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. Spring Quarter 2026 begins with a tour of campus for families , along with weekly children’s activities, monthly Family Mixers 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.
Spring 2026 Programming Schedule
Tour of UChicago Campus
Tuesday, March 24, 10:30–11:30am. Take a spring walk and get to know UChicago campus with a student guide. All are welcome. We will meet at 10:30am in the UChicagoGRAD Admissions Suite (970 E 58th St, 3rdFloor.) Each family will receive a logo drawstring pack with travelling snacks and activities. Let us know you’re coming at lmacgregor@uchicago.edu
Weekly Enrichment Classes
Stories in the Bookstore: Tuesdays, March 31–June 2, 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.
Crafternoons: Fridays, March 27–June 5, 3:00–4:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD Headquarters (970 E 58th St, 3rd Fl). Crafts, snacks and toys. All are welcome—including pre-crafters and those without children who just love crafts!
Monthly Family Mixers
Saturdays, March 28, April 18, and May 30, 3:00–5:00 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ
Featuring seasonal crafts, snacks and fellowship!
Parent Write-Ins
Saturday, April 24, 2:00–5:00 p.m., and Saturday, May 16, 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. Registrations open 2 weeks prior to event. 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.