Events & Programs
Signature Series & Involvement
Discover what’s happening with UChicago Dining—live events, culinary learning, social impact, and exclusive opportunities for students.
Explore our signature programs
Ch(ART)Wells
Ch(ART)Wells
Chartwells is committed to creating flavorful, nutritious food that is prepared from scratch, using authentic ingredients, and made in a socially responsible manner.
Annual Grill Competition
Annual Grill Competition
A lively campus event where chefs go head‑to‑head on the grill, serving bold, flavorful creations for the community to taste, enjoy, and celebrate together.
Berry Palooza
Good food. Great berries. Pure joy.
A seasonal celebration of fresh berries, featuring creative dishes, vibrant flavors, and a shared dining experience that brings the campus community together.
Student Involvement
Campus Dining Advisory Board (CDAB)
Are you passionate about food, campus life, and making a real impact at UChicago? The Campus Dining Advisory Board (CDAB) is your chance to make your voice heard and help shape the future of dining on campus!
Mystery Diners
Do you want to help make UChicago dining better? Are you a keen observer? Then consider signing up to become a Mystery Diner! As a Mystery Diner, you’ll play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience at the University of Chicago.
C.A.R.E.S. (Community Action Reaching Every Student)
UChicago Dining, in collaboration with Chartwell’s Higher Education and with the gracious support of our students on meal plans, offers sustenance to both undergraduate and graduate students who may face hunger or opt to skip meals during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks. Our food-insecurity initiative is called C.A.R.E.S. – Community Action Reaching Every Student.
Perfect Strangers: A Dining Experience
A signature program for 2nd‑year students, Perfect Strangers invites classmates to connect over curated meals at top dining destinations across Hyde Park. Each outing pairs bold, global flavors with new faces, creating memorable experiences beyond the classroom.
Student Ambassadors
Through the Chartwells Student Ambassador Program, students collaborate with dining teams to share feedback, support events, and promote campus dining initiatives while gaining valuable leadership experience.
Teaching Kitchens
Chartwells Teaching Kitchens offer hands‑on culinary experiences where students learn cooking skills, nutrition basics, and how to prepare simple, flavorful meals.
Our Commitments
Good Food Matters
UChicago Dining is committed to great food and strong community partnerships. By sourcing from local, diverse, and women‑owned businesses, we support economic growth across the mid‑South Side while delivering high‑quality, engaging dining experiences.
Sustainability Commitments
From local sourcing to waste reduction, UChicago Dining integrates sustainability into every part of our operation. By supporting diverse businesses, conserving resources, and prioritizing responsible food practices, we contribute to a more sustainable campus and community.