Author: kalee

UChicago Convocation 2020

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The 533rd Convocation will take place virtually on Saturday, June 13, at 9:15 a.m. This is a University-wide ceremony involving degree candidates from all divisions and schools. During the ceremony, the University President Robert J. Zimmer will confer degrees to all candidates.

Live Streaming

The virtual University-wide ceremony will stream at convocation.uchicago.edu.

Speakers, contact information, and links to the virtual ceremonies can be found on the Virtual Ceremonies Schedule page.

Details for the College, as well as the Schools and Divisions’ individual ceremonies, can be found below. All ceremony times are Central Standard Time (CST).

Schedule

  • FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2020
    • 9:00 AM- The School of Social Service Administration
    • 11:00 AM – The Division of the Social Sciences
    • 12:30 PM – The Divinity School
    • 2:00 PM – Class Day
    • 4:30 PM – The Division of the Humanities
  • SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020
    • 9:15 AM – University-wide Ceremony
    • 11:00 AM – The William B. and Catherine V. Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
    • 11:00 AM – The Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies
    • 11:30 AM – The Law School
    • 12:00 PM – The Division of the Physical Sciences
    • 4:30 PM – The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
  • SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020
    • The College is proud to recognize the incredible achievements of our graduates during our College Diploma Ceremonies. A UChicago tradition, the College Diploma Ceremonies invite students to return to their residential communities to celebrate graduation with those with whom they began their academic journey. Each ceremony is presided over by a resident dean and features remarks, speeches, and the reading of the names of each graduate. This year’s virtual ceremonies will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2020, throughout the day at the times listed below. Links to each virtual ceremony, as well as speaker and contact information, can be found on the Virtual Ceremonies Schedule page.

Social Media

Share your Class of 2020 memories, photos, and reflections, as we recognize your accomplishments! Use our specially designed Class of 2020 social media tools to celebrate and share your success with friends and family.

FAQ

For more information about Convocation, academic regalia, diplomas, and more, please consult the FAQ page. If you have additional questions, please email convocation@uchicago.edu.

UChicagoGRAD Statement on Coronavirus

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In light of recent communication from the University about COVID-19, UChicagoGRAD is moving to virtual services.

Photo credit: cdc.gov

We are committed to supporting graduate students and postdocs during this challenging time, and we encourage you to continue to take advantage of UChicagoGRAD resources that will be provided remotely. Effective immediately, advising appointments are available only through Skype/Zoom or by phone. Most workshops and events will be similarly moved to virtual platforms; please pay attention to details in event descriptions for further information. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request an accommodation, please contact Deborah Blumenthal at deborahb@uchicago.edu.

Please visit the University’s Coronavirus Updates page to stay informed about the public health situation related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

THRIVE

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THRIVE Collective is a collaboration with UChicagoGRAD Diversity & Inclusion, Student Counseling Services and Student Support Services to provide emotional wellness workshops to help students thrive during adverse times and encourage utilization of university resources.

Past workshops have included topics such as impostor syndrome and cultivating unconditional self-worth. Our next workshop, facilitated by Khanh Nghiem, will focus on the importance of self-care. These workshop are just one of the tools available for stress and mental health management. Student Counseling Services has a large number of services available for mental health, wellness, and medical services. Additionally, our other partner, Student Support Services has a hallmark program to support students facing food insecurity. Please join us for our next session (see info below).

Upcoming Workshop Opportunity

THRIVE Workshop: Self-Care to Increase Productivity and Resiliency
Wednesday, February 5th, 12 PM-1:30 PM, 5710 S. Woodlawn
Students in a highly competitive environment, such as UChicago may feel intense pressure to succeed even at the cost of our well-being. We might sacrifice sleep, skip meals, or withdraw socially to work harder and get more done. Underrepresented minority students are especially impacted. When we stop caring for ourselves we often struggle to keep up with our work, engage with our friends and family in the way that we would like, and have a fulfilling life. Join us in this workshop to learn more about ways to care for ourselves in an active, empowering way to increase productivity and resiliency. FREE LUNCH PROVIDED. RSVP required via GRAD Gargoyle

Start the 2019-2020 Academic Year with a (Re)Orientation to UChicago!

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Join us for a new series of (Re)Orientation programs, designed to answer your questions and help new and continuing students take advantage of campus resources and better navigate your academic and professional career here at the University of Chicago. Register for all events in GRAD Gargoyle

