At UChicago, students have many opportunities to engage and connect with professional staff and faculty that are dedicated to supporting them through their collegiate journey.
This page will provide guidance on the various supports students can utilize.
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College Academic Adviser
Every student in the College is assigned to an academic adviser, a full-time professional in the College Academic Advising Office who helps undergraduates pursue their academic interests and plan a program of study leading to a degree.
Beyond academics, advisers also provide guidance on pursuits outside of the classroom and help students align their academic choices with emerging career goals.
Students should inform their adviser if they are experiencing particular problems in class, suffering health issues that interfere with their studies, or are encountering other unforeseen events that pose a challenge to their academic success. Advisers work with their students to navigate, often seeking assistance from administrators or partner offices as necessary.
- To understand graduation requirements and College policies
- To plan a path through the Core Curriculum that aligns with their intellectual curiosity and potential majors and minors of interest
- To consider major and minor programs of interest, declare programs of study, and make course plans towards completion
- To get connected to resources, particularly when they are not sure what is available or who to ask for help
- To consider taking time away from the College
- To set goals and identify opportunities for their time at UChicago and beyond
Director of Undergraduate Studies or Major/Minor Adviser
The Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is a faculty member responsible for organizing, coordinating, and overseeing the undergraduate degree programs within an academic department. They act as the bridge between students, departmental faculty, and the broader university administration. The DUS works with students to advise on program questions and curricular content specific to their academic discipline.
For some academic programs, the undergraduate contact may not be a DUS but may instead be a faculty adviser or program administrator. These advisers are also available to assist students with navigating the academic majors and minors, answering questions and connecting students to opportunities.
- To learn more about the field of study when they are considering the major or minor program
- To discuss research opportunities and recommendations
- To request approval for courses to count in the major/minor program
- To obtain detailed and specific guidance on course offerings related to interest areas
- To seek recommendations for graduate schools and advice on what courses might be good preparation
- To discuss honors within the department
Academic Support Specialist
Academic Coaching is an individualized service for undergraduate students that supports the College’s mission of a transformative education by inviting students to reflect on their own learning process and build new skills for academic success along the way. Academic coaching is provided by Academic Support Specialists. During a coaching appointment, students will discuss their academic interests, goals, acknowledge challenges, and create an initial action plan. Meetings are scheduled for 40 minutes, and follow-up appointments are scheduled as needed based on a student's individual goals and needs.
- To receive academic support
- To identify and practice learning strategies that help them achieve academic success as the student defines it
- To develop transferable academic skills focused on the skill set or subject material of interest to the student
Career Adviser
Career Advancement provides personalized advising to undergraduates and College alumni who have graduated within the past five years. Career advisers are available for in-person and virtual appointments, in addition to walk-in advising.
- To seek career specific advice related to their areas of study and experiences
- To discuss on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities
- To receive support with graduate school applications
- To learn more about resources for specific career fields related to their major/minor programs
- To build their network and practice networking skills
- To receive feedback on their resume and practice interview skills
Resident Head & Resident Dean
Behind every House in the housing community is a dedicated team committed to creating an exceptional residential experience.
Resident Heads (RHs) are advanced graduate students, faculty, or University staff who reside in each of the Houses. They and their families open their homes to House meetings, cheer on the House’s teams, host study breaks (with free food!), and are there to support and provide resources to all students.
Resident Deans (RDs) are senior faculty who strive to make the intellectual life of the University and the cultural life of Chicago part of the daily lives of their student residents. They host community-wide events like dinners, receptions, outings to the symphony or the opera, and informal discussions with luminaries from all corners of the University.
- To seek advice or assistance with mediation for roommate issues
- To ask questions about upcoming community events
- To discuss issues or challenges they are experiencing within the housing community
Care & Support Team
The College Care & Support Team is committed to providing comprehensive support and care for undergraduate students, helping them navigate both academic and personal challenges. The team works closely with students to understand their individual needs and provide tailored guidance to ensure their success. They aim to promote student well-being and ensure that every student has the resources and assistance necessary to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles along the way.
If a student asks for or is clearly in need of additional support from the University, referrals can be submitted to the College Student Care and Support Team here.
- To seek support in completing outstanding coursework
- To discuss taking a leave of absence or resuming after time away from the College
- To seek assistance with the return to campus following time away from the College
- To receive support in navigating challenges that are impacting their academic and personal success
College Center for Research & Fellowships (CCRF)
Students pursuing nationally competitive fellowships and undergraduate research opportunities supported by the College Center for Research and Fellowships (CCRF) should consult the CCRF website and follow specific guidelines and recommendations. CCRF staff are available to meet with students one-on-one and they offer workshops and group information sessions throughout the academic year.
- To discuss fellowship opportunities and receive support preparing for the application process
- To identify research opportunities that align with student goals and interests
- To learn more about the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium hosted in Spring quarter
Study Abroad
UChicago Study Abroad encourages students to expand their education through diverse intellectual perspectives, active participation in a new culture, and critical, first-hand engagement with local and global challenges. Through faculty-led, direct enrollment, and summer grant programs, Chicago students gain cultural fluency and hone language skills while studying a civilization at its center or focusing on a particular theme. Offerings include courses that fulfill general education, major, or minor requirements in a range of disciplines within the social sciences, humanities, and natural and physical sciences.
Study abroad advisers are available to answer questions and provide guidance on the many opportunities available to UChicago students.
- To ask questions about direct enrollment programs
- To learn more about UChicago Faculty led programs
- To seek guidance about financial, health, and safety concerns related to studying abroad
If a student asks for or is clearly in need of additional support from the University, referrals can be submitted to the College Student Care and Support Team here.
Urgent matters regarding the health and safety of students in the College should be brought to Campus & Student Life's Dean-on-Call Program.
Students who have experienced sexual misconduct (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual harassment), which all fall under the Policy on Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct, can report their experiences to UChicago CARES using their reporting form. Students who wish to speak to someone confidentially can call the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call Program.
Conduct that falls outside of the principles of free expression and meets the definition supplied by University Statute 21 for disruptive conduct should be brought promptly to the attention of the Associate Dean of Students in the University for Disciplinary Affairs in Campus and Student Life.