Family Resources

About

The Family Resource Center (FRC) at the University of Chicago is a welcoming drop-in space where families from the university community can access resources, information, and supportive programming and services. Since 2006, the FRC has been a vibrant hub for graduate students and postdoc parents to network and engage with each other. You can join the Student Parent Listserv, a virtual resource for posting questions and sharing advice with other UChicago parents as well as to buy, sell, and donate their items. Note that the FRC is not a licensed childcare facility, and a designated childcare provider is required for all children.

Parent Resource Guide 2022-23

Location and Hours of Operation

The FRC is located at 950 East 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637

Phone: 773-795-KIDS (5437)

Monday, May 27: FRC Closed for Memorial Day

During autumn, winter, and spring quarters, the FRC is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The FRC is closed during University breaks and holidays. Parking in the lot directly behind the FRC is permissible after 4 p.m. on weekdays and any time on Saturdays. There is a lot at 61st & Drexel (2 blocks from the FRC) which is affordable and convenient.

FRC Classes and Activities

Stay in touch with us about upcoming FRC activities and parties via the Student Parent Listserv.

Wednesdays (spring quarter) at 3:30 p.m.: Big Sisters & Brothers Club. This is a weekly gather which will include a story, activity, game and or a craft for children 4–7 years (but all are included).

Monday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m.: Earth Day story time

Friday, May 10 at 3:30 p.m.: Make a Mother’s day surprise for mom

Saturday, May 18 from 4:00–6:00 p.m.: Graduate student social with adult beverages and treats.

Friday, May 31 from 3:00–4:30 p.m.: End of the Year celebration

Policies, Procedures, and Required Forms

FRC membership is free for all university-affiliated families. All families must register with the Family Resource Center and submit the mandatory Consent and Release form found here.

At least one UChicago-affiliated family member per family will be required annually to come to the FRC to present a valid university ID card, fill out membership renewal forms, and participate in an orientation session, which will include an overview of FRC policies and procedures (available also in Spanish).

The University of Chicago offers need-based, annual child care stipends in the amount of $2,000 per year 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. Priority will be given to eligible applicants with the greatest need.

Application Process

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

• Summer June 16, 2023
• September September 29, 2023
• Winter January 5. 2024
• Spring March 22, 2024

Incomplete applications and applications received after the 5 p.m. deadline will not be considered until the following deadline. 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.

Submit an application here. 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;
• Be registered in the quarter in which you receive the stipend, as a full-time UChicago PhD student in good academic standing; and
• Hold valid visa and be eligible to receive income at the time of award (if applicable).

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

Contact Lizanne Phalen with questions.