and character. While the presence of COVID-19 will require continued adherence to health and safety protocols, the faculty and staff of the College look forward to welcoming students back to Chicago and resuming in-person learning. Following is an overview of the residential, academic, and programmatic planning efforts currently underway.
Housing & Residence Life
At this time, we anticipate that Housing and Residence Life will resume full occupancy of University residence halls, including double occupancy of rooms and shared use of bathroom facilities. All dining facilities will be open to offer dine-in as well as carryout services.
Academic Instruction
We are confident that the great majority of classroom and lab instruction will take place in-person.
Study Abroad
The College will resume its signature Study Abroad programs in the 2021-2022 academic year, in accordance with public health guidelines, international travel permissions, and University health and safety protocols. While we are optimistic that conditions will continue to improve, we are closely monitoring each program location, and we will provide updated information to participating students as it becomes available.
Career Advancement
At this time, Career Advancement plans to reinstate in-person career advising and programming. Virtual career advising will also continue to be available to allow flexibility to students, with online recruiting opening in early August 2021 to help students access as many opportunities as possible. We anticipate that employers likely will use a hybrid recruiting model with both in-person and virtual information sessions and interviewing.
Over the next months, the College will provide additional details related to Orientation activities for the Class of 2025, new curricular opportunities, College programming, and activities provided through Campus and Student Life and other campus partners. In the meantime, I encourage you to monitor the UChicago Forward website for all updates and information related to Autumn planning.
As a scholarly community, we benefit immeasurably from the wealth of personal exchanges that take place on our campus, both formal and informal, each day of the academic year. I am delighted that we will soon be able to resume these personal experiences and interactions. Until then, my continued best wishes for an enjoyable and intellectually rewarding Spring Quarter.
Sincerely,
John W. Boyer
Dean of the College