College Student Care and Support Team

The Care and Support Team is dedicated to fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and resilient academic community for our College students. We strive to provide comprehensive support services that empower College students to navigate personal and academic challenges. Our mission is to promote academic success and personal growth by offering tailored resources, interventions, and a supportive network. Through collaboration with campus partners, we aim to create a nurturing environment in which every student feels valued, supported, and equipped to thrive.

Support For Students

Our office is committed to providing comprehensive support and care for undergraduate students, helping them navigate both academic and personal challenges. We work closely with students to understand their individual needs and provide tailored guidance to ensure their success. Our team is dedicated to fostering an environment where students feel supported, valued and equipped to thrive in all aspects of their college experience. We 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 using the link provided below.

Quick Links

Leaving and Returning

Undergraduates may take time away from their studies at the University of Chicago for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason for taking time away, the College will be here to welcome students back once they are ready to resume studies and looks forward to assisting students with every step along the way.

Taking a Leave of Absence

From time to time, circumstances may lead students to take a break from the College. These breaks in enrollment are formally recognized as leaves of absence (LOA). A leave of absence can be voluntary or involuntary, may occur while a student is in good standing or on academic probation, and may be associated with a medical condition.

Students are encouraged to use this time to reflect and consider when they feel ready to return, balancing their academic plans with their personal well-being. To support them during this process, the Care and Support Team in the Dean of Students Office in the College is available to provide assistance and guidance while they are away. This additional support can be invaluable as students prepare to return, helping them weigh all aspects of the decision, including readiness to reengage with academic and campus life.

Banner welcoming guests to Homecoming block party

Returning to UChicago

Once a student decides to resume their studies, staff in the Office of the Dean of Students are here to welcome them back to the UChicago community and provide support as they readjust to academic courses and campus life. We understand that resuming after time away can be both exciting and challenging. While the time away may have been helpful, returning is not always an easy decision and can be difficult to navigate. If a student is experiencing these challenges, we encourage them to reach out. The Care and Support Team, along with other campus resources, is available to assist, and there are programs and opportunities designed to support students through this transition.

Russian journalist Elena Kostyuchenko speaks to UChicago students

Persistence

Our office is dedicated to supporting students as they navigate their academic journeys, with a focus on reducing barriers that may hinder their progress. We provide personalized guidance, connect students with campus resources and advocate for solutions that address individual needs. Through a collaborative and compassionate approach, we empower students to overcome challenges, build resilience and stay on track to achieve their educational goals. By fostering a sense of belonging and motivation, we strive to create a supportive environment where students can persist, thrive and successfully complete their time in the College.

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. In addition to the Dean-on-Call, the College Student Care and Support Team partners with the Department of Safety and Security, UChicago Student Wellness, and other campus offices to coordinate prompt response and support of impacted students.

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.

The College Student Care and Support Tean partners with many University offices and resources to support student well-being, health, safety and success. Students experiencing challenges in these areas may find additional assistance through the following campus partners:

Contact Us

Harper Memorial Library – 2nd Floor
CollegeCareAndSupport@uchicago.edu