Join Alumni Weekend 2019!

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Alumni Weekend, Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9, is an annual tradition that brings Chicago alumni back to campus to celebrate all that we hold most dear about our University. Graduate students are invited to come together with alumni, classmates, scholars, and friends around lively, informative conversation about some of the most interesting content on campus.

 

Please bring your UChicago ID and stop at the Student Check-In station in the Registration and Hospitality Tent on the Main Quad to register for a free weekend student pass. Daily registration will allow you in-and-out access to general Alumni Weekend events. Please note some individual events will include fees and more information is available on the Alumni Weekend website at https://alumniweekend.uchicago.edu/ or at registration.

 

EVENT SCHEDULE
Graduate students are welcome to register and attend Alumni Weekend events. View the full schedule of events and session descriptions at https://alumniweekend.uchicago.edu/.

 

Listed below are events we think will be of particular interest.

 

Thursday, June 6, 7–9:30 p.m.

Trivia at the Pub

Ida Noyes Hall, The Pub, Lower Level, 1212 E. 59th St.

Team up, grab a beer and some snacks, and test your wits against fellow alumni at the one and only Ida Noyes Pub. Membership fee waived for Alumni Weekend registrants. Self-host, cash bar.

 

Friday–Saturday, June 7–8, Mornings and afternoons
UnCommon Core Sessions
Joseph Regenstein Library, Room 122A
Join University of Chicago faculty, staff, students, and alumni to learn about exciting initiatives, research, and collaborations with the campus, community, city, and beyond.

 

Friday, June 7, Noon–3 p.m.

Showcase: 100 Years of the OI

Oriental Institute, 1155 E. 58th St.

The Oriental Institute marks its centennial year in 2019. Over the past century, the OI has become the world’s leading center for the study of ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. Combining innovation in theory, methodology, and significant empirical discovery with the highest standards of rigorous scholarship, the OI has raised generations of scholars who have expanded its legacy to other institutions all around the world. Come explore how it all began in 1919, and learn where the OI stands now.

Friday, June 7, 1–2:30 p.m.

Black Voices: UChicago and the 1964 Civil Rights Experience

Center for Identity and Inclusion, 5710 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Committee on International Relations assistant professors Austin Carson and Paul Poast will debate each other on the following resolution: Donald Trump is revolutionizing American foreign policy for the benefit of the United States and its allies. Audience members will participate and vote for the winner. Moderated by Paul Staniland, AB’04, associate professor in the Department of Political Science and faculty chair of the Committee on International Relations. This event is presented by the Committee on International Relations and is cosponsored by Women in International Affairs. Reception to follow.

 

Friday, June 7, & Saturday, June 8; 2– 5 p.m.

Alumni Beer Garden

Main Quad, Garden Tent, 58th St. and University Ave.

Enjoy an assortment of brews and light snacks on the Main Quad with friends and the UChicago alumni community. Special thanks to Great Lakes Brewing Company founder and owner Patrick Conway, AM’78, for his generous sponsorship this year. Students are welcome to join from 2 – 5 p.m. This is a 21+ event.

 

Saturday, June 8, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Alumni and Friends Family Festival

Main Quad, Festival Tent, 58th St. and University Ave.

Gather on the quad for food, drink, and entertainment for the whole family. This is a great opportunity to reconnect and share your UChicago pride with fellow alumni and friends. Kids will love the bounce house, balloon artist, face painter, and variety of games and activities.

Saturday, June 8, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

The Art of Storytelling: Crafting the Narrative of Self, Others, and Change

Saieh Hall for Economics, Room 203, 5757 S. University Ave.
With a story, what might start as personal can bridge the gap to the universal, build empathy and community, and plant “mind seeds” that result in change. Noted artists/educators/change agents Amanda Delheimer, AB’99, AM’99, and Emily Hooper Lansana will share their insights and demonstrate how telling stories makes a difference. Hosted by the Chicago Women’s Alliance.

Saturday, June 8, 3–4:30 p.m.

