Center for College Student Success

Support

Connect with campus communities and create your support network.

The Maroon Mentors program connects incoming first-generation, low-income, and/or immigrant (FLI) students with peer upperclassmen mentors. Through weekly informal check-ins, sponsored programs and outings, our mentor families help each other navigate the College environment, providing support and resources to successfully adapt and transition to college life.

• For more information about the program, visit the Maroon Mentors program page or contact CCSS Assistant Director Omandra Zamora at omandra@uchicago.edu.

CCSS provides various opportunities for Odyssey Scholars to build community, develop connections, and create their support network.

The Odyssey Scholars Community Fellows (OSCFs) are the voice of Odyssey Scholars’ experiences on campus, and work to find solutions and resources to meet their current needs and priorities. They also link students, staff, and faculty across campus in order to continue fostering affinity and inclusion. The OSCFs design programming that creates advocacy, community, rapport, and support among Odyssey Scholars. They will also promote all of the University of Chicago resources available to them. Please contact Jennifer Telschow, CCSS Assistant Director, at telschow@uchicago.edu with any questions about the OSCF program.

2021-2022 Odyssey Scholars Community Fellows:

• Aida Bašić

• Donte Day

• Skylah Fregoso

• Lucas Lelis Graciliano

• Trinity Rodgers

• Wilson Turner

Student Coordinators
Student coordinators are the first friendly faces you will see as you walk into CCSS, and they ensure the office remains a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. They are knowledgeable about all the resources and upcoming events CCSS has, so do not hesitate to ask them questions or for assistance.

• Dinah Clottey
• Josselyn Navas
• Esela Segbefia
• Eseme Segbefia

You belong here and are a vital part of the UChicago community, but we know it can sometimes feel otherwise. Connecting with students from similar backgrounds can be a great way to find your "home away from home."

These Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and other student groups may be of particular interest to FLI students:

• Socioeconomic Diversity Alliance
• Quest Scholars Network
• Rural Student Alliance
• UChicago Without Borders
• Butterfly Support Group: A student support group focusing on mental health for undocumented students and other students affected by immigration status.

Our University is committed to excellence based on the strength of each individual’s ideas, regardless of status, identity or perspective. Our diverse campus is enriched by our students, staff and scholars who have come from other nations, including those with undocumented immigration status or who qualify for relief under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. We firmly believe that every member of our community is entitled to participate in scholarly, professional and personal pursuits at the University. We recognize that individuals who are not United States citizens face distinctive challenges, and the University is committed to supporting them in numerous ways.

CCSS is dedicated to supporting undergraduate students with issues related to their immigration status and should be the starting point for students in the College with questions or concerns. Please make an appointment with the CCSS staff to receive support on your personal situation. CCSS strives to maintain your privacy while helping connect you to the resources that you need.

• Information for undocumented/DACA students, including an FAQ and links to campus and community resources is available at: https://inclusion.uchicago.edu/studentsupport/undocumented-dacamented/

The FLI Network connects students, faculty, administrators, and alumni who identify as first-generation, lower-income, or immigrant (regardless of immigration status), and allies with the goal of creating a community of support.  An initiative co-sponsored by CCSS and Student Support Services, the FLI Network creates opportunities for members to learn from one another. It fosters a sense of belonging, inclusion, and resilience in students in order to help them succeed at the University of Chicago. The FLI Network also hosts the FLI Champions Program - a unique mentoring program where FLI undergraduate or graduate students are paired with FLI staff or faculty for a year-long coaching experience.

Are you looking for opportunities to connect with other FLI members of the University community?  Join the FLI Network!

• Visit the FLI Network website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing unexpected financial difficulties, below are a few resources to help you get started:

• Emergency Funding is available through the Bursar's Emergency Financial Assistance programs for needs that fall outside of the cost of attendance (i.e. cannot be used for paying tuition and fees).
• Students seeking financial support for medical care received through the UChicago hospital should review the guidelines for the UChicago Medicine Financial Assistance program.
• The Emergency Fund is a student-led initiative issuing grants for a variety of needs.
• UChicago Mutual Aid has been a helpful local resource for assorted needs.

CCSS partners with Student Support Services and the Office of the Provost to provide resources for students experiencing food insecurity.

Currently we are able to offer $50 vouchers for Hyde Park Produce which can support about a week's worth of groceries.

• Please make a request for support using this brief form.

• Students are eligible for up to three vouchers per quarter, including summer term. This is intended to be short-term support for students experiencing food insecurity. If you or a student you know could benefit from longer-term support, please contact us to explore additional options.

• Requests are reviewed during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). For urgent needs or after-hours requests, students may contact the various emergency resources on campus, including the Dean-on-Call program.

Additional resources will be shared as they become available. 

Students may schedule  virtual or in-person meetings with the CCSS staff for guidance on accessing campus resources.