University Statements and Policies

Commitment to the University Community

The University of Chicago is a community of scholars dedicated to research, academic excellence, and the pursuit and cultivation of learning. 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, that threatens or violates this commitment may become a matter for action within the University’s system of student discipline.
(Student Manual 2006-07; page 1)		  

Crescat scientia; vita excolatur

Let knowledge grow from more to more; and so be human life enriched.


The University of Chicago is committed to fostering an environment free from racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, homophobia, ableism, xenophobia. The University has a number of policies and statements that reinforce the campus community’s commitment to diversity, civility, and equity. In addition to the University policies, other areas of campus (e.g., ORCSA, libraries, Housing) also have specific policies. The summaries provided below do not supersede actual University policies and regulations. To see the full document, please click on the link provided.

Diversity Statement

The University of Chicago is distinctive in many respects, but perhaps in none more so than our singular commitment to rigorous inquiry that demands multiple and often competing perspectives. The nature of questions being asked and the perspectives being engaged are often a function of the diversity of experiences and outlooks of those participating. Diversity for the University is therefore particularly germane to our core perspective. We must ensure that our scholarly community is composed of a rich mix of individuals who, through their own distinctive viewpoints, contribute to the intellectually challenging culture of the University.

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A commitment to diversity is central to our mission of discovery. The way the University has been organized and has evolved over the years, the intensity of our intellectual culture, the resulting education that is so engaging and powerful, and the nature of the contributions the University has made to scholarship and to society are all derived from our focus on inquiry. We have an obligation to see that the greatest variety of perspectives is brought to bear on the issues before us as scholars and citizens. We therefore celebrate our tradition of inclusion and recognize that our success as an institution depends on its ongoing renewal.

Civil Behavior in a University Setting

At the University of Chicago, freedom of expression is vital to our shared goal of the pursuit of knowledge, as is the right of all members of the community to explore new ideas and learn from one another. To preserve an environment of spirited and open debate, we should all have the opportunity to contribute to intellectual exchanges and participate fully in the life of the University.

The ideas of different members of the University community will frequently conflict and we do not attempt to shield people from ideas that they may find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even offensive. Nor, as a general rule, does the University intervene to enforce social standards of civility. There are, however, some circumstances in which behavior so violates our community's standards that formal University intervention may be appropriate. Acts of violence, and explicit threats of violence directed at a particular individual that compromise that individual's safety or ability to function within the University setting are direct affronts to the University's values and warrant intervention by University officials. Abusive conduct directed at a particular individual that compromises that individual's ability to function within the University setting and/or that persists after the individual has asked that it stop may also warrant such intervention. Even if formal intervention is not appropriate in a particular situation, abusive or offensive behavior can nonetheless be inconsistent with the aspirations of the University community, and various forms of informal assistance and counseling are available.

Policy on Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment

Members of the University community cannot thrive unless each is accepted as an autonomous individual and is treated without regard to characteristics irrelevant to the participation in the life of the University. Freedom of expression is vital to our shared goal of the pursuit of knowledge and should not be restricted by a multitude of rules. At the same time, unlawful discrimination, including harassment, compromises the integrity of the University. It is the intention of the University to take necessary action to prevent, correct, and where indicated, discipline unlawful harassment.

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In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the University of Chicago considers students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and those seeking access to programs on the basis of individual merit. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classes under the law. Such discrimination is unlawful.

Sexual Assault Policy

The University's sexual assault policy applies to students, staff, postdoctoral scholars and fellows, faculty and other academic personnel, and to anyone on whomthe University has formally conferred a title, regardless of employment status. For these individuals, the University provides education and sexual assault prevention resources, offers numerous support services and referrals for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, encourages and facilitates reporting and prosecution of sexual assault, and is committed to disciplining anyone who violates this policy. The University may also investigate alleged violations of this policy received from individuals outside the institution regarding individuals within the University if, for example, the alleged violation occurred on University property.

University House System Rights and Responsibilities

The residence halls are intended to be communities where the individuality of all residents and their rights to make personal choices are respected, so long as those choices do not interfere with the rights of others. To that end, and in acknowledgment of the particular requirements for fostering community in a close residential setting, House System residents have certain rights as well as responsibilities to one another and to the community as a whole. Bias and hate conduct, whether criminal or not, is addressed in the House System Rules and Regulations under the prohibition against Personal Abuse: “In protection of these rights and responsibilities residents may not engage in personal abuse, written or oral, directed against residents, guests or members of the housing staff. Any form of abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior will be considered grounds for serious disciplinary action. Members of the Housing staff are charged with assisting students who seek their help and ensuring that all policies and procedures of the House System are observed. Additionally residents are responsible for working to constructively address violations of these rights.