From Struggling to Thriving: Fostering Opportunities for Student Parents in Illinois

UIC to Host Symposium Addressing the Needs of Student Parents

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) will host a significant symposium aimed at examining the unique challenges faced by students who are parents. Organized by the UIC Women’s Leadership and Resource Center in partnership with various campus organizations, this event will provide a platform to elevate the voices of student parents, share insightful research, and explore effective strategies for supporting this demographic.

As the number of student parents continues to rise across U.S. universities, it is increasingly important to understand their specific needs and the obstacles they encounter in academic settings. This symposium will not only highlight personal narratives from students navigating the dual role of scholar and caregiver but also present current research findings that shed light on the experiences of pregnant and parenting students. The goal is to foster a collaborative environment where individuals can discuss best practices and work towards actionable solutions designed to enhance the academic experience for student parents.

The event is open to all UIC students, staff, and faculty, as well as participants from other institutions throughout Illinois who are parents. Engaging a broad audience is critical, as the insights gathered from diverse experiences can drive meaningful change.

The symposium is co-sponsored by numerous UIC entities, including Little Sparks, Life Scholars, the Center for Excellence in Maternal and Child Health, the Office of Student Success and Belonging, the African American Academic Network, the Office for Access and Equity, the College of Education, the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women, and the Office of Student Affairs. This collective effort underscores the university’s commitment to inclusivity and support for a diverse student body.

Participants can look forward to discussions on potential collaborations that can make campuses more accommodating for parenting students, including flexible accommodations, access to childcare, and mental health resources. The event emphasizes the necessity of creating a supportive network to ensure that students balancing academic responsibilities with parenting have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

For those interested in attending, further details regarding registration, childcare availability, and volunteering opportunities can be found by visiting UIC’s official symposium page at go.uic.edu/SPsymp. The symposium represents a pivotal step toward fostering an inclusive educational landscape that addresses the diverse needs of all students, particularly those who are parents.