Pre-Orientation Programs

Dear New Students,

Welcome to the University of Chicago! We could not be more excited to meet you.

We would like to take this opportunity to highlight one of many resources available to support students of color and LGBTQ students. The Center for Identity + Inclusion (CI+I), home to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) and LGBTQ Student Life, is a beautiful three-story student center located in the heart of campus at 57^th/Woodlawn. It has been a home away from home for many students over the years, and we hope the same is true for you.

Our full-time staff and student staff work hard to develop an exciting menu of programs each quarter. We plan to kick off the year with pre-Orientation programs – sponsored by OMSA and LGBTQ Student Life – that are designed to create a strong sense of community and belonging for incoming students. These are great opportunities to start building peer networks, engage in conversation with student leaders and key administrators, and learn more about all that our offices have to offer. 

We also enjoy supporting student-driven programming, and there is a strong network of culturally-based and identity-based student groups on campus. We are happy to help identify groups that may be of interest to you – and to make personal introductions. This individualized support is an important part of our work. Our team members are always available to chat, celebrate an accomplishment, troubleshoot a concern, or connect you with campus and community resources. Consider us part of your support network as you embark on this new adventure.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? We encourage you to watch our welcome video (just under 2 minutes) to hear directly from some of our alumni – and then sign up for summer updates (it’s never too early). We will reach out soon!

If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to email us at inclusion@uchicago.edu or text us at 773.702.5710.  Once again, welcome to UChicago!

Warm wishes,
The Center for Identity + Inclusion Team

What is the Center for Identity + Inclusion? 
The Center for Identity + Inclusion – home to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, LGBTQ Student Life, and Student Support Services – is a three-story student center located in the heart of campus.  Our offices work to enhance the experiences of students of color and multicultural students; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students; and first-generation, lower-income, and immigrant (FLI) students – including undocumented and DACAmented students.  We offer a wide variety of programs/resources throughout the year (i.e. speakers, panel discussions, workshops/trainings, social and community building opportunities) and also love supporting student-driven initiatives.  The building has a variety of lounges and meeting spaces, and students often describe it as a “home away from home.”  We invite you to watch a brief welcome video (just under 2 minutes) to hear directly from some of our alumni.

What are the dates for the CI+I Pre-Orientation Program? 
The program will take place Wednesday, September 13th through Monday, September 18th. 

Who leads the program and how will we be spending our time? 
The program will be led by a dedicated team of full-time staff members and Peer Advisors, who are current student leaders.  The schedule will include small group activities, presentations by/conversations with campus and community leaders, excursions to museums and cultural attractions, meals with alumni, and more.

How do the cohorts work? 
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and LGBTQ Student Life will both be organizing activities, and you can choose to participate in either or both sets of activities based on your identities and/or interests.  For example, there may be two-panel discussions before dinner – one with leaders of cultural/ethnic student groups and one with leaders of LGBTQ+ student groups – and we will make sure they do not overlap.  That being said, we will be spending a lot of time together as one large group!

What should I bring with me? 
We encourage you to pack a separate bag for the 5-day program (linens will not be provided).  We will be staying in a residence hall, and it will most likely not be the same residence hall that you will be living in during the academic year.  When you arrive, you will be able to store luggage that you won’t need during the program.

When will I move to my term-time housing assignment? 
Students will be able to move into their term housing when the program ends. 

Is there a cost to the program? 
Housing and meals will be provided at no cost to participants.

Session 1: Get to Know CI+I + Friends
We can't wait to meet you - and for you to meet fellow students from across schools and divisions. The plan is to share a little bit about CI+I's history and staff, introduce you to UChicago alumni who will provide valuable insights into starting your academic program and making the most of your time on campus, and then introduce you to your Peer Advisors!

Session 2: Battling Imposter Syndrome
Don't miss this session with UChicago Student Wellness. Attendees will learn how to identify experiences of imposter syndrome as graduate and professional students and develop skills to address these moments while on campus. After the session, you will break into your advisory groups for a small group discussion. 

Session 3: Campus Partners
Our campus partners are filled with valuable resources and host amazing programs and initiatives across campus. Tune into this session to hear about unique ways to build your network, learn about upcoming events, and then have one final break out with your advisory group.