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 Spring events, read our most recent newsletter, and learn about Resources for Parents and the Student Parent Market.
Read our February 2025 newsletter! Want prior newsletters? See them here!
Spring Programming Schedule
Musical Stories in the Bookstore
Tuesdays, April 1–June 3, 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, April 4–June 6, 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.Â
Family Mixer
Saturday, April 19, 3:00–5:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor
Come and connect with fellow university families at this free monthly party. RSVP requested for planning to lmacgregor@uchicago.edu. While we are gathering in a UChicagoGRAD space, all families are invited—not just Grad students.
Parent Write-Ins
Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 1, UChicagoGRAD (970 E. 58th St, 3rd Floor).  10am–1pm or 2pm–5pmÂ
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 all UChicago graduate students and postdocs. Sessions are 3 hours long, and the minimum age for children is 9 months.
Sign up here!
Resources for Parents
- Read the University’s Graduate Student Parent Policy
- Parent Resource Guide 2025
- Fellowship Guide for Students with Children
- Local Partnerships –Â The University has provided grants to two neighborhood childcare providers with the stipulation that they set aside a limited number of places for infants and toddlers of employees, postdoctoral researchers, and students at the University and Medical Center.
- Learn more about The Baby Ph.D. Childcare Network
- Learn more about the Chicago Child Care Society: The Preschool Center
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.