Community & Support

Assistance for Minority Students

The Black Law Students Association table at an event

There are several groups at the Law School including the Black Law Students Association, the Latino Students Association,  the Asian Pacific Islander Law Students Association, and the South Asian Law Students Association that feature programming of interest to the entire law school community throughout the year and provide opportunities for members of these groups to meet informally.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs supports the University's efforts to increase minority student representation and helps to promote a University community that welcomes cultural diversity and values the contributions of all of its members. OMSA serves the African American, Latino, Native American, and Asian American populations. OMSA offers programs and services to support minority students' academic and social success and serve as a clearinghouse for information. OMSA also support policies and programs designed to reaffirm the University's commitment to diversity.

Other resources on diversity and inclusion at the University of Chicago can be found on the main University site.

Law students should also feel free to contact the Dean of Students or the Associate Director of Students Affairs with any concerns or questions.

Bias Response Team

The Bias Response Team is made up of administrators who are available to support and guide students who need help handling a bias incident. Members of the Bias Response Team assist the Vice President and Dean of Students in documenting and reporting incidents that occur on campus with the purpose of providing holistic educational programs and the implementation of better evaluative tools and processes. Law students should feel free to contact the Associate Director of Student Affairs with concerns.

Ombudsperson

Students receive a massage from a therapist

The Student Ombudsperson is an independent University official appointed by (and reporting to) the University President. The Ombudsperson is responsible for investigating and helping to resolve student complaints and grievances, particularly in instances where regular channels or processes have not proved sufficient. Appointments with the Student Ombudspersons are available Monday through Friday. Please send an email to set up an appointment. The office is located at 970 E. 58th Street, Suite 305.

Students with Disabilities

The University, in admissions and access to programs, considers students on the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or other factors irrelevant to study at the University.

Students with disabilities should contact the University's Coordinator for Students with Disabilities to request assistance and coordination of accommodations at the University. Questions can also be directed to the Dean of Students.

Assistance for International Students

The South Asian Law Students Association table at an event

LLM students should feel free to see the Assistant Dean for the LLM program or the Dean of Students with questions. In addition, the Office of International Affairs addresses issues unique to foreign students at the University. The Office is located at International House, 1414 E. 59th Street, Room 291. The phone number is 773.702.7752. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Assistance for LGBTQ Students

The University's LGBTQ Programming Office provides a variety of resources for LGBTQ students.

Be a Big Sibling

The Law School's Big Sibling program matches 1L students with 2L and 3L students who act as mentors and answer questions during 1L year.

Personal Counseling

Most academic and personal counseling at the law school is done by the Dean of Students or Associate Director of Student Affairs, while the Office of Career Services offers excellent employment advice. The University also has a staff of professional counselors available to students at the Student Counseling Service (SCS).  You may contact the SCS directly at 773.702.9800 to schedule an appointment or see the Dean of Students or the Associate Director of Student Affairs for a referral.

Student Organizations and Student Government

See our lists of Law School student organizations and University student organizations for opportunities to meet new people and find your niche. The University's student government Graduate Council offers also offers programming, organization funding, and additional communication channels to University administration.