Graduate Council is the University of Chicago’s interdivisional student government, serving over 10,000 graduate students across all divisions and professional schools. We offer a wide variety of events and initiatives throughout the year focused on building community, improving the student experience, and helping you make the most of your time here.

Events include our quarterly flagship events (such as the Gargoyle Gala at the Field Museum on November 14), off-campus activities exploring all that Chicago has to offer (like this weekend's arboretum tour), and on-campus opportunities to connect with your fellow graduate students. We also offer many resources to support you, from a dedicated advocacy team and Representatives from every division to legal advising, airport shuttles, dissertation writing groups, and more. We are also excited to announce that applications are now open for the Graduate Council Event Fund, which supports student-run interdisciplinary events. Be on the lookout for the Graduate Council Club Fund later this quarter, which will support new graduate clubs promoting interdivisional community, and other ways to get involved.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, secure tickets on our Eventbrite, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our website to stay up to date!

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship: Info Session
Monday, October 12, 3:00–4:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship is a highly-competitive program that aims at increasing the number of US Citizens who receive doctoral degrees in science and engineering. This info session will discuss the application process, eligibility criteria, and common mistakes made by applicants.

Citadel: Equity Quantitative Research PhD Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, October 13, 12:30–1:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

Curious what a research career in finance actually looks like? Join Citadel's Equity Quantitative Research (EQR) team for lunch and a candid look at how PhDs apply their research skills to real-world markets.

PATHS Seminar: Careers in Advancement, Fundraising, and Philanthropy
Tuesday, October 13, 2:00–3:00 p.m., Zoom

Are you a humanist or social scientist with an interest in supporting philanthropic organizations, but not sure how to turn your skills into a career? This panel will highlight opportunities and guidance for those seeking a career in these fields.

Exploring Fellowship Opportunities
Tuesday, October 13, 3:00–4:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

Curious about funding for research projects and other academic goals, but not sure where to start? Fellowships can enrich your career in academia (and beyond). Aimed at master's, PhD, and postdoctoral researchers, this presentation will share how to find and apply for fellowships with UChicagoGRAD.

Better Together GRAD Speed Friending Night
Tuesday, October 13, 5:00–7:00 p.m., Student Wellness Center, Goldblatt Pavilion, 840 E 59th St

Join us for a speed friending event night with Student Wellness and UChicagoGRAD. Dinner will be provided, with activities to break the ice, make new friends, and play board games if you’re so inclined!

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Information Session
Wednesday, October 14, 2:30–3:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded overseas summer language and cultural immersion program for American students. This information session will provide an overview of the fellowship program and application process.

Career30: Networking Best Practices
Wednesday, October 14, 4:00–4:30 p.m., Zoom

Improve your professional skills in 30 minutes or less! This presentation will provide attendees with essential information on networking best practices. You will learn how to make networking work for you, how to identify and connect with potential networking contacts, and how to conduct informational interview conversations.

Research Speaks at the Art Institute of Chicago: Info Session 
Thursday, October 15, 12:00–1:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

Join this info session to learn how you can share your research at UChicagoGRAD’s 2027 Research Speaks event at the Art Institute of Chicago. Held in winter quarter, Research Speaks will give PhD students and postdocs an opportunity to present their research to the public, alumni, and fellow graduate students via ten-minute gallery talks. Participants across fields of study will use an object from the museum’s collections as inspiration for their presentations. Those selected to participate will receive training from UChicagoGRAD and an honorarium.  

Interested participants must complete a brief application. The deadline to apply is November 8. We will invite semi-finalists to participate in a 15-minute in-person or virtual interview, and we will notify selected finalists in early December. Email Emilia Wenzel (emilia.wenzel@uchicago.edu) with questions about this event. 

Elevator Pitch Workshop
Thursday, October 15, 2:00–3:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ 

In this workshop, you'll learn some best practices and strategies for developing your research "elevator pitch." You'll also have a chance to practice your pitch in small groups with other graduate students and postdocs. 

NSF GRFP Statement Peer Review
Friday, October 16, 9:30–11:30 a.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ 
Friday, October 16, 1:30–3:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ 

Students applying to the NSF GRFP are encouraged to join this "just in time" peer review workshop in advance of the competition deadline. Register for the 9:30 a.m. session if you’re in life sciences, psychology, social sciences, computer science, geosciences, mathematical sciences, or physics and astronomy. And register for the 1:30 p.m. session if you’re in materials research, engineering, or chemistry.

Domestic and international graduate students are eligible to apply for on-campus jobs.

Admissions and Recruitment PhD Student Assistant - Dean of Students Office, Division of the Social Sciences

Fall Film Score Team Member, STAGE Center - STAGE Center

Spark for German Instructor - University of Chicago Germanic Studies Department

Reading Group Assistant - University of Chicago Committee on Social Thought

Graduate Research Assistant - The College - University of Chicago

Graduate Student Research Assistant - University of Chicago Medicine Department of Pediatrics

Morton Arboretum Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10, 12:00–6:00 p.m., Meet at UChicagoGRAD HQ at 11:00 a.m. (for Shuttle Bus) or at 4100 Illinois 53 Lisle, IL 

Join Graduate Council for a fall day at the stunning Morton Arboretum! Your ticket includes admission and round-trip transportation. Explore the Glass Pumpkin Patch, enjoy seasonal treats, experience a walking performance of Wuthering Heights, and take in the beautiful fall scenery. Free one-hour tours are also available. See Eventbrite for pricing!

