Leadership & Society Initiative Frequently Asked Questions 

Fellows have a variety of opportunities to connect with local and global organizations and to engage with a multigenerational community of highly motivated and skilled leaders. Some of these opportunities include:

• Auditing courses from across the University’s schools and divisions. 
• Mentorship and guidance from Next Chapter Advisors. 
• Exchanges with local and global organizations to examine how they are addressing major societal challenges. 
• Fellow-organized lunches, social gatherings, and cultural activities. 
• On-campus events. 
• An optional (and highly encouraged) travel study experience on one of UChicago’s global campuses.

See our fellowship experience page for more details. 

Fellows are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunity to audit two courses per quarter, for a total of six courses over the fellowship year, from a curated list that spans the University’s schools and divisions. This experience gives Fellows access to extraordinary scholarship and teaching and puts them in touch with current graduate and undergraduate students to participate in multigenerational dialogue. However, Fellows may choose to audit fewer courses based on their available time and flexibility needs. 

Highly accomplished individuals who want to explore new pathways to create positive change in the world can determine their purpose and priorities through a rigorous learning process, personalized guidance, and a supportive community. That’s the transformative education we seek to provide at the University of Chicago. LSI was specifically created to support leaders in an inflection point, helping them develop concrete plans and valuable meaningful work and stay intellectually stimulated as they pursue the next stage of their lives characterized by purposefulness, enduring wellness, and contributions to societal needs.

LSI is a highly selective fellowship for distinguished leaders who are at a point of transition toward purposeful next chapters. We welcome nominations, including self-nominations, of highly accomplished executives who are transitioning from their longstanding careers toward purposeful next chapters of leadership for society. Complete a self-reflective assessment to determine whether you are a strong candidate for the fellowship. 

We welcome nominations of any accomplished professional who fits our selective eligibility requirements, including self-nominations. See our criteria and selection page for details. 

Tuition for the fellowship is consistent with the cost of a year of study at UChicago. For the 2024-2025 school year, the tuition is $77,500. 

For Fellows who opt to take part in the travel study program, travel and lodging is at each Fellows’ expense.

We offer financial assistance to make the fellowship accessible to those who meet the LSI selection criteria. Contact a candidate advisor for information. 

All programming will take place in person. Our aim is to ensure a meaningful, in-person experience where Fellows will have the chance to create deep bonds with their cohort and truly delve into UChicago’s culture of intellectual exploration and free expression. The core curriculum is specifically designed as a yearlong journey held in person, including hands-on immersions and special events. To enable access for individuals with other commitments, the core curriculum is delivered from Monday through Wednesday, enabling Fellows to either participate in additional enriching activities or to travel Thursday through Sunday. 

Fellows are responsible for their housing, but we are here to help. Fellows will receive guidance on places in Hyde Park and in downtown Chicago where leases are available that align with the academic year.