  • HOW SHOULD I HELP?: Supporting Students in Crisis (October 3, 12:30-1:30pm; UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58thStreet, 3rdfloor)
    • If you’re in a teaching, mentoring or other leadership role, it’s important that you are prepared to support your students by staying informed of your responsibilities and available resources if student emergencies arise. This session aims to provide you the tools and information you need to help your students (and your peers), including Title IX office information and reporting responsibilities, specific resources for students and teachers, and how to access UChicago HELP. UChicago HELP is a robust set of systems and practices, including some resources that are available 24/7.  It is comprised of the Dean-on-Call program, the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call program, and the Bias Education &Support Team (BEST). RSVP in advance via GRAD Gargoyle (Events > GRAD Events).
  • STUDENT EMPLOYMENT: Looking for the Right On-Campus Opportunity  (October 10, 12:30-1:30pm; UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58thStreet, 3rdfloor) 
    • Interested in an on-campus student employment position? Learn more about how to find and apply for on-campus jobs with Deborah Blumenthal of UChicagoGRAD. We’ll cover the basics of where to look, what to look for, and how to submit your materials, including specific information on using Federal Work-Study funding if you’re eligible (and how to find that out if you’re not sure).  RSVP in advance via GRAD Gargoyle (Events > GRAD Events).
  • STUDENT HEALTH: USHIP, Staying Well, and Navigating Your Health Care as a UChicago Graduate Student (October 17, 12:30-1:30pm; UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58thStreet, 3rdfloor) 
    • Do you know about the DCAM Pharmacy discount? Did you know there is no co-pay to go to Student Health Services? If you’re not yet an expert at managing your medical care, this session will set you up to stay well and take advantage of all the health and wellness resources available to support you. Julie Edwards, Director of Health Promotion and Wellness, will cover the basics of the University Student Health Insurance Plan (USHIP), using the Student Health Clinic & Student Counseling Resources, and how to promote your own health and wellness as a graduate student. RSVP in advance via GRAD Gargoyle (Events > GRAD Events).

Using summer to move or clean out?

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Check out this list of ways to properly dispose of or donate your unwanted household items. Be sure to check out the UChicago Recycling Directory for additional resources

Clothing:

  • Encore Resale Storein Hyde Park will accept gently used clothing and what they can’t sell they donate to the Salvation Army
  • In the Woodlawn area, you can donate clothing to Unique Thrift Store
  • Goodwill Donation Centers: 1201 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607 and 300 N LaSalle Dr #4925, Chicago, IL 60654 

Electronics:

Furniture:

Household Chemicals:

Pharmaceuticals:

Pathways to Teaching Careers Conference

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Join UChicagoGRAD and the Chicago Center for Teaching for the Pathways to Teaching Careers half-day conference, hosted on May 17th, 9am-1pm in the Ida Noyes Library and Library Lounge 

Navigating from a graduate program or postdoc into a teaching position can be both an exciting professional and intellectual experience as well as a challenging, uncertain transition. After spending many years at one particular institution, how can you understand the teaching cultures at different institutions and how to demonstrate fit? And once in a new position, what do teaching and other professional responsibilities look like and how do they compare to your experience at UChicago?

This event will provide graduate students and postdocs from all fields of study with the opportunity to explore what it means to pursue a teaching career at a diverse group of institutions. In panels and small group lunch discussions, alumni from Chicago-area institutions and faculty from several liberal arts colleges will provide insight into the relevant skills and experiences that University of Chicago graduate students and postdocs might cultivate to prepare for successful teaching careers at a variety of institution types. They will also discuss how best to demonstrate and communicate these skills and experiences to hiring committees.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Register via GRAD Gargoyle
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9:00 – 9:15 AM – Welcome, light breakfast served

9:15 – 10:30 AM – Differences in Teaching Cultures: Demonstrating Fit
Hear from alumni and faculty guests who have served on hiring committees about what hiring committees at teaching colleges are looking for in candidates. Gain advice on common pitfalls in the hiring process and how to effectively communicate your fit.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM – Break

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Transitions to Teaching on the Tenure Track
How have early career alumni successfully transitioned into academic positions at teaching colleges? What makes work at these kinds of institutions interesting and valuable?

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Roundtable Lunch
Discipline-themed lunch tables will provide an informal setting for group discussion with alumni.

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Confirmed Panelists:

James Marquardt: Associate Professor of Politics and Chair of International Relations Program at Lake Forest College

Jonah Rubin: Assistant Professor of Anthropology-Sociology at Knox College

Kevin Swier: Professor of Biology at Chicago State University

April 1-5 is Grad Appreciation Week!

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Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week began in 1993, and is a celebration of the important role that graduate and professional students play on campuses throughout the U.S.

UChicagoGRAD hopes you can join us for the following GSAW events: 

Monday, April 1, 11am-1pm: Swag Social (UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th street, 3rd floor)

  • Visit UChicagoGRAD for t-shirts, mugs, notepads, pens, and other UChicagoGRAD gear giveaways
  • Learn about UChicagoGRAD resources
  • Refreshments will be served

Tuesday, April 2, 12-1:30pm: UChicago Common Book Discussion (UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th street, 3rd floor)

  • Join undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students, along with faculty and staff, and explore various themes of The Best We Could Do as it relates to our individual experiences and campus culture. Register here. 
  • For Digital Access to The Best We Could Do: click here.
  • Lunch will be provided

