University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 1

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

The University of Chicago

Student Manual of

University Policies and

Regulations

The University of Chicago

University Policies • Academic Policies • Administrative Policies • Student Life &

Conduct

Official statement of University policies and regulations and expected standards of student conduct.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 2

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Contents

University Policies

Civil Behavior in a University Setting; Non-discrimination Statement;

Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct; Title IX Sexual

Harassment; Religious Accommodation; Hazing; Campus Violence

Prevention; Disability Accommodations; Graduate Student Parent Policy;

Graduate Student Grievance Policy; Student Employment; Alcohol & Other

Drugs; Networking & Information Technology; Inventions and Discoveries;

Safety and Appropriate Use of Facilities; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Policy.

Academic Policies

Academic Honesty & Plagiarism; Academic Fraud; Academic Standing and

Degree Progress; Registration and Enrollment; Grade and Evaluation

Processes; Program and Divisional Requirements.

Administrative Policies

Student Education Records and Directory Information; ChicagoCard and

Access; Additional Administrative Regulations; Health and insurance-related

requirements; administrative procedures and records.

Student Life & Conduct

University Disciplinary Systems; Protests and Demonstrations; Posting

Policy; Authority to Direct; Disruptive Conduct; Student organization and

campus conduct.

Disciplinary Systems

Area Admission Review Systems; Area Disciplinary Systems; University-wide

Disciplinary System; Disciplinary System for Disruptive Conduct.

The contents below reflect the current public structure of the University of Chicago Student Manual. Academic units and administrative

offices may maintain additional policies and guidelines.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 3

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Purpose, Scope and Institutional Framework

The Student Manual is the official statement of University policies and regulations and expected standards

of student conduct applicable to all students. Academic units and administrative offices may establish

additional policies and guidelines that provide more detailed information.

Purpose of the Manual

• Further the University's academic and institutional mission.

• Protect the well-being of the University community.

• Provide a broad framework for consistency while allowing academic units and administrative offices to

address local circumstances.

• Provide standards for conduct that may apply to students on or off campus.

• Allow policies and procedures to evolve as new issues and questions arise.

Important administrative principle

The Manual does not create a contract between an individual and the University. Its contents may change,

and updated information may be distributed when policies or regulations are modified.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 4

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Civil Behavior in a University Setting

Freedom of expression is central to the University's pursuit of knowledge. The University states that

members should have opportunities to participate fully in intellectual exchange, including when ideas

conflict.

Expression and community standards

• The University generally does not shield people from ideas they may find unwelcome, disagreeable or

offensive.

• Expression may be restricted when it violates the law, falsely defames an individual, constitutes a genuine

threat or harassment, unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or is directly

incompatible with University functioning.

• The University may reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of expression to prevent disruption of

ordinary activities.

• Members of the community are expected to treat others with dignity and respect and to take responsibility

for individual and group behavior.

The Chicago tradition of free expression

The Student Manual places freedom of expression within the larger responsibilities of an academic

community. The principle is not a license for conduct that substantially interferes with teaching, research,

administration, facilities or the rights of others.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Protests and Demonstrations

Peaceful protests and orderly demonstrations are recognized forms of expression. The University

distinguishes protected expression from conduct that disrupts University operations or endangers safety.

Operational boundaries

• Participants must comply with occupancy limits and building closures.

• Outdoor demonstrations are subject to applicable noise guidelines.

• Placards, banners and signs are generally allowed when they are not dangerous or used to impede

participation by others.

• Organizers are encouraged to make advance arrangements with Student Centers, the Center for

Leadership and Involvement or an appropriate RSO adviser.

• When possible, advance requests should be submitted at least 48 hours before an event.

• Participants must provide University-issued or government-issued identification upon request from a

University official.

Disruptive conduct

University Statute 21 defines disruptive conduct as conduct that substantially obstructs, impairs or

interferes with teaching, study, research, administration, permissible use of facilities, or the rights and

privileges of other community members. Such conduct may be subject to disciplinary action.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 6

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Academic Honesty and Research Integrity

The University states that submitting another person's statements or ideas as one's own is plagiarism or

cheating and is subject to disciplinary action. Proper acknowledgment is expected when written or electronic

sources are used.

Academic integrity expectations

• Identify sources when using another person's ideas, statements or material.

• Follow course, program and instructor requirements for citations and collaboration.