International House Around the World Wine Tasting

International House, Rockefeller Lounge, 1414 E. 59th St.

This event requires the purchase of a separate ticket. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $20. Must be 21 or older to attend; government-issued ID required for entry.
Join international alumni, International House staff and graduate students, and the Alumni Club of Chicago at this time-honored reception that will teach us about wines from select regions across the globe. Enjoy a performance by an acclaimed Chicago world music ensemble while you connect with old and new friends, recalling fond international memories of study, travel, work, and friendship. Tours of International House will also be offered.

 

Saturday, June 8, 7–11 p.m.

UChicaGO Party

Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th St.

This event requires the purchase of a separate ticket in the Registration and Hospitality Tent or at the door.
Alumni Weekend’s biggest bash, the seriously swanky UChicaGO Party transforms a familiar space on campus into a veritable wonderland of food, drinks, and dancing with friends old and new. This is one party you won’t want to miss!

Yoga, Let’s Talk, Sounding Board and more…

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Check out these stress relieving events, resources, and tips if the end of the quarter has you a bit overwhelmed…

Yoga at I-House                                                     
Tuesday, May 28 & Tuesday, June 4, 2:30PM-3:30PM, International House Coulter Lounge (1414 E 59th Street)

Come along to exercise both the body and the mind! With the stress of finals, this is the perfect break. Yoga mats are available but feel free to bring your own. All levels are welcome

Health Promotion and Wellness
Ongoing

The BustMyStress email listserv is a weekly email sent to students for the purpose of providing stress-relief tips, as well as alerting them to new and ongoing stress-relief events around campus.  Sign up to receieve the BustMyStress weekly emails! Other resources for stress management from Health, Promotion, and Wellness.

WellNest Student Lounge: Provides students with a space where they can relax and take care of themselves during the course of the day. The WellNest is a quiet space where students can study or nap; it offers two massage chairs and wellness stations with coloring, aromatherapy, and other stress reducers. Visit the WellNest at 950 East 61st Street, Room 363.

Late Night Breakfast
Sunday, June 9th, 10pm, Reynolds Club – Hutchinson Commons

Join the Center for Leadership and Involvement and College Programming Office for Late Night Breakfast in the Reynolds Club- Hutchinson Commons the night before finals week. Free food will include fruit, pancakes, french toast, bacon, turkey sausage, eggs, latkes, juice and much more!

Let’s Talk and Sounding Board
Ongoing

Let’s Talk is a Health Promotion and Wellness program that provides easy access to informal and confidential sessions with therapists from SCS. There’s no need for an appointment and no cost to students.

Sounding Board is one-on-one advising for students to discuss optimizing work / life balance and satisfaction. Make an appointment via GRAD Gargoyle.

Other tips and resources:

Take a break this Memorial Day Weekend!

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Enjoy these events and activities over the holiday weekend…

Take advantage of the long weekend by exploring Chicago! Check out these free or $5 or less events and activities:

Thinking about moving over the summer?

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Although many popular news sources report that moving can be one of the more stressful life events a person can encounter, there are ways to start the process a bit early and make it less of a strain on you! Here are some resources to check out:

 

  • UChicagoGRAD Housing Fair (May 23rd, 11 AM – 1 PM on the main quadrangle to the east of Levi Hall): 15-20 vendors will be on hand to provide information about rental properties and services, special discounts for UChicago students, and promotional items. Along with representatives from local Hyde Park management companies, we will host vendors from the South Loop, rental brokers, furniture rental companies, tenants’ rights organizations, and other relevant housing vendors. No RSVP required
  • UChicagoGRAD Housing Resources Website: look here for a detailed neighborhood guide, maps to learn where students in your program tend to live, tips for finding a new apartment, , and other advice for what to consider when moving.

