Dear Students,
Welcome back to the University of Chicago! I hope you had an enjoyable Winter break.
I also wish you a happy and successful new year, as we begin Winter Quarter with both optimism for the year ahead and a continued commitment to maintain the health and safety of the University community. While the presence of COVID-19 remains, our College community demonstrated tremendous character and resilience in the Autumn Quarter, which enables us to know that together we can again make the most of the next academic periods. Whether you are studying from Hyde Park, across the U.S., or around the world, there is much to embrace as a scholarly community, with vast opportunities to enjoy the education, experiences, and friendships that define our great College.
As a guide to both new and traditional programming in place for you, following is a timeline of near-term learning and engagement opportunities. It includes more information about the 2021 College Winterfest, the College’s new program of co-curricular events and activities that encourage undergraduate students to create, connect, and bond with friends.
Upcoming events this quarter:
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January 9-19 |
Countdown to Winterfest, an invitation to join with friends virtually during the first two weeks of the quarter for a series of engaging and entertaining events, including movies, trivia, information sessions, and opportunities to get involved across campus. View the full schedule here.
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January 11 |
2021 Fulbright Application Process Begins, inviting current 3rd- and 4th-year students interested in applying to the US Fulbright Student Grant program to participate in information sessions and workshops beginning January 11.Register here.
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January 12 |
Winter Wellness Club Kick-Off, an opportunity to learn more about the College’s curated wellness program, the Winter Wellness Club. Students can sign up to participate in the club for the opportunity to explore the facets of personal wellness and receive prizes for participation in wellness themed programs. Register here.
Undergraduate Research Information Sessions, join the CCRF for information sessions on getting involved in undergraduate research at UChicago and planning for summer research. Register for sessions starting January 12 here.
Virtual Networking 101: The Art of Working the Zoom Room, a Career Advancement event where you can learn how to put your best foot forward at virtual networking events. Register here.
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January 13 |
CCRF and Regenstein Library Series: Tools and Strategies for Successful Research Proposals, to build your information literacy and research skills. You will learn how to effectively identify and utilize scholarly sources, develop a literature review and write a persuasive research proposal, which can be used for your thesis, UChicago and external grants, national fellowships and graduate school applications. Register for the 3-part series here.
Discover Your Passion: Career Exploration for Upperclassmen, an opportunity for students who are undecided about their career path to learn how they can identify potential careers using their interests, skills, and values. Register here.
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January 14 |
Winter Welcome, a virtual RSO fair that provides students with the opportunity to independently explore informational resources and have one-on-one chats with representatives from organizations across campus with the aim of providing information about ways for students to get involved on campus. Register here.
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January 19 |
Hot Chocolate Night, UChicago Alumni welcomes the Class of 2024 to the UChicago Alumni Community. While we will not be gathering in person for Hot Chocolate this year, 1st year students can register for the limited edition 2024 Class Mug starting January 19th. Learn more here.
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January 20-Spring Quarter |
2021 College Winterfest, innovative arts-focused programs that invite students to create, connect, and bond with friends, individually and through the work of creative teams. See the Winterfest website for specific activities and timing.
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January 23 |
Taking the Next Step, a virtual conference-style event that allows first-years to interact with and get advice from UChicago alumni across 25 different career fields. Learn more here and register here.
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January 27 |
Diversity + Inclusion Summit, an event for students to learn about workplace diversity and inclusion efforts and engage with employers and UChicago alumni. Register here and select your workshop preferences here. |
For a view of all programming available, please visit the Winterfest, the College Center for Research and Fellowships, Career Advancement and the Winter Wellness Club webpages, as well as the Winter Quarter Events Calendar. Academic Advisers and staff from College Programming and Orientation also are available, if you have questions or need assistance.
In addition, please know that the University is offering study spaces in locations across campus this Winter Quarter. The locations and hours are listed on the Campus and Student Life website. Hours are set by the individual locations and are subject to change. Capacity limitations and other guidelines will apply when using the study spaces.
In challenging times, it is through conviction and care for one another that we are best equipped to positively emerge from difficult circumstances. I have every confidence in you and our College community that, together, we can embrace the Winter and Spring Quarters to the fullest of our ability.
Again, my sincerest best wishes for a good new year and successful quarter ahead.
Sincerely,
Jay Ellison
Dean of Students in the College
The University of Chicago