• Do not fabricate, falsify or misrepresent academic or research information.

• Ask the instructor when uncertain about what constitutes permissible use or collaboration.

• Understand that academic units may have additional standards and procedures.

Academic fraud

The graduate student grievance policy identifies academic fraud examples including plagiarism, fabrication

or falsification of evidence, data or results, suppression of relevant evidence or data, conscious

misrepresentation of sources, theft of ideas and intentional misappropriation of research work or data.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

University Disciplinary Systems

The University maintains several disciplinary systems designed to provide fair and orderly processes for fact

gathering and decision-making regarding possible student misconduct.

System

Scope

Area Admission Review Systems

Violations involving individuals who have accepted admission but

have not yet assumed the role of a University student.

Area Disciplinary Systems

Violations of University policies and regulations and other breaches

of standards expected of students within the College, graduate

divisions, professional schools and Graham School.

University-wide Disciplinary

System

Student offenses involving unlawful discrimination or sexual

misconduct.

Disciplinary System for

Disruptive Conduct

Allegations that a student or Recognized Student Organization

engaged in disruptive conduct outside the principles of free

expression and within Statute 21.

University disciplinary proceedings are not courts or civil/criminal litigation. The University describes its

processes as fact-finding and adjudicatory systems operating under University rules.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 8

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual

Misconduct

The University maintains policies addressing unlawful discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct,

sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. The policy applies to students and other

covered members of the University community in circumstances defined by the policy.

Core protections

• The University states that it does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics identified in its

policy and applicable law.

• Unlawful harassment can involve verbal, physical or technology-based conduct tied to protected

characteristics when the policy's required severity or pervasiveness is met.

• Sexual misconduct is addressed through University policy and applicable disciplinary procedures.

• The University provides reporting, support and resolution resources.

Reporting and resolution

Complaints are assessed under the applicable policy and procedure. The University describes a commitment

to prompt, fair, impartial and thorough investigation and resolution consistent with University policy.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Graduate Student Policies and Grievances

Graduate Student Parent Policy

The Graduate Student Parent Policy provides general principles and minimum modifications for students

who become parents during graduate study. It identifies three academic support options: Academic

Modification, Leave of Absence and Milestone Extensions.

• Students should discuss options with their area Dean of Students, advisors and graduate program

leadership.

• Academic modifications can include adjustments to course load and deadlines, depending on

circumstances and program requirements.

• Students and advisors should arrange timelines that account for pregnancy, childbirth or care of a new

child while maintaining academic progress.

University Grievance Policy for Graduate Students

The grievance framework addresses academic, employment and other graduate-student disputes within the

scope of the policy. Grade disputes alone do not constitute formal grievances, although they may provide

evidence in support of one.

After a formal grievance is heard and decided within an academic unit, a party may request review by the

Office of the Provost on the limited ground that prescribed procedures were not followed.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Student Employment and Academic Standing

Student Employment

Student employment is listed as a University Policy within the Student Manual. Students employed by the

University must follow the policies and requirements applicable to their employment role in addition to

student policies.

Good Academic Standing for PhD Programs

Each PhD program should define expected progress toward the degree, including requirements, timelines

and ongoing performance expectations. Good academic standing depends on appropriate progress under

the program's communicated expectations.

• Programs should communicate when a student is not in good academic standing.

• Students should be informed of what must be accomplished and within what timeframe.

• Consequences may include academic probation or dismissal according to program requirements.

• Joint or dual-degree students must maintain good academic standing in all relevant programs.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Administrative Policies and Student Records

Administrative policies govern matters such as student records, identification and access, and other

University administrative requirements.

Education records

Under FERPA, student education records generally require prior written consent for release except where a

permitted exception applies. The Student Manual identifies circumstances involving legitimate educational

interests, transfers, financial aid, accrediting organizations, health and safety emergencies, judicial orders

and other permitted disclosures.

ChicagoCard and access

The ChicagoCard is the University's official identification card for students and other authorized members.

The University may require individuals using University spaces or resources to show identification or a

ChicagoCard when appropriate.

Administrative accuracy

• Keep required student and contact information current.

• Use University identification and systems only as authorized.

• Protect account credentials and personal information.

• Follow record, access and administrative procedures applicable to your status.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Facilities, Safety and Campus Resources

The Student Manual includes Safety and Appropriate Use of Facilities among University Policies. Students

are expected to use University spaces and resources responsibly and follow safety requirements.

