Remote Student Research Experiences

Currently, most student research experiences will take place remotely. As faculty mentors and student researchers work to adapt existing research plans or develop new ones, our research community will need support in preparing, accessing, and making the most of your remote research experiences.

Here you will find a variety of resources related to remote research, including guidance for mentors and students on establishing effective plans, staying in close communication, and taking advantage of the range of resources available through the University Libraries. We have also provided information on best practices and research ethics, managing funding, and specific research training. You will also find general resources about health and wellness, support for students with disabilities, and guidance for international students.

We defer to the University Research Administration’s broad position about research resumption on its Research Continuity Planning site and encourage all faculty and student participants in remote research to review its up-to-date information. Our companion site, Learning Remotely, also provides complementary support for student learning.

  • The “Research Tools” page provides you with basic information about using technology effectively for connecting with your research mentor(s), student researcher(s), and other collaborators and support professionals, including librarians.
  • The “Strategies for Effective Remote Research” page provides guidance on developing effective research plans and best practices, as well as information related to data security and management, research ethics, and information about specialized research training.
  • The “For Mentors” page offers advice, best practices, and important information about integrating students into your remote research experience and/or supporting their independent research activities.
  • The “For Students” section contains useful information about time-management, effective communication strategies, and other best practices for ensuring a successful remote research experience, including collaborating with your research mentors remotely.
  • The “Resources” page includes links to valuable resources provided by the University Library, Special Collections, and other University museums and collections to support your research. This page also houses a growing list of external domestic and international resources relevant to scholarly research.

Scholarly research is at the core of the University’s mission and ensuring our students remain active contributors in these activities, even if remotely, is among our highest priorities. Although remote research may present unique challenges, it also offers new opportunities to consider how we collaborate as an academic community committed to the knowledge-making enterprise. We look forward to supporting your remote research experiences and encourage you to take full advantage of the rich resources available to you through your academic units, the University of Chicago Library, the College Center for Research and Fellowships, the Chicago Center for TeachingUChicago Grad, and University Research Administration. Along with the University Leadership, we are here to offer continued support for student research endeavors and collaborations with faculty that promote increased engagement in their fields and growth as students and scholars.

For information about the University of Chicago’s position on research during COVID-19, including the re-opening of research facilities on campus, please consult Research Continuity Planning. For general information on the University’s COVID-19 response, visit coronavirusupdates.uchicago.edu.

For undergraduates: the College Center for Research and Fellowships (CCRF) helps undergraduates in the College navigate the broad array of institutional, domestic, and international scholarly research opportunities that are available to them. The CCRF encourages students to make scholarly research and creative inquiry a fundamental part of their academic experience at the University of Chicago, if it makes sense academically and vocationally. More information about summer research programs and both summer and academic-year grant programs are available on the CCRF website.

For graduates: UChicagoGRAD is a one-stop shop of integrated services to help graduate students navigate their academic and professional careers. UChicagoGRAD provides resources that complement graduate students’ academic training and help them progress as researchers, scholars, and professionals. Graduate students can register for online programs and virtual advising to get assistance with fellowships, career planning, work/life balance, and more.

Student Services

The University of Chicago provides comprehensive resources for students. All students should visit the site for more information about the many services, offices, individuals, and resources available while working remotely.

Undergraduate students can consult general information and resources the College developed to help students navigate the continued impact of COVID-19, find assistance they need, and stay connected.

Graduate students can visit UChicagoGrad for more information about services and resources specifically tailored to the graduate student community.

Health and Well-Being

Many students might be facing a continued period of isolation as they undertake remote research experiences. Student Health and Counseling Services offers a variety of resources to help navigate the ongoing challenges related to remote research, learning, teaching and working; additional student resources also remain available.

Students with Disabilities

Student Disability Services (SDS) works in collaboration with the University of Chicago faculty and staff to provide resources, support, and accommodations to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible and inclusive of persons with disabilities. SDS staff work with students on an individual basis to determine reasonable accommodations to facilitate equitable access to learning and student life. Students should contact SDS to request an accommodation; for more information please visit the Student Disability Services website.

International Students

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) website has a link to answers to frequently asked immigration-related questions specific to the University’s need to adopt procedures and policies to address the significant public health concerns associated with COVID-19. OIA will continue to update this page with immigration-related questions as they come up. If students have other questions and concerns, please email your designated OIA adviser.

Equal Opportunity Programs and Remote Learning and Research Experiences

The University is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) provides leadership in specific areas that support this mission, including efforts to address sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment, ensuring accessibility, and coordinating efforts to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, and job seekers. EOP is fully operational in the virtual environment and all EOP staff are available to assist members of the community.