University and Division Policies

University Student Manual

The Student Manual is the official statement of University policies, regulations, and expected standards of student conduct that are applicable to all students. While students should be familiar with the manual as a whole, the following are commonly referenced by graduate students: Student Life & Conduct, Leaves of Absence, University Grievance Policy for Graduate Students, Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct, Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment, Policy on Religious Accommodation for Missed Classes, Assignments, and Exams, Academic Honesty & Plagiarism, Graduate Student Parent Policy, Registration for Students in PhD Programs

Collective Bargaining Agreement

The terms and conditions of employment for certain graduate students at the University of Chicago who are employed to perform instructional or research services will be determined by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the University and Graduate Students United (“GSU-UE”) for the duration of the assignment to perform such services. Students can access the CBA and review frequently asked questions about graduate student unionization on the Provost’s office website.

SSD Disciplinary Procedure

The University of Chicago is a community of scholars dedicated to research, academic excellence, the pursuit and cultivation of learning, and robust intellectual exchange among faculty and students. Every member of the university —student, faculty, and staff—makes a commitment to strive for personal and academic integrity; to treat others with dignity and respect; to honor the rights and property of others; to take responsibility for individual and group behavior; and to act as a responsible citizen in a free academic community and in the larger society. Any student conduct, on or off campus, of individuals or groups, which threatens or violates this commitment may become a matter for action within the university’s system of student discipline. 

SSD Grievance Policy

The Division of the Social Sciences constitutes a community of scholars committed to free academic inquiry and exchange, both of which depend on forthright professional relations among students, faculty, and staff. Graduate training is a complex enterprise with many competing approaches and visions, which can generate legitimate concern and conflict about academic matters. The division has established policy to assist students who are seeking resolution of difficult interpersonal conflicts through informal and formal grievance procedures. These procedures consider complaints about academic impropriety that arise as a result of the actions of a member of the faculty or administration, or a Department or Program committee, regarding academic matters.

Guidelines for PhD Students wanting to hire research assistants/student employees

All PhD students wishing to employ another graduate student or an undergraduate student as a research assistant (RA) should contact the Dean of Student Office (DOS). Graduate students cannot be the supervisor of record for another student. Depending on the situation, the DOS team may be able to advise on other options.