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 mostly 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. Caregivers are also welcome to accompany children. In Winter Quarter 2025, we offer two weekly children’s enrichment classes, a monthly Family Mixer, and two Parent Write-Ins. Event locations are as noted. To receive sign-up invitations, subscribe to the StudentParent Listserv. And read on to see details on Winter events, read our most recent newsletter, and learn about UChicago Child Care Resources, the Student Parent Market, and our PhD Child Care Stipend Application.

Read our January 2025 newsletter!

Winter Programming Schedule

Musical Stories in the Bookstore
Tuesdays, January 14–March 11, 11:00–11:45 a.m., Campus Bookstore (970 E. 58th Street, 2nd Floor)

Join Laura on Tuesday mornings for free Storytime in the kids’ area of the bookstore.  Stories on a theme, along with songs, percussion instruments and fingerplays for all ages, with snacks from Follett Bookstore. If you have a stroller, you can either leave it downstairs or access the 2nd floor via the elevator—knock on the door for entry.

“Crafternoons”
Fridays, January 24–March 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ (970 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor)

There will be a simple craft, along with a coloring corner, toys for pre-crafters, and coffee and snacks for all. 

Family Mixer
Saturday, January 25, 3:00–5:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor
Come and celebrate with fellow families at this free event featuring seasonal crafts, snacks and a hot chocolate bar. RSVP requested for planning. While we are gathering in a UChicagoGRAD space, all families are invited—not just Grad students. The next Monthly Mixers are tentatively scheduled for February 15 and March 15—details TBA.

Parent Write-Ins
Saturday, February 8 and Saturday, March 8
Work on academic writing or coursework while caregivers watch your children in an adjoining room.  Coffee and snacks provided.  This free service is available to graduate students and postdocs. Sessions are 3 hours long, and the minimum age for children is 9 months. Sign-up will begin 2 weeks before each date, and the link will be posted here and shared via the StudentParent listserv and Grad Guide Weekly.

UChicago Child Care Resources

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.

PhD Child Care Stipend Application

The University of Chicago offers need-based, annual child care stipends to eligible PhD student applicants. While not covering the bulk of child care expenses, these stipends are intended to help alleviate some of the financial hardship our student parents face while allowing them flexibility to tailor child care to their needs. The spring application will open Friday, March 7, 2025.

Application Process

Applications are accepted quarterly. One application per family will be considered. Application deadlines are 5 p.m. CT on the following dates:

  • Autumn: October 4, 2024
  • Winter: January 10, 2025
  • Spring: March 28, 2025

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are expected to provide information that is true, complete, and given in good faith. Applicants who falsify any information or supporting documentation will be required to pay back the stipend in full, will be deemed ineligible for future stipend awards, and will be referred for area disciplinary action. Students must apply annually and receiving the stipend in a previous academic year does not guarantee future support.

All applications must be submitted via the secure online portal.

Eligibility

One application per family will be considered, and students of any citizenship may apply. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria below may apply, but applicants with the greatest need will be given preference. Students must apply annually and receiving the stipend previously does not guarantee future support. Child Care Stipend applicants must:

  • Have dependent child(ren) born on or after July 1, 2013;
  • Have gross family income of $100,000 or less (this includes spouse/partner income);
  • Be registered in the quarter in which you receive the stipend, as a full-time UChicago PhD student in good academic standing; and
  • For non-U.S. citizens: Hold valid visa and be eligible to receive income at the time of award.

For security reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

Information for Awardees

Stipend payments are taxable to the recipient, and depending on the student’s immigration status, the University may have a legal obligation to withhold income taxes from the payment and report it. Recipients should consult a tax advisor for an understanding of their reporting obligations to the IRS. In order to receive the stipend, domestic students may be asked to provide copies of the Form W-9 and foreign students may be asked to provide copies of Form W-8, Form UPP-192, I-94 cards, and Form DS-2019. Child care stipends may also affect student loan borrowing eligibility, and awardees should consult Student Loan Administration with questions related to student loans. Stipend recipients who do not provide appropriate documentation when requested will forfeit their awards.

Questions?

Please reach out to Graduate Administrative Services at gradhelp@uchicago.edu