Academic Life
Once you've been here for a while, you begin to understand that "the University" is actually a complex amalgam of people, academic units, and administrative organizations. If you have a problem or concern, you may have no idea who to ask for help. Read on. If what follows does not seem to address your issue, the Office of the Dean of Students (2-7770) can help you or direct you to someone who can. Also see the Resolving Complaints section in Everyday Life.
College advisers for undergraduates
The College has a cadre of full-time, professional staff, led by the dean of students in the College, whose job is to advise and help undergraduates.
You'll be assigned an adviser when you enroll and, ordinarily, you'll keep this adviser during your time at the University. If you don't feel comfortable with your adviser, you can arrange for a new adviser by petitioning the dean of students in the College.
Your adviser will help you plan your entire program of study and offer guidance on your major or your future career; may refer you to a tutor; will give you information about application procedures for fellowships, graduate schools, and the like; and will provide all-around encouragement.
In addition, since about 20 percent of each undergraduate class will explore as an option a career in one of the health professions, the College has a special health professions advising office. It's open to anyone on campus interested in pursuing a career in one of the health care fields, from dentistry and medicine to veterinary medicine.
If you're a new student, you'll meet with your adviser during Orientation and again each quarter for a general conference. After your first year, you'll meet with your adviser at least once a year for a required annual conference. Of course, your adviser is available to meet with you at any time. Stay in touch and visit often! To make an appointment, call 2-8615, or stop by the appointment desk at Harper 280.
Faculty counselors for undergraduates
Each major has a program chair (variously known as a director of undergraduate studies or departmental counselor) who can answer specific questions on that area of study. Contact the appropriate program chair if you want to know more about a major, or to make sure you're fulfilling the proper requirements. To find program chairs, check Courses & Programs of Study.
Masters of the Collegiate divisions
In each of the five Collegiate divisions—Biological Sciences, Humanities, New Collegiate, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences—a faculty member serves as master. The masters are chiefly responsible for general education courses in their areas, but they take a strong interest in all aspects of students' academic experiences.
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Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA)
Web: omsa.uchicago.edu
Office: 5710 South Woodlawn Avenue
Phone: 4-4672
OMSA supports the academic success of students of color at the University of Chicago and works to build an inclusive campus community. OMSA's programs focus on enriching students' experiences and encouraging cross-cultural dialogue on campus. OMSA serves and advocates for all African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American students who attend the College, graduate divisions, and professional schools.
OMSA executes its mission in collaboration with other University departments. All students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University are welcome to partner with OMSA in advancing its efforts to support students of color.
To find out more about OMSA and its activities, contact Ana Vázquez, deputy dean of students in the University and director of OMSA, at 4-4672.
LGBTQ Programming Office
The University’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community is reflected in the programs, services, and resources the LGBTQ Programming Office provides for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students in all academic units. Educational, social, and professional programming creates a supportive learning environment and encourage dialogue on campus.
The office also coordinates programs and resources with the LGBTQ Mentoring Program, the Lesbian and Gay Studies Project of the Center for Gender Studies, Rockefeller Chapel, and LGBTQ student organizations. The LGBTQ Resource Library is available at 5710 South Woodlawn. For contact information and a list of services and programs, visit lgbtq.uchicago.edu.
Students with disabilities
To ensure the intellectual richness of research and education, the University seeks to provide an environment conducive to learning, teaching, working, and conducting research that values the diversity of its community. Our goal is to be supportive of the academic, personal, and work-related needs of each individual, and we are committed to facilitating thefull participation of students with a disability in the life of the University.
To request an academic modification or adjustment, contact the Coordinator for Disability Services (Administration, Room 233, 4-4469). The process of determining eligibility and considering what is a reasonable modification or adjustment is an interactive and collaborative process. For more information, visit disabilities.uchicago.edu.