Wednesday, April 3, 3-5pm: Relax, Relate, Release (UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th street, 3rd floor)

  • Join fellow graduate and professional students to destress with 10 minute massages, coloring, puzzles, and other wellness activities
  • Register for massages by contacting Dana Bozeman: dbozeman@uchicago.edu
  • Refreshments will be served

Thursday, April 4, 11am-12pm: Brunch and Learn: Inclusive Pedagogy (UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th street, 3rd floor)

  • Join Cheryl Richardson, Associate Director for Inclusive Teaching, from the Chicago Center for Teaching for a brunch and learn discussion of inclusive pedagogy
  • Brunch will be provided

Friday, April 5, 9am-5pm: GRADUCon (International House, 1414 East 59th Street)

  • Attend the University of Chicago’s annual career conference just for graduate, professional school students and postdocs. Registration is required.
  • GRADUCon is a fantastic opportunity for graduate and professional school students to explore careers in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. The day-long program includes panel discussions and the chance to talk one-on-one with over 80 employers and alumni about diverse career trajectories, also attendees are offered free professional photos for LinkedIn
  • Lunch and refreshment reception are included 

GRADUCon 2019

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GRADUCon will take place on Friday, April 5 at International House

GRADUCon is the University of Chicago’s annual career conference just for graduate students and postdocs. Now in its tenth year, the event is organized by UChicagoGRAD. GRADUCon is a fantastic opportunity to explore careers in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. It includes panels, discussions, and the chance to talk one-on-one with employers and alumni about diverse career trajectories. Coffee, Lunch, and a Reception are all included in the day.

Registration is required: http://graducon2019.eventbrite.com

This year’s event will feature panel discussions on (please note: tentative, and subject to changes):

  • Careers in Data Science
  • Careers in Think Tanks
  • Careers in Museums & Cultural Institutions
  • Business of Science
  • Careers in Intelligence
  • Education and Literacy Nonprofits
  • U.S. Job Search for International Students
  • Careers in the Quantitative Finance
  • Careers in User Experience
  • Industry Research Careers for Scientists
  • Careers in NGOs
  • Careers in Consulting
  • Publishing Careers
  • First Year as Faculty (Humanities/Social Sciences)
  • First Year as Faculty (STEM)
  • Keynote: Career Decision Points

Practice self-care this Valentine’s Day

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Explore on-campus Health Promotion and Wellness Resources and treat yourself

Wellness Coaching, Mindfulness Meditation Courses, and visits to the WellNest lounge will teach you important self-care techniques that last a lifetime. Health Promotion and Wellness at UChicago offers students access to coordinated and comprehensive services that promote lifelong behaviors and empower individuals to improve their quality of life and reach their highest potential.

Wellness Programming options available to graduate students:

  • Wellness Coaching: Wellness Coaching is a free service that provides support for navigating transitions and overcoming challenges that come your way. Wellness Coaching takes a strengths-based approach to holistic wellness and mental health promotion. Your wellness coach will help you: maximize your personal and professional potential by recognizing your strengths and values, focus on goals that are impactful to you, identify resources that will enable you to succeed in your desired changes, lead to a higher level of health and well-being, and strive to become your best self. Wellness coaches can provide you with tools for time management, social anxiety, stress reduction, and any other challenges that you face. Schedule a coaching session here.
  • Mindfulness Meditation Courses: Register for introductory or advanced mindfulness meditation courses and a silent retreat focused on mindfulness meditation. Each Mindfulness Meditation course is held over four weeks and includes instruction and practice of mindfulness meditation and other mind/body techniques to help reduce stress. Research has shown that incorporating mindfulness meditation practice in your daily life can help: decrease stress and anxiety, improve concentration and attention, promote greater awareness of body sensations, emotions, and thought, build compassion for self and others, foster meaning and purpose, develop connections, regulate emotions, increase capacity for reflection and insight, and boost tolerance of uncertainty and ambiguity. Learn more here.
  • 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.

Health Promotion and Wellness along with Student Health and Counseling Services offer a range of services and support for students that are targeted towards building and maintaining overall well-being. For more information about other wellness programs and services as well as those related to medical and mental health, please visit wellness@uchicago.edu.

Have you heard about gradhelp@uchicago.edu?

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gradhelp@uchicago.edu is your source for help and information about stipends, payments, bills, fees, insurance, and more.

UChicagoGRAD’s Emily Easton

Emily Easton, Associate Director of Graduate Administrative Services, is the new point-person for answering questions regarding graduate student payments, including stipends, teaching remuneration, financial aid, loans, fellowships, reimbursements, and other funds. If you have questions about any kind of payment and aren’t sure where to turn, let Emily know so she can help resolve the matter. Emily can be reached at gradhelp@uchicago.edu.

Already, gradhelp@uchicago.edu has answered questions from graduate students about issues such as payments, taxes, and on-campus resources. We will continue to monitor the inquiries and track specific issues in order to keep improving our systems to ensure the best experience for graduate students.