Along with the joys of parenting, graduate students and postdocs with children face unique pressures and demands on their time. UChicagoGRAD Parenting Community supports families via enrichment programming and information sharing, but most importantly we strive to foster connections between fellow parents. While some of our programming is designed specifically for student and postdoc parents, most are available to all university-affiliated families. All events are free, and caregivers are also welcome to accompany children. In Winter Quarter 2026, we’re hosting weekly children’s enrichment classes, monthly Family Mixers, a Financial Wellness Seminar, and two Parent Write-ins. To receive sign-up invitations, subscribe to the StudentParent Listserv and sign up for our monthly newsletter! And read on to see details about upcoming events, browse past newsletters, and learn about Resources for Parents and the Student Parent Market.
Winter 2026 Programming Schedule
Weekly Enrichment Classes
Crafternoons: January 16–March 13 (no crafternoons on January 23 due to weather), Fridays 3:00–4:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD Headquarters (970 E 58th St, 3rd Fl). No crafts on Feb 20. Crafts, snacks and toys. All are welcome—including pre-crafters and those without children who just love crafts! Our final Winter Quarter class on 3/13 will be a special celebration (a day early) for Pi Day—when we celebrate all numbers, imaginary and otherwise, and Pie!
Stories in the Bookstore: January 20–March 10, Tuesdays 11:00–11:45 a.m., Campus Bookstore (970 E. 58thSt, 2nd Fl). Stories and songs on a theme, along with percussion instruments and snacks. Attendees at the final Winter Quarter stories will get a free book, courtesy of our hosts, Follett Books.
Monthly Family Mixers
Saturday, January 31 (date changed due to weather) and Saturday, February 28, 3:00–5:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ
Featuring seasonal crafts, snacks and fellowship!
Parent Write-Ins
Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ and Grad Lounge. Student and Postdoc parents can utilize this twice-quarterly free service: we watch your children as you do academic work in an adjoining space. Children must be at least 9 months old. Write-in registration.
Resources for Parents
- Read the University’s Graduate Student Parent Policy
- Parent Resource Guide 2025
- Fellowship Guide for Students with Children
- The University partners with Dr. Sarah Diwan at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club to assist postdoctoral researchers and students at the University and UChicago Medicine in identifying childcare resources and programs. Dr. Diwan provides personalized guidance on childcare options for children ages 0–5. To schedule an appointment, please email sdiwan@hpnclub.org. Before meeting with Dr. Diwan, please complete this form, which helps her prepare for your consultation.
Student Parent Market
Join the Student Parent Market listserv for student parents to buy, sell, give and and donate their items. This list is intended to separate such posts from all other family related announcements, and queries.