Koryna Bucholz, the College’s Deputy Dean of Students and Chief of Staff, has made meeting students where they are to ensure that they’re always getting the support they need a priority throughout her career—always asking, “How can I help?”
Since arriving at UChicago in 2019, she has served in a variety of roles, all focused on students and their success in the College.
Today, part of her job description includes heading up the new Care and Support Team in the College—a group dedicated to providing comprehensive support services to help undergraduates navigate both personal and academic challenges.
“There are so many resources at UChicago for students, and it might be hard to figure out the best place to turn when you're in crisis or struggling,” said Bucholz. “The Care Team is equipped to help undergraduates with whatever they're experiencing, whether it’s academic or personal.”
We sat down with Koryna to learn more about the work of the Care and Support Team.
What is the Care and Support Team?
I would describe the Care and Support Team as an individualized approach to support students that might be going through a hard time. There is no one-size-fits-all fix for the challenges people face—someone might be having academic struggles, others might need some assistance with personal growth. We work with students that may have hit a roadblock or barrier, who might need a little bit of extra help, even if it's just temporary. We tailor our interventions for each student on a case-by-case basis and we strive to normalize asking for help.
And, even if things are great we want students to stay in touch. We are happy to be a sounding board—and love celebrating student success!
What makes this new and different from supports historically provided in your office?
We’ve been doing this type of support work for a while, but I’m really excited that we’re now putting a more official and formal process in place to ensure we’re reaching students where they are, at all points of their undergraduate experience, and getting them the help that they need. Help may come from our office, through a campus partner or external resource. It’s about helping students figure out what they need in that moment.
We’re responding when students reach out in crisis, but also want people to know that there’s no problem too small to engage with us on. That’s why we’re here!
We are currently a team of four, with a fifth member of the team starting soon, but are seeing how much of an impact our work is having, and are hoping to add even more staff to join this amazing group.
When and how should students engage with this team?
Any time! Dean of Students Phil Venticinque frequently says he's the dean for students and I see the Care and Support Team as the people who are here for students, no matter what they might need. We are knowledgeable resources to help you navigate any challenge.
I can’t stress enough that it is okay to share whatever you might be experiencing, our job is to connect you to the help and resources you might need.
Students can contact us at CollegeCareAndSupport@uchicago.edu. Anyone concerned about a student or friend in a non-emergency moment—Dean-on-Call would obviously be the right place to turn for an emergency—you are also able to share concerns with our team.
What is something you wish that everyone knew about the Dean of Students Office in the College?
That there’s a lot that we do. Dean Venticinque oversees the College Academic Advising Office, Office of Academic and Student Services, College Programming and Orientation, the Center for College Student Success, and the Office of College Community Standards. There are so many resources available, which students shouldn’t be nervous about accessing.
However, above all, I hope that students know that the Dean of Students Office in the College is a place that cares about them, a place that will help them navigate challenging situations. Life happens—and it is okay to ask for help. The people here approach their work with empathy, and we will get you to the help that you might need.
Learn more about the College's Care and Support Team at college.uchicago.edu/college-student-care-and-support-team.