The Graduate Recruitment Initiative Team (GRIT) is a grassroots student organization that aims to recruit students to STEM PhD programs at the University of Chicago. GRIT is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds, especially those who are underrepresented in the STEM workforce. To this end, GRIT’s work is divided into two central components: recruitment and retention. Recruitment is organized by clusters/departments for graduate programs while retention is organized into five teams focused on specific issues.
GRIT is by graduate students, for graduate students. We do not represent the University of Chicago in any official capacity, and our views do not necessarily reflect university policy.
Information regarding the programs and groups that GRIT works with can be found at Who We Support. More information for prospective students can be found on the Prospective Students page. Interested in working with GRIT as a current graduate student at the University of Chicago? Check out the Get Involved page! We welcome all STEM graduate students to GRIT and its teams, regardless of identity
Any inquiries can be sent to the GRIT leadership team at ucgrit@gmail.com!
Upcoming events
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025: Should you get a PhD?
Are you considering a PhD in STEM? Learn about STEM PhD programs offered at the University of Chicago, the responsibilities of a PhD student, and career opportunities for individuals with PhDs. Hear from Deans of Graduate Education from the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Molecular Engineering Divisions, as well as faculty and current PhD students, to learn about their journeys to a PhD and beyond. The workshop will consist of a 30-minute presentation from the Deans, a 15-minute presentation by UChicagoGRAD and myCHOICE (career services), followed by smaller breakout rooms for Q&A for 45 minutes. Q&A rooms include faculty and students from each program, UChicagoGRAD D&I, Student Wellness, GRIT, and the Grad Student Union. The first 45-minute presentation will be recorded and shared with all registrants, so please register ASAP!
- 5:00 PM – Welcome from Deans
- 5:30 PM – UChicagoGRAD and myCHOICE presentation
- 5:45 PM – Q&A sessions with faculty, students, and Student Wellness/etc.
- 6:30 PM – End
