Overview
Both returning and newly admitted students may have questions about planning for the 2021-2022 academic year due to the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any questions not answered below, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Dean of Students Office. We are happy to hear from you.
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Newly Admitted and Arriving Students
International Student Questions
Autumn Quarter Planning
What will Autumn Quarter look like?
President Zimmer recently announced the University’s plans to fully resume on-campus activities at the start of the new academic year in September. We anticipate a full return to classrooms and labs for Autumn Quarter 2021 and that students will be in residence.
Do I need to be in Chicago for Autumn Quarter?
Students should begin making plans for a full resumption of activities and on-campus research and coursework for Autumn Quarter 2021, and incoming students should plan to arrive on campus in September for Orientation.
If you have concerns about your ability to arrive on campus for Autumn Quarter 2021, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office and your departmental administrator to notify us of your concerns.
Is remote study an option for Autumn Quarter?
We do expect to offer some hybrid courses next academic year. However, students should make every effort to arrive in the United States in time for the start of Autumn Quarter or as soon as possible thereafter.
If you have concerns about your ability to arrive on campus for Autumn Quarter 2021, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office and your departmental administrator to notify us of your concerns.
When do I need to let my department know about my plans?
You should communicate early and often, particularly if you plan to request a deferral or have concerns about your ability to arrive in Chicago in time for Autumn Quarter 2021.
I'm considering traveling abroad this summer. What should I consider as I make my plans?
Students should begin making plans for a full resumption of activities and on-campus research and coursework for Autumn Quarter 2021. We understand that some students may plan to travel abroad for a variety of reasons, including visa renewal. With the current delay in visa services in many countries and the continued existence of travel bans, students should carefully consider whether they believe they will have sufficient time to travel, follow any COVID-related public health guidance (including quarantine), and secure a visa appointment (if necessary) to return to the United States in time for Autumn Quarter.
Since the University anticipates a full resumption of on-campus activities, students who are unable to return in time for Autumn Quarter may need to take a leave of absence until they are able to return to the United States. All students are entitled to up to four quarters of personal leave of absence for any reason. Students should note that funding support is contingent upon registration and that students on a leave of absence are not permitted to register.
If you have any questions or concerns about this topic, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your Student Affairs Administrator or the Dean of Students Office.
Newly Admitted and Arriving Students
I’m a newly admitted student. Can I defer my enrollment? How long will a deferral last?
Students who are unable to arrive on campus or who wish to defer their enrollment can reach out to the program to request a deferral. In this case, you would contact your program directly to discuss your options for deferring enrollment. Deferrals, including the length of the deferral, are handled on a case-by-case basis within each program.
I accepted my offer of admission but am now worried that I won’t be able to safely land in Chicago for Autumn Quarter. What should I do?
If you are a student who is concerned that you will not be able to physically arrive in Chicago for Autumn Quarter due to visa delays or travel restrictions, please contact your program and the Dean of Students Office as soon as possible to discuss your plans for eventual arrival on campus. Your program and the Dean of Students Office will advise you on your options regarding your matriculation date.
International Students
I’m an international student and I can’t get a visa appointment due to COVID-19 related closures. What should I do?
If you are a student who is concerned that you will not be able to physically arrive in Chicago for Autumn Quarter due to visa delays or travel restrictions, please contact your program and the Dean of Students Office as soon as possible to discuss your plans for eventual arrival on campus.
I was admitted in a prior admission cycle but will be arriving in the US for the first time for the 2021-2022 academic year. Are there any preparations I need to make or policies I need to review?
The Office of International Affairs will be able to answer additional questions about supporting the visa process for students who will be arriving in Chicago in the fall.
Incoming international students should also work closely with the Office of International Affairs to ensure that their I-20/DS-2019 documents are updated prior to arrival in the United States.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Am I required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be a student at the University of Chicago?
Starting with Autumn Quarter 2021, the University of Chicago will require all students participating in University in-person classes, research, or other University-sponsored programs or activities in the U.S. to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
The best resource for questions about vaccinations is the University's Vaccination FAQ.
Instructions for uploading your proof of vaccination are available on the Immunizations website.
What is the deadline for showing proof of full vaccination?
- Students participating in any University in-person or on-campus activity that begins in June, July, or August will need to show proof of full vaccination or have an approved exemption by August 1, 2021. This includes anyone in classes, labs, pre-matriculation, pre-orientation, orietnation, University-sponsored trips, or other programs.
- All other students will need to show proof of full vaccination or have an approved exemption by September 1, 2021.
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If an international student arrives in the United States and has not yet been vaccinated or has received a vaccine that has not been approved by the WHO by the time they arrive on campus, the University will facilitate access to a FDA-authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. Please note that students may be subject to additional travel restrictions/requirements as designated by local authorities. Students will also be subject to weekly testing and may be required to follow additional mitigation measures until they have been fully vaccinated.
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Effective November 8, 2021, President Biden's Presidential Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic outlines requirements relating to COVID-19 vaccination and testing for travelers arriving in the U.S.
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International students who do not have access to an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine in their home countries can request a vaccine by emailing UChicago Student Wellness at studentwellness@uchospitals.edu. Please provide your phone number, eight-digit student ID number, and if you are not currently on campus please indicate the date you anticipate arriving on campus. Staff will contact you to arrange an appointment time.
If you have additional questions, please email studentwellness@uchospitals.edu with your questions and include your phone number and eight-digit student ID number.