Online 33 page Housing Resource Guide: this comprehensive guide provides all the details you need to consider when moving in and around Chicago, such as a list of Better Business Bureau vetted Management Companies, transportation routes to and from UChicago, and a list of renter’s and landlord’s rights and responsibilities

Use summer to get ahead on fellowship applications, interview prep, and job materials

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UChicagoGRAD is here to help; register now for events like our Writing Workshops, NSF GRFP and Fulbright Information Sessions, Academic Job Market Summer Camp, and one-on-one fellowship, oral presentation, and career advising…

UChicagoGRAD offers a range of services and resources to enhance the ability of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to navigate their careers at UChicago and beyond. Schedule a one-on-one advising session now and register for our upcoming and summer 2019 events:

Careers: UChicagoGRAD’s advising team is dedicated to guiding graduate students and postdocs toward professional satisfaction in academia, industry, non-profits, and government.  Meet with our GRAD Talk team to build your public speaking or interviewing skills, a UChicagoGRAD career advisor to discuss your options and receive practical next steps to guide you through the career exploration process, and sign up with a fellowship advisor to map out a plan for applying for fellowships.

Academic Job Market Summer Camp

July 15-19, 2019, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00/1:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

Are you planning to apply for academic jobs this fall?  Put your best foot forward by attending UChicagoGRAD’s Academic Job Market Summer Camp.  You’ll receive advice from UChicagoGRAD and Chicago Center for Teaching advisors as well as faculty from UChicago and other area institutions.  You’ll also have opportunities to hone your documents and interview skills. RSVP for each session in GRAD Gargoyle

  • Monday, July 15: Introduction, Hiring Committee Panel, CV Best Practices, International Academe
  • Tuesday, July 16: Cover Letters, Research Statements (STEM and HUM/SS), Getting a Postdoc
  • Wednesday, July 17: Teaching Statements and Portfolios, Diversity Statements, Navigating Identity
  • Thursday, July 18: Interview Best Practices, Campus Visits, Creating a Scholarly Website
  • Friday, July 19: Job Document Working Groups and Lunch Discussion

Diversity and Inclusion: GRAD Diversity & Inclusion leads efforts within UChicagoGRAD to create, sustain, and coordinate practices throughout the University that support the academic, scholarly, and career development of graduate students and postdocs from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups; and all graduate students and postdocs in incorporating diversity in their scholarly lives.

Faculty Recruitment to Enhance Diversity at Liberal Arts Colleges
Thursday, May 16th, 12:00 pm, UChicagoGRAD HQ
The LADO consortium comprises 28 liberal arts colleges with an interest in actively recruiting talented and diverse faculty members, and C3 consists of four liberal arts colleges and four research universities that seek to advance innovation and transformation in higher education by investing in faculty from underrepresented groups. Faculty and administrators from several liberal arts colleges representing LADO and C3 will visit campus to meet with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across a wide variety of disciplines. Graduate students and postdocs are encouraged to participate even if they are not currently looking for a faculty position—learn now how to prepare yourself for later. Lunch will be provided. RSVP in GRAD Gargoyle > Events > GRAD Events

Fellowships: UChicagoGRAD offers assistance for students navigating the complex process of applying for competitive fellowships. Meet with a fellowship advisor to identify the right funding opportunities for you or to get assistance with your application.

                Preparing your application for the Fulbright U.S. Student program:

  • Fulbright Statement of Grant Purpose Workshop for Masters students: May 17, 2-3pm, UChicagoGRAD, RSVP in GRAD Gargoyle > Events > GRAD Events
  • Preparing for Fulbright and other Research Abroad Fellowships for PhD students:  May 21, 3:30 – 4:30 pm, UChicagoGRAD, RSVP in GRAD Gargoyle > Events > GRAD Events

Preparing your application for the NSF GRFP: additional events, dates and times will be added soon…

  • Decoding the NSF GRFP Program Solicitation: June 20, 3:30-5pm UChicagoGRAD, RSVP in GRAD Gargoyle > Events > GRAD Events
  • NSF GRFP Personal Statement Writing Workshop: July TBD, UChicagoGRAD, RSVP in GRAD Gargoyle> Events > GRAD Events
  • NSF GRFP Personal Statement Writing Workshop: July TBD, UChicagoGRAD, RSVP in GRAD Gargoyle> Events > GRAD Events

 

 

Planning a summer research trip?