Campus facilities

• Follow occupancy limits and access requirements.

• Use facilities only for permitted purposes.

• Do not damage, obstruct or misuse University property.

• Follow building closure and emergency instructions.

• Comply with identification and access requirements when requested by authorized University personnel.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol and Other Drugs is a named University Policy. Students and student organizations must follow the

applicable University rules and any additional event or location requirements.

Technology and information

Networking & Information Technology Policies are also included in the University Policies section. Students

are responsible for using University networks, systems and information resources in accordance with

applicable requirements.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook — page 13

The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Posting, Banners and Publicity

The Posting Policy permits members of the University community to publicize events and causes in

designated areas using specified methods. The form and content of publicity generally are not restricted

except under the policy's stated limits.

Posting requirements

• Use designated posting areas and approved publicity methods.

• Do not cover current postings belonging to other organizations or individuals.

• Use removable adhesives or tacks that do not damage surfaces.

• Do not place postings on prohibited surfaces such as windows, doors, columns, fencing, structural

supports or plantings.

• Follow dating and removal requirements.

• Outside organizations are limited to designated locations identified by the policy.

Banners

Outdoor banners and signs related to approved installations must be requested and approved through the

Office of Student Centers. The policy sets limits on the number, placement and duration of banners.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Student Conduct, Disruptive Conduct and

Sanctions

Students have responsibilities for their own conduct, and under some circumstances for conduct connected

with groups in which they participate. The University's disciplinary systems are designed to establish fair

procedures for evaluating allegations.

Disruptive conduct process

The current Disciplinary System for Disruptive Conduct establishes processes for allegations involving

Statute 21. It describes a Standing Committee, Disciplinary Board and Review Board structure and specifies

procedures for complaints, charges, hearings and review.

Possible sanctions for individual students

• Warning

• Disciplinary probation

• Loss of University privileges

• Discretionary sanctions such as academic work, community service or restitution/fines

• Disciplinary suspension

• Disciplinary expulsion

The applicable disciplinary system determines which sanctions and procedures apply to a particular matter.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Academic and Community Responsibilities

The Student Manual frames student membership as a combination of academic freedom and responsibility.

Students are expected to pursue learning while respecting the rights, property and participation of others.

Responsibility

Practical expectation

Academic integrity

Submit original work, acknowledge sources and follow academic rules.

Respect

Treat other members of the University community with dignity.

Free expression

Participate in debate while respecting boundaries against unlawful or

materially disruptive conduct.

Safety

Follow safety requirements and directions affecting campus facilities and

community well-being.

Property

Honor University and individual property and use facilities appropriately.

Privacy

Protect confidential information and comply with applicable records and

technology rules.

Participation

Respond honestly and appropriately when involved in University processes.

Local requirements

Follow additional academic-unit or administrative-office policies applicable to

your program or activity.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Using the Manual in Practice

The Student Manual is intentionally a broad framework. The University explains that policies are often

general enough to allow responses to situations in their unique complexity and to accommodate variations

among academic units and administrative offices.

Before acting

• Identify which section of the Student Manual applies.

• Check whether your academic unit, school, department or administrative office has additional rules.

• Consider whether another University policy also applies to the same situation.

• Seek guidance from the appropriate Dean of Students, academic unit, Campus and Student Life or

administrative office when uncertain.

• Keep records and communicate honestly when participating in University processes.

Policy changes

The Manual states that the University may create new policies and procedures and modify existing ones to

address new issues and reflect changes in the University community and larger society. Students should

consult the current online Manual for the latest requirements.

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The University of Chicago | Student Manual

Reference and Institutional Notice

The University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations is maintained as an online

institutional resource. The current public manual identifies itself as the official statement of University

policies and regulations and expected standards of student conduct applicable to all students.

Official institutional information

Institution

The University of Chicago

Manual

Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations

Address

5711 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

Telephone

773-702-7770

Primary online resource

studentmanual.uchicago.edu

Because policies and regulations may change, the online Student Manual should be

consulted for current requirements. This handbook is a structured presentation of the

current public policy framework, not a substitute for the University's live policies,

academic-unit rules or official disciplinary procedures.

University of Chicago Student Manual of University Policies and Regulations Handbook

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