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 Autumn Quarter 2025, we’re offering two weekly children’s enrichment classes, monthly Family Mixers, and two Parent Write-ins. To receive sign-up invitations, subscribe to the StudentParent Listserv. And read on to see details about upcoming events, read past newsletters, and learn about Resources for Parents and the Student Parent Market.
Autumn 2025 Programming Schedule
Stories in the Bookstore
Tuesdays October 14–December 9, 11:00–11:45 a.m., Campus Bookstore (970 E. 58th St, 2nd Floor)
Stories, songs, fingerplays and snacks for all ages at Follett Campus Bookstore. No stories Thanksgiving week (November 25).
“Crafternoons”
Fridays October 10–December 12, 3:30–4:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ (970 E. 58th St, 3rd Floor)
Features a simple craft for little children, a more complicated one for big kids and grown-ups, as well as a coloring corner, toys for pre-crafters, and drinks and snacks for all. A nice way to end the week! No crafts the day after Thanksgiving (November 28).Â
Monthly Family Mixers
Saturday, October 18, 3:00–5:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ
Come and connect with fellow families at this free monthly gathering; enjoy some spooky crafts and seasonal snacks.
Save-the-dates: our next gatherings are November 22 and December 13.
Parent Write-Ins
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. The next write-in will be November 8, with registration beginning October 25.
Resources for Parents
- Read the University’s Graduate Student Parent Policy
- Parent Resource Guide 2025
- Fellowship Guide for Students with Children
- Child Care Resource & Referral – The University awarded a grant to Dr. Sarah Diwan at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club to provide area childcare education and referral services to postdoctoral researchers and students at the University and Medical Center. Learn more.
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.