If you are experiencing an emergency, we are here to help and ensure that you get the support that you need.

There are many resources at UChicago to assist you in the case of an emergency, whether or not you are on campus at the time. Explore the available resources below.

We also recommend that you check the University's Safety Resources and Services website for additional resources to help keep you safe.

UChicago Safe Mobile Safety App

We recommend that all students download the UChicago Safe app, which is free and can help you quickly access safety information and resources. The app will provide information on what to do in case of an emergency and provides access to transportation information as well. Services include:

  • Direct calling to the Uchicago Police Department (UCPD) and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) with the tap of an icon
  • Mobile blue light which sends your location and calls UCPD simultaneously
  • Crime reporting and dispatch center contact
  • Links to safety resources

The UChicago Safe app is available for Android and Apple users.

UChicago Police Department (UCPD)

The UCPD operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on campus and throughout the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, and Woodlawn neighborhoods.

Contact: Call 773-7020-8181 or dial 123 from any campus phone, to contact UCPD.

Dean On Call

A University administrator, serving as the Dean on Call, can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in case of an emergency.

The Dean on Call is the university official responsible for providing referrals, information, and support to students. The Dean on Call is also usually summoned if the University Police are involved with an incident related to a student. They will generally notify the Harris Dean of Students the next business day if a Harris student has been involved in an emergency.

Contact: The Dean on Call an be reached by calling the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) at 773-702-8181. Please be prepared to leave a 10-digit call-back number as UCPD will page the Dean-on-Call for you. If you prefer to text the Dean-on-Call directly, utilize the UChicago Safe App to do so. 

Note: If your immediate safety is at risk please call 911, rather than the Dean on Call.

Sexual Assault Dean on Call

The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call is the University official specifically trained as a Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate through the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault and can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call will provide emotional support to students who are victims of sexual violence. By providing basic legal and medical information, and referrals to other resources on campus and local community service organizations, the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call helps the student make informed decisions.

Contact: A student can contact the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call at any time by calling the UCPD Dispatch at 773.702.8181 and asking UCPD to page the Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call. Students should be prepared to provide a 10-digit call-back number. The Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call can also be reached via text through the UChicago Safe App.

Threat Assessment Team Hotline

The University Threat Assessment Team and Threat Assessment Hotline are available for anyone to share information about any individual who may be planning or is at risk of engaging in violence to self or others.

Contact: Call 800-971-4317 to reach the University Threat Assessment Team and Threat Assessment Hotline.

Medical Emergencies

If a situation seems life-threatening, or if you need immediate treatment of very serious or critical conditions, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. 

University of Chicago Medicine's Emergency Department is located at: 5656 South Maryland Avenue (Google Maps)

Contact: Call 773-702-6250 to reach the University of Chicago Medicine's Emergency Department.

Nurse Line

A nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Nurse Line and is free for UChicago students. Talk with an experienced registered nurse who can answer your health care questions, explain potential care options, and, if necessary, help you find the nearest place to receive a diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about your options for care, including the Nurse Line and Emergency Room.

Contact: Call 773-834-WELL or 773-834-9555 to reach the Nurse Line.

Note: If you are unsure of whether you should go to the Emergency Room, call the Nurse Line at 773-834-WELL to determine if emergency treatment is necessary. 

Mental Health Emergencies

UChicago Wellness provides services for students who are experiencing mental health emergencies.

Therapist-on-Call (24/7)

The Therapist-on-Call can be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of an emergency. The Therapist-on-Call will clarify the nature and specifics of your emergency, will offer acute help and suggestions for ongoing support, which may include scheduling an intake appointment, walking in to UChicago Student Wellness when open, or going to the nearest emergency room. Learn more about the Therapist-on-Call and additional mental health services at UChicago.

Contact: Call 773-702-3625 to reach the Therapist-on-Call 24/7.

During UChicago Student Wellness Office Hours

If you feel the need to meet with someone urgently during counseling and psychiatry office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm), call 773-834-WELL or 773-834-9555 and ask to speak with the urgent care counselor.

You will be connected with the on-call UChicago Student Wellness staff therapist. The therapist will ask about your concerns and will suggest the most appropriate services. If you declare that you are experiencing a psychological emergency, you will complete paperwork and meet with an urgent care therapist as quickly as possible. The urgent care therapist will take time to clarify and address your emergency concerns. Following the meeting, you may be assigned to a UChicago Student Wellness clinical staff member, referred to a private therapist or clinic, or scheduled for a more extended intake evaluation as soon as possible. 

Contact: Call 773-834-WELL or 773-834-9555 and ask to speak with the urgent care counselor.

Harris Academic Advisors

Students can also reach out to their academic advisors for supplemental support following an emergency. Advisors can work with instructors to facilitate temporary flexibility on assignments and suggest university resources, as necessary.

Harris Dean of Students

The Harris Dean of Students, Kate Shannon Biddle, is available to support students. Students can reach out via email to kbiddle@uchicago.edu to book an appointment.