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Whether you are traveling to a laboratory at a partner institution or conducting independent research, the UChicago Travel Toolkit aims to provide you with the tools and information necessary to enhance your safety, reduce risks, and prepare you for a seamless journey.

 

FAQ: The UChicago Travel Toolkit provides assistance to University faculty, students and staff for academic-related travel planning and managing a project or research abroad. The website features:

 

Travel Assistance:

  • Resources to help you book your travel: Find information on booking, discounts, policies, and forms for University business travel and special events. Make sure you consult with any granting agency to make sure your travel arrangements comply with funding guidelines.
  • Passport and Visa assistance: Identify all travel requirements well before your departure, it can take months to have passport and visa applications approved.
  • Health and Safety: Ensure your health and safety while traveling. Learn more about vaccination requirements and insurance coverage.

 

Emergency Travel Assistance:

  • Register your Travel: Register at UChicago Traveler today and you will automatically be enrolled in UChicago’s International Travel Emergency Assistance Program.
  • Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: this  allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency (e.g., natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency) and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
  • International S.O.S.: Be prepared when it counts. Learn about our partner: International SOS.

 

Data Security and Management Assistance:

Spotlight on: UChicago initiatives for Student Veterans and the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities

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Join the Student Veteran Council and Recognize UChicago Veterans for Memorial Day (5/22), click to learn more

 

The University of Chicago created the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities to provide a new resource for prospective and current students, faculty, and staff, including those who serve in the United States military, veterans, and members of military families. OMAC also serves to support students affiliated with foreign militaries. The Office for Military-Affiliated Communities strives to serve as a central home for the University’s military-affiliated work, helping to amplify a range of programs, support services, and partnerships currently in place across UChicago.

New and upcoming initiatives from the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities include:

–          The newly created Student Veteran Council hosted its first meeting in early April and will regularly convene a group of military-affiliated students from across the University to serve as liaisons and champion initiatives for OMAC. For more information contact Terrell Odom (todom@uchicago.edu). This group will transition into the UChicago Student Veterans of America Chapter, which will work across disciplines and serve all student veterans on campus. The SVA’s mission can be found here.

–          Memorial Day Programming will recognize US military veterans on May 22nd from 11:30-1:30 at International House (1414 E 59th Street), featuring former Congressional Representative and Bronze Star Medal recipient for meritorious service Patrick Murphy. For more information contact Terrell Odom (todom@uchicago.edu)

Read this profile on Akya Gossitt, Master’s student in Clinical Social Work, discussing what these new initiatives mean to UChicago veterans:

Akya was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, but coming to UChicago was never a part of her original plan for graduate school. She applied after a friend encouraged her to do so, saying, “I just did it to shut my friend up.” When her admissions letter came, she did not believe that she had gotten in; once, the news sunk in, she realized that having a UChicago degree would “speak volumes to employers and to others in the Veteran community. This degree shows my and Veterans’ potential to accomplish and do the things we set out to do.”

Akya started her Master’s in Clinical Social Work in Fall of 2018, and she has hit the ground running, both academically and also in terms of outreach. She has developed a strong community at SSA, saying that her cohort is “the best thing about UChicago.” In talking to Akya, it is clear that her passion for helping others, especially other veterans, remains a thread in everything that she does. She credits what she has learned at SSA with helping her to articulate what she wants to do once she graduates: “I want to travel and teach workshops on trauma, especially for veterans and their families. Trauma can show up in a variety of ways and it looks very different, depending on culture and society. I want to create a foundation for social change and to impact policy, and I will advocate for teen moms, homeless vets, and against discrimination.” And, she has already started down this career path by partnering with Terrell Odom in the Office for Military-Affiliated Communities to create change for veterans on-campus.

