The University of Chicago is committed to engaging with the South Side community to examine the institution’s historical relationship with its surrounding neighborhoods and identify ways in which it can deepen and strengthen partnerships with the local community. Examining this historical relationship is a prelude and opportunity to create a new level of cooperative partnership between the University and the community. On December 17, 2021, President Paul Alivisatos and Provost Ka Yee C. Lee announced the formation of the Council on UChicago/Community Relations: Historical, Contemporary, and Future.
Council Charge
The Council is charged by the University President and Provost with researching and preparing a report that reflects upon and illuminates the history and relationship between the University and the city’s South Side neighborhoods. The President and Provost will request that the report include recommended measures that will strengthen and promote existing and future mutually beneficial relations between the University and its neighbors. Specifically, the Council will:
- Independently investigate and assess the University of Chicago’s relationship to the South Side areas of Chicago, from the University’s inception to the present day.
- Recommend, where appropriate, additional research projects for the University to sponsor.
- Provide an opportunity to analyze/discuss the University’s more recent efforts to strengthen community relations as well as current and future University-Community issues—making recommendations when appropriate.
- Consult, engage, and inform the campus and community on a regular basis, giving members of the campus and community opportunities to provide input, feedback, guidance, and critique of the Council’s work.
- Disseminate the Council’s ongoing work, along with its ultimate findings and recommendations.
Inaugural Council Members
Faculty
- Emily Buss, Mark and Barbara Fried Professor of Law
- Eve Ewing, Assistant Professor, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
- Adam Green, Associate Professor of American History and the College
- Jonathan Lear, John U. Nef Distinguished Service Professor in the Committee on Social Thought, Philosophy, and the College
- Doriane Miller, Professor of Medicine and Director, Center for Community Health and Vitality
- George Wu, John P. and Lillian A. Gould Professor of Behavioral Science, Booth School of Business
Staff
- Brenda Battle, Senior Vice President, Community Health Transformation and Chief Diversity Officer, UChicago Medicine
- Derek Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs
- Marcia Walker-McWilliams, Executive Director, Black Metropolis Research Consortium, University Library
Students
- Arsima Araya, Undergraduate Student in the College
- Natalie “Jo” Griffin, Graduate Student in the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
Community Members
- Carol Adams, President and CEO, Urban Prescriptives, and Founder, South Shore Works
- Daniel Ash, President, The Field Foundation
- Julian DeShazier, Senior Pastor, University Church
- Evelyn Diaz, President, Heartland Alliance
- Joel Hamernick, Executive Director, Sunshine Enterprises
- Jamie Kalven, Invisible Institute
- Jawanza Malone, Executive Director, Wieboldt Foundation
- Shirley Newsome, Board Chair, Quad Communities Development Corporation
- Trina Reynolds Tyler, Data Analyst, Invisible Institute
- Anton Seals, Lead Steward and Co-founder, Grow Greater Englewood
- Amanda Williams, Artist, aw|studio
News
Council Launch Announcement
PAUL ALIVISATOS AND
KA YEE C. LEE
December 17, 2021
Source: University of Chicago
Topic: Council on UChicago/Community Relations: Historical, Contemporary, and Future
KA YEE C. LEE
December 17, 2021
Source: University of Chicago
Topic: Council on UChicago/Community Relations: Historical, Contemporary, and Future
Timeline
December 2021
Council Formation
March 2022
Council Orientation
April 2022
Inaugural Council Meeting
FAQs
How did the Council launch?
Community leaders and constituencies, along with members of the University community, have long sought to examine the history of the relationship between the University and communities on the South Side. The foundation for the Council was laid during the 2020 – 2021 academic year by a working group comprised of faculty members, the Office of the President, and the Office of the Provost. Input from an array of stakeholders was sought throughout. The Council was announced by President Paul Alivisatos and Provost Ka Yee C. Lee on December 17, 2021.
How will the Council be structured?
The Council will be comprised of an equal number of members from the University campus and South Side community. The initial Council will include six University faculty, three staff, one undergraduate student, one graduate student, and 11 community members. Council members will serve one-year terms except for the inaugural cohort, which will serve an 18-month term. The Council may recommend additional term extensions to the President to maintain continuity of the work.
How will Council members be appointed?
The inaugural faculty, staff, and community Council members were proposed by the University’s Council working group and approved by the President. They include individuals representing diverse communities, constituencies, and stakeholders. Future Council members, except for student members, will be proposed by the Council in consultation with the University’s Office of the Provost and Office of Civic Engagement, with final approval by the University President and Provost.
How will student Council members be selected?
The Graduate Council oversees the selection process of the graduate student Council member, and the Undergraduate Student Government oversees the selection process of the undergraduate student Council member.
What will the Council do?
The Council has been charged by the President and Provost to independently investigate and assess the University of Chicago’s relationship to the South Side areas of Chicago, from the University’s inception to the present day. The specific issues included in this work will be decided by the Council. The Council will identify areas of engagement, research, and recommendations that enable future mutually beneficial actions by the University and the South Side communities.
What is the timeline of the Council's work?
The Council is expected to execute its charge over four academic years and conclude its work by June 30, 2025. The Council will make available to the University a final report within 120 days of this date. The President and Provost will make a public response to the Council’s final report within 120 days of its issuance.
How will the Council's progress be shared and how can I get involved?
The Council will actively engage the campus and South Side communities with its work and will develop a work plan for such engagement, including convening public forums and organizing programs open to the public, to execute its charge. Additional information will be posted to this website after the Council holds its initial meeting.