At Erikson, graduate students are our main focus, and we make it a priority to support you with personalized academic and student services.
Academic advising at Erikson is relationship-based, personalized, and ongoing. Whether you’re a certificate, master’s or doctoral student, you will be assigned a faculty advisor with expertise in the program you’re pursuing. Your advisor will help you navigate program requirements and help keep your studies on track.
Whether your program requires an internship, field placement, or action research, you will have the support of a faculty member and site supervisor throughout the experience.
Visit the Academic Success Center on campus with questions about your study habits, writing skills, and class assignments. Or submit your work online for feedback that is typically provided within 48 to 72 hours. You also may request an in-person or online consultation with Stripe Gandara, Associate Director of Writing and Academic Support, to discuss your writing or academic habits. Day and evening appointments are available.
Our Grant and Kathy Pick Writing Program can support you in all stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, developing an outline, organizing ideas for a final draft, and discussing your writing. We also offer assistance with reading, citations, and videos about other issues you may encounter on your academic journey.
After a consultation with us, you may be paired with a tutor for short-term or ongoing individual academic support. Our tutors are Erikson alumni, so they are familiar with your courses and your questions and concerns
Each semester, the Academic Success Center facilitates group study sessions that focus on the content of selected child development master’s courses. These tutor-led sessions provide an opportunity for you and your peers to support one another and learn about how to succeed in the course.
Prepare for academic writing at Erikson by taking this free writing course in August. The course, which meets on-campus or online for four weeks, is designed to help you understand and prepare for the academic demands of a graduate program.
Contact Stripe Gandara
Associate Director, Writing & Academic Support
[email protected]
Erikson values diversity and actively seeks to recruit students, faculty, and staff that represent the cultural richness of our broader society. Our current student body is one of the most diverse among master’s programs in Chicago. We offer programs and advocacy on issues of cultural representation and empowerment, and we encourage dialogue on campus that leads to examination and understanding of cultural identities and their intersections. You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events focused on issues of equity, community building, and social justice throughout the school year.
Speak with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs to learn more.
As an international student at Erikson, you will have access to individualized advising and support on issues ranging from F-1 immigration regulations to making a successful personal transition to living in the U.S. once you arrive on campus. Our international student advisors are trained through NAFSA, the Association for International Educators and will advise you on all immigration related matters.
If you have questions about international student services contact Valerie Williams.
We are committed to extending educational opportunities to all students. We comply with federal, state, and local laws regarding accommodation of students with disabilities. Please see our services for students with disabilities here.
Prospective or enrolled students who need accommodations or have questions about our services can contact Colette Davison, dean of students and coordinator of disability services.
Though Erikson does not provide housing for its students, we do have an established relationship with StudentSpace, an apartment-finding service focused solely on graduate students, to help with your housing search. Erikson also provides discounted public transportation through the CTA U-PASS program to eligible students.
Don’t see your question below? Send us a message and we’ll get you some answers.
Erikson Institute does not have a student health center. In accordance with Section 1501 of the Affordable Care Act, all Erikson students are expected to have health insurance coverage and be in compliance of all applicable federal laws. Students who are not covered by private insurance can find health care options via GetCoveredIllinois.
While we don’t have a traditional Counseling Center on our campus, as a student you will have access to a confidential student assistance program offered to all Erikson students through Guardian and Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH). This program provides support and guidance on a range of personal issues that you may face and is also a source of information on everyday topics that affect your life.
You will also have access to a professional counselor via telephone. Counseling sessions are available, if needed, with an IBH network provider — and up to three sessions are free of charge.
For legal and financial topics, you are eligible to receive a free initial 30-minute office or telephone consultation with an attorney or seasoned financial professional and certified public accountant (CPA). Local referrals are available for more complex legal or financial issues for a fee.
Additional information and resources for counseling and reporting are available here.
Yes, Erikson is fully accessible. If you need assistance or accommodation, please contact the Erikson reception desk at (312) 755-2250 in advance or upon arrival.