The University of Chicago

The Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE) is improving math and science instruction in Chicago-area schools and beyond.
Read more about the CEMSE »

Our Commitment to Civic Partnership

A thriving, productive, safe community is a top priority for the University of Chicago. We are committed to improving the quality of life for our neighbors, particularly in the communities that surround our campus: Hyde Park, North Kenwood/Oakland, and Woodlawn.

Many of our faculty, staff, students, and administrators work closely with community organizations and other groups to improve health care, ensure neighborhood safety and amenities, create affordable housing, and support education. Through scholarship, artistic and cultural organizations, and rolling up our sleeves, we enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership with the communities around us.

Advancing Education

Each year we provide $17 million to public-education partnerships while also supporting additional programs that reach local children, teenagers, and adults. From our four charter school campuses to college scholarship programs for Chicago Public Schools students to lifelong opportunities through venues like the Graham School for Continuing Education, we are committed to opening the doors to learning.

Leading in Health Care

The University of Chicago Medical Center provides tens of millions of dollars in free medical care and provides more Medicaid patient days than any other hospital in the state. Ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for its leadership in advanced health care, medical research, and technology, the Medical Center also shares its knowledge, expertise, and resources with the community through health and wellness outreach programs.

Serving the Community

Each year we mobilize thousands of our students, faculty, and staff to volunteer in not-for-profit organizations through the University Community Service Center and other outreach efforts. Through the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic, Law School students provide free legal services to low-income residents.

Keeping Our Neighborhoods Safe

Our fully professional University of Chicago Police Department patrols on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, working in cooperation with the Chicago Police Department. The department provides alerts about certain crimes and crime patterns, safety awareness presentations and guides for campus and community, plus house watch, bicycle registration, and late-night escort services.

Benefiting Society Through Scholarship

We believe that powerful ideas and sound scholarship can contribute to the improvement of civic life. The Civic Knowledge Project of the University’s Humanities Division promotes the exchange of knowledge among the artistic communities on Chicago’s South Side. The Consortium on Chicago School Research conducts research that is used to guide school reform in Chicago.

Business Diversity

Minority- and women-owned businesses have provided millions of dollars in goods and services to the University of Chicago and the Medical Center. The University continually strives to open new opportunities for the employment of minority- and women-owned business in its day-to-day operations as well as in campus construction projects.

Preserving Affordable Housing Options

We are committed to promoting the vitality of residential neighborhoods near campus through a variety of housing programs for students and employees, as well as special initiatives to create affordable housing for all area residents. More than 60 percent of our faculty and some 3,000 staff members reside in the neighborhoods surrounding campus.