After attending the Veterans Day Memorial, hosted at SSA last year, Akya began to find ways to connect with other veterans at UChicago and to find the resources available to her. In March of 2019, Akya and Terrell attended the Ivy League Veteran Council or Military-Affiliated Students at Stanford University. There they were able to discuss the ways that universities like UChicago can better attract and retain veterans as students, the barriers that veterans face when deciding to attend both college and graduate school, and how to make the top graduate programs across the country more inclusive to veterans. Terrell brought this information back to UChicago and is incorporating it as a part of the mission of the newly formed UChicago Student Veteran Council.

Akya is proud of her time as an E4 specialist in the military as well as of her many other accomplishments, like being a mother to two boys and participating in an NEH grant-funded outreach program that facilitated conversation between veterans and non-veterans around fictional accounts of war and trauma. She believes that “you make your own experience” and is committed to creating spaces for the veteran experience both at UChicago and beyond.

Apply by May 1st to participate in UChicagoGRAD’s 3 Minute Thesis Competition, develop an exciting and concise description of your research, and compete for prizes

kalee

Three Minute Thesis, also known as 3MT, is a public speaking competition originally developed by the University of Queensland

In a 3MT competition, you have three minutes to present your original thesis research with only one static slide. Sound difficult? It is! By taking part in a 3MT competition, you have a chance not only to practice your skills in public speaking. You also gain practical experience in how to condense the broad strokes of your research into a clear, concise, and exciting format. Watch videos of last year’s winners from the UChicagoGRAD competition!

The application deadline for the Three Minute Thesis Competition is May 1. To complete the application form, please click here. For questions please contact Michael O’Toole: mfo@uchicago.edu. 

Who is eligible?
Any student currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at the University of Chicago and writing a Master’s or PhD thesis is eligible to apply. Participants will compete either in the Master’s or PhD category. Students in a PhD or combined Master’s/PhD program must participate in the PhD category.

Prizes:

Each participant’s entry will be evaluated by a panel of judges. For a complete list of judging criteria please click here.

Overall Winner: $750

  • 1st Runner-up (PhD): $500
  • 1st Runner-up (Master’s): $500
  • 2nd Runner-up (PhD): $250
  • 2nd Runner-up (Master’s): $250
  • People’s Choice Award: $100  (new award for this year’s competition!)

Get involved in Graduate Council and Nominate your Peers for Graduate Student Leadership Recognition Awards!

kalee

Get Involved – Join Graduate Council!

Graduate Council is the representative governing body for the University of Chicago’s 8,000+ graduate students. In 2017-18, the Graduate Council Travel Fund and Finance Committee funded over 350 travel requests and 130 events respectively. In addition to providing financial support, Graduate Council also helped strengthen community by hosting 9 large-scale social events and 40 smaller community events.

In close collaboration with divisional Dean’s Councils, Graduate Council works to advance the graduate experience by programming campus-wide events and hosting platforms for advocacy and issues discussion. The council is comprised of 17 elected representatives from the 12 graduate divisions and a team of committee chairs that focus on particular action arms (social, community, diversity, funding, & marketing).

Graduate Council is always looking for motivated graduate students to get involved. Whether you want to help make decisions on funding applications, work on a specific issue, or run full-scale events, Graduate Council has a place for you. Join fellow graduate students in an effort to break down divisional barriers and create a university-wide graduate community.

Graduate Council is currently looking to fill the team for 2019-2020. Want to learn more? Please fill out this interest form here: https://forms.gle/bdso5edSwqDJG1vg8

Graduate Council’s Graduate Student Leadership Recognition Awards

The Graduate Student Leadership Recognition Awards (G-SLRA) application is now live! The SLRAs are designed to recognize dedicated student leaders that have made significant contributions to improve graduate student life on campus. This year 25 awardees will be selected to each receive a $500 award. Applicants can be self-nominated or nominated by a friend, colleague, or faculty member. We’re excited to hear about all of the great work that our applicants do on campus, and can’t wait to reveal this year’s winners at our awards ceremony at the end of this quarter! You can find the application here.