Graduate Council General Body Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 7:00–9:00 p.m., Harper Center C07

The Graduate Council will hold its first General Body Meeting of the year next week. Students interested in learning more about the Graduate Council, upcoming events and initiatives, and ways to get involved in student life are encouraged to attend. Meetings are open to all graduate and professional students who RSVP by Friday, October 9 at noon.

Cozy Crafts
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00–8:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

Take a break from your busy week and join fellow graduate students for a cozy fall crafting event! Create personalized bookmarks and turn glass jars into decorative candle holders with autumn-inspired designs. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, meet new people, and take home something handmade to brighten your reading nook. 

Drunk Dracula
Friday, October 23, 9:00–11:00 p.m., The Lion Theatre, 182 N Wabash Ave

Get ready for a spooky night out with Grad Council! Watch one actor take five shots of whiskey while delivering a hilarious, chaotic retelling of Dracula. Grab your friends and get ready for a night of comedy! Click the Eventbrite link to secure your spot and purchase a ticket! 

Rainbow Passport: Queer in Chicago
Tuesday, October 20, 5:30-7:00 p.m., International House

An inclusive evening to connect, share experiences, and explore queerness across cultures. This session focuses on being queer in Chicago. Enjoy light food and community building alongside fellow graduate students. All are welcome, whether it's your first Rainbow Passport or you've joined before! No pre-registration required.

Career-a-Palooza
Friday, October 9, 12:00 noon–2:00 p.m., Institute of Politics, 5707 S Woodlawn Ave

Network with IOP alums and employer partners hiring academic-year interns! Here’s your chance to make an impression on potential employers, learn how to network, and meet career mentors.

FREE Flu Shot Clinics
Monday, October 12, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Regenstein Library 122, 1100 E 57th St

Protect yourself and the UChicago community from the flu this year! UChicago Student Wellness is offering FREE flu shots to individuals with a University ID. Walk-ins are accepted, or you may make an appointment online in advance.

ELI Reading Group
Wednesday, October 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Cobb 218, 5811 S Ellis Ave

This quarter we will be reading Orbital by Samantha Harvey, which is this year's selection for the One Book, One Chicago program. Come read this book with us and join the city-wide conversations!

Power, Rage, and New Possibilities: Midterms 2026
Thursday, October 15, 6:00–7:30 p.m., SSRB 122, 1126 E 59th St

Eman Abdelhadi, Cathy J. Cohen, Moon Duchin, and Jeffrey A. Winters will discuss gerrymandering, affordability, money in politics, and other issues at play in the upcoming midterms. Please also join us for an additional 3CT event, Everyone Hates AI, on Tuesday, October 13 at 5:00pm in Swift Lecture Hall. 

Fireside Chat with Ron Criscuolo
Friday, October 9, 1:00–2:00 p.m., International House, 1414 E 59th St (RSVP required)

East Asia by the Book! CEAS Author Talks ft. Jonathan Cheng
Tuesday, October 13, 4:00–5:30 p.m., Seminary Co-op, 5751 S Woodlawn Ave

Mindful Breath Community
Tuesday, October 13, 6:00–7:15 p.m., Ida Noyes 034, 1212 E 59th St

American Idol(s): The False Gods That Threaten Our Freedom
Tuesday, October 13, 6:00–7:30 p.m., 1220 E 58th St

Images for Dissertations
Wednesday, October 14, 2:00–3:00 p.m., Zoom

Demo of Pope Tech Accessibility Tool in Canvas
Wednesday, October 14, 2:00–2:30 p.m., Zoom

East Asia by the Book! CEAS Author Talks ft. Julia Alekseyeva
Thursday, October 15, 12:00 noon–1:30 p.m., Seminary Co-op, 5751 S Woodlawn Ave

Edwardson SNVC Teambuilding Event
Thursday, October 15, 12:00 noon–1:00 p.m., Harper Center C-09, 5807 S Woodlawn Ave

Orientation Make-Up Session: F and J Visa Basics for New Students
Thursday, October 15, 12:00 noon, Zoom

Check Your Contempt: A Dignity Index Challenge Event
Thursday, October 15, 5:30–7:00 p.m., Institute of Politics, 5707 S Woodlawn Ave

Opt-In Resume Books Available Now

UChicagoGRAD’s 2026–27 opt-in resume books are now live in GRAD Gargoyle! Resume books are packets of student and postdoc resumes that UChicagoGRAD’s career team keeps on hand to share with employers who are looking to connect with students with specific career interests and skillsets. UChicagoGRAD may also use these resume books to contact students and let them know about upcoming events relevant to their interests. You may submit your resume to as many books as you like, but please be sure to only submit to resume books appropriate to your degree level. If you have difficulties with this process, please email the UChicagoGRAD External Relations Team at hiregrad@uchicago.edu.