Winter Quarter Safety Message

JANUARY 3, 2024 

Dear Members of the University Community:

With Winter Quarter underway, I want to share some important information on safety, transportation, and emergency preparedness, including resources that are available to you.

If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to download the UChicago Safe mobile app, where you can find many of the resources outlined below. I also recommend that you follow UChicago Safe on Instagram, Facebook, and X for helpful and timely safety-related information.

The information below is a reminder of some of the safety resources available at UChicago. For a comprehensive list, visit our website.

Safety Information and Resources

For more information on safety resources available at UChicago, see these video guides for students and employees or visit our safety resources webpage. 

Transportation Resources

  • UGo Shuttles: UGo Shuttles run day and night on and around campus, Hyde Park, and the city of Chicago. Shuttles are free to all members of the University community by tapping your ID card. Route maps are available on the DSS website and real-time shuttle location information is available on Transloc (also available as a mobile app). 
    • The Downtown Connector is our newest shuttle route, providing free transportation between the Hyde Park campus, the Gleacher Center, downtown UChicago Medical Center clinics, and CTA, Amtrak, and Metra stations downtown. 
  • Lyft Ride Smart: UChicago students are eligible for seven free Lyft rides per month (up to $10 per ride) from 5 p.m. until 4 a.m. seven days a week. Rides must begin and end in the service area.
  • Metra passes for students: All enrolled students can sign up by January 31 to receive a free 10-ride Metra Electric pass, which is good for Metra Electric trains across all zones. Beginning February 1, Metra will no longer offer a 10-ride pass and will offer a Day Pass 5 Pack in its place. The Day Pass 5 Pack is good for all Metra lines including, but not limited to, Metra Electric. Students can sign up either for a free 10-ride pass by January 31 or a free Day Pass 5 Pack beginning on February 1. You must sign up for a Ventra account before claiming a pass on my.uchicago.edu. All passes expire after 90 days. Note that students who already claimed a 10-ride ticker during Autumn Quarter are not eligible for the free 5 pack this academic year.
  • CTA Buses: There are several CTA bus routes that service the area around the Hyde Park campus. Anyone with a UChicago ID can ride the 171 and 172 buses for free.
  • Free garage parking after-hours: Members of the University community with an active UChicago ID can park for free after hours at the Campus North (Ellis) Garage and the Kimbark South Garage between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m., seven days a week. Just use your ID card to enter and exit. Those who access a garage after hours without a parking permit must exit the facility by 7 a.m. each day to avoid daily parking fees. 

For more information on transportation at UChicago, see these transportation video guides for students and employees or visit the transportation website. 

Emergency Preparedness Resources

  • cAlert system: The University's cAlert system provides rapid emergency notifications and instructions, via text message and email. Please visit the cAlert website to make sure your contact information and any preferred devices are up to date.
  • Emergency Preparedness video: This 7-minute video will help you understand what to do in the event of an emergency on campus. It explains some of the alerts and instructions you may receive, and what actions you can take to enhance your safety. 

If you have any questions or concerns about campus safety, contact our team. I wish you a safe and productive quarter.

Sincerely,

Eric M. Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety & Security

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