Your spouse/registered domestic partner or dependents qualify for University benefits and services, such as the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP) and access to the athletic facilities, housing, and the library.

Parenting and child care

There are many resources for children and families in Hyde Park and the Chicago area—day-care centers, schools, doctors, recreation, art programs, and more. For things to do as a family, see Annual Hyde Park events.

Family Resource Center
Email: lizannep@uchicago.edu
Web: grad-affairs.uchicago.edu/services/parents.shtml
Address: 5655 South University Avenue, 2nd floor
Phone: 773-281-2104
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The newly opened center seeks to create a welcoming space for families from the University community. It features family friendly programming, weekly classes and parent education workshops, babysitting exchanges, an information kiosk, a lactation room, a changing station, and a playroom. It is managed by the Office of Graduate Affairs. Membership is free.

Child care referral services

The University helps students and employees find child care through Action for Children.

Action for Children
Email: childcare@actforchildren.org
Web: www.actforchildren.org
Address: 8741 South Greenwood Avenue, Suite 300
Phone: 687-4000
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The University has contracted with this private, nonprofit agency, which offers resource and referral services to help you find child-care options.

When your parents visit

If your parents visit during your tenure at the University, they can stay at a hotel, at International House, or in one of the residence halls. Guest rooms with private baths are available at Pierce and the Shoreland. Reservations must be made at the front desks.

Several area hotels offer discounted rates for people on University business (yes, your parents qualify); they are listed on the Web at travelnet.uchicago.edu. Because of the bustling convention business, hotel rooms fill up quickly in Chicago, so it's best to make reservations early.

International House (I-House) offers recently renovated short-stay guest rooms with queen-size beds, TVs, telephones, and ceiling fans. Bathrooms are shared. Conveniently located near public transportation as well as campus, I-House also offers a special opportunity to meet people from across the globe.

For more information about I-House or to make a reservation, call 3-2270, email i-house-housing@listhost.uchicago.edu, or see the Web site at ihouse.uchicago.edu.

Family Weekend (usually held in late October or November) is the best time for College students' families to visit. In addition to a reception at the president's house, families can take model classes and meet with College advisers.

For more information, see the Family Weekend Web site at familyweekend.uchicago.edu.

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