Applying for a US Taxpayer ID

While the beginning of autumn quarter may seem a bit early to be thinking about taxes, now is the time to be applying for a US taxpayer ID! You’ll need a US taxpayer ID to submit both federal and state tax returns in April and get appropriately paid wage-income by the university.  There are two types of US taxpayer IDs: the Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and each have different eligibility requirements. 

There are other benefits to get a US taxpayer ID as soon as possible. If you are eligible for a tax treaty (may exempt some forms of income from tax withholding) a US taxpayer ID needs to be assigned to you before treaty benefits can be taken.  

Learn how to apply for an SSN or ITIN.

From PhD to Policy: Think Tank Careers for PhD Scientists
Monday, October 14, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Virtual    

Science policy careers focus on shaping research and public interest through policy development. PhDs in think tanks conduct research, analyze data, and create policy recommendations. Our panelists will discuss their experiences, daily projects, essential skills, and tips on using scientific training to enter this fulfilling field.

Exploring Fellowship Opportunities
Tuesday, October 15,11:00 a.m.–12:00 noon, 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). They contribute to fieldwork expenses, research travel, conferences, language study, tuition, and many other academic funding needs. This presentation is aimed at Masters, PhD and postdoctoral researchers.

Wellness GRAD Support Space
Tuesday, October 15, 12:30–1:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

UChicagoGRAD and Student Wellness have partnered to bring you a support space beginning monthly third Tuesdays, over fall and winter quarters, for you to drop-in, meet peers and gain support as you manage academic projects. All are welcome to join!

Academic Job Market: Tailoring Your Academic Job Applications
Tuesday, October 15, 2:30–3:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

Academic job advertisements contain important clues about a hiring department's priorities. However, these clues can sometimes be hidden amid language that is vague, unfamiliar, or legalistic. How do you decipher these ads, and what do you do with this information once you have it? This workshop will help you decode the language of academic job market advertisements and tailor applications effectively. We will discuss CVs and cover letters in particular. This workshop is appropriate for PhD students and postdocs.

Career30: Networking Best Practices
Wednesday, October 16, 12:30–1:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ

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. An open Q&A will follow. This session is appropriate for graduate students and postdocs in all disciplines. International students will benefit from learning about the networking process in the United States.

Funding for Dissertation Research Abroad
Wednesday, October 16, 1:00–2:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ        

Are you a current PhD student who wants to conduct research abroad for your dissertation? This session will review funding for international fieldwork expenses for both short-term and long-term research stays. It will be most helpful for applicants who intend to conduct fieldwork commencing in Summer 2025 or later.

PDT Partners Info Session and Networking Hour
Wednesday, October 16, 5:00–7:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ 

Curious about a career as a quantitative researcher? Come network with PDT researchers to learn about their journey from academia to quantitative finance. Speak with them directly about their career path, the interesting work that challenges them and their decision to leave academia for industry. Please note that this event is exclusively for PhD students and postdocs. 

Weekly Storytime
Thursday, October 17, 10:30–11:15 a.m., University of Chicago Bookstore, 2nd Floor, 970 E 58th St       

Join our Parenting Community Coordinator Laura at every Thursday this autumn quarter (except for Thanksgiving) for free storytime featuring thematic stories and songs with percussion instruments and fingerplays for all ages.

Harris Student Facilities Worker, FWS – Harris School of Public Policy (International students may apply)

Quantum Physics Influencer – STAGE Lab (International students may apply)

Events & Support Services Manager - Minnesota Historical Society (International students may apply)

Epidemiology Intern – Merck & Co. (US Citizens)

Learning & Development Intern – AIDS Foundation Chicago (International students may apply)

Program Manager – Friends of the Children Chicago (International students may apply)

Sales for Gargoyle Gala open Monday, October 14!! If you're ready to dance the night away at the lowest cost option, save the most you can by purchasing early!

Join a Graduate Council Committee -- Deadline Extended!

We are currently accepting applications for the following committees, with submissions due Sunday, October 13, at 11:59 pm. Additional information about each committee is available on the application form. Apply to get involved and contribute to student life!

External Programming Committee Application
Community Initiatives Committee Application
Advocacy Committee Application
Communication and Coordination Committee Application

Sign up for the Graduate Council Newsletter!

To stay up-to-date on all graduate student events and initiatives, make sure you sign up to receive the Graduate Council Newsletter! Please go to this link and then click subscribe.

Graduate Collaboration Grants Info Session
Monday, October 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Room 112, 929 E 60th St

Please join us for an in-person information session about the ASCI Graduate Collaboration Grants. Learn about the grant, the application process, how to find a collaborator, or meet potential collaborators at the session.   Please RSVP for this event.

Book Talk: Trolling Ourselves to Death: Democracy in the Age of Social Media
Monday, October 14, 5:00–6:00 p.m., SSRB Tea Room #201, 1126 E 59th St      

Join the Chicago Center on Democracy for a conversation on Dr. Jason Hannan’s new book: winner of the 2024 Erving Goffman Award from the Media Ecology Association.

Gentle Yoga
Tuesday, October 15, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S Woodlawn Ave

Focus on teaching gently and breathing deeply. Connecting poses into a fluid series, we pause in each post long enough to reconnect to the body and breathe, creating a moving meditation.  All levels are welcome. Yoga mat is required for this class and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

PopeTech Canvas Accessibility Tools Demo
Wednesday, October 16, 2:00–2:45 p.m., Virtual

Join Mark Pope from PopeTech and the Academic Technology Solutions team to discuss how content creators in UChicago Canvas can use new tools and dashboards to create accessible courses.

English Language Institute Workshop: Using Articles
Thursday, October 17, 12:30–1:20 p.m., Virtual

In this workshop, we will re-examine how we choose between a/an, the, and Ø, and frame the topic as a choice between 'indefinite,' 'definite,' and 'generic' reference. This workshop is open to all current UChicago students, staff, and faculty.  Space is limited to 30 participants.

Social Venture Studio Presents: Lunch & Launch Workshop
Tuesday, October 15, 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m., Chicago Booth Harper Center, 5807 S Woodlawn Ave, C-04 

Volunteer Opportunities Fair
Thursday, October 17, 2:00–4:00 p.m., University Community Service Center, 6030 S Ellis Ave

Fundamentals of Teaching Workshop Series

These workshops—90 minutes each over four weeks—aim to address the challenges new graduate student teachers face in the first weeks of the quarter and to help them develop core competencies in teaching for facilitating and enhancing student learning. Workshops start Friday, October 11 for STEM and Thursday, October 17 for HUM/SSD—register today!

Apply for the Library Student Advisory Council
Applications due tomorrow (Friday, October 11)

The Library Student Advisory Council (LSAC) provides a formal channel of communication between students and the Library Administration. LSAC meets at least twice per quarter. Full details available on the Library website. Please contact Kristy Lueshen with questions: klueshen@uchicago.edu.

Refresh Sleep
Registration for Autumn quarter closes Saturday, October 12

Refresh Sleep is a seven week-long course delivered via email with important information and tips that have been proven to help improve sleep.

Student Perspectives Series
Interest form due by Sunday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m.

Are you interested in having a conversation with University of Chicago Trustees? If so, submit your name for consideration! The Autumn meeting of the Student Perspectives Series will be November 7, and the topic will be Preserving and Defining the University of Chicago's Identity. 

2025 Critics Table Cohort
Applications due Friday, October 25

The Chicago Critic’s Table is an eight-month paid incubator for emerging Chicago cultural critics hosted by Arts + Public Life and funded by the Mellon Foundation. Participants will receive a $5000 stipend as well as a $700 arts budget for tickets and supplies/travel.