OMSA Academic and Financial Resources
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) has a number of academic and financial resources specifically crafted to support the needs of students of color. For information about the Academic Support Grant, the Emergency Contingency Fund, the Graduate Test Preparation Course Scholarship, or the Laptop Loaner Program, please contact Bernard Little. To learn more about the Research Initiative Grant, see below.
Academic Support Grant
OMSA assists undergraduate, graduate, and professional students of color by providing grants that support students' pursuit of academically related activities. This grant is intended to serve students who, due to financial hardship, are not able to cover the cost of activities or supplies that are necessary for a full academic experience. This award is not designed to support attending classes at other institutions or for payment of University of Chicago tuition.
Academically related activities eligible for this grant include attendance of academic conferences.
- See our list of current and upcoming Conferences and Calls for Papers for more information.
Emergency Contingency Fund
The Emergency Contingency Fund assists undergraduate, graduate and professional students of color whose ability to continue their educational program at the University of Chicago has been impaired by an unexpected financial emergency.
Graduate Test Preparation Course Scholarship
OMSA, in collaboration with Princeton Review, currently offers a limited number of scholarships for test preparation courses, which will assist students of color in the pursuit of graduate and professional degrees. Successful applicants will be awarded a waiver for 25-100 % of the total cost of their test prep course (awards based on waiver availability and individual financial need).
Laptop Loaner Program
The OMSA loaner laptop is provided to students on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be checked out for a period of up to one quarter. Full-time, registered students who are in good standing with the college and demonstrate financial need are eligible to check out the OMSA student laptop. Students who are on an extension of the deadline for completion of a graduate or professional degree are ineligible.
Research Initiative Grant
The Research Initiative Grant supports scholarly research on the multifaceted nature and/or impact of race, ethnicity, and culture within the University of Chicago, higher education in general, or the City of Chicago. Any current University of Chicago student in good standing is eligible to apply.
- Please visit the Research Initiative Grant page for more information and the application form.
RSO Funding Through the OMSA Allocation Board
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) Allocation Board is designed to offer support and funding to events by Student Organizations that directly impact OMSA's constituents, enhance the OMSA mission, and add value to the University community.
- Please see Student Organization Funding for more information.
Study Abroad Grant
OMSA provides a limited number of grants for students accepted to University of Chicago approved study abroad programs. The grant provides up to $1500 to students who are full-time, undergraduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial hardship. Applications are available from April to June during the year prior to study. For more information or an application, please contact Bernard Little.
