Every September, the Office of Graduate Student Life celebrates our Graduate Parenting Students for National Student Parent Month. This month of programming is dedicated to recognizing the importance of empowering student parents as they balance the demands of academics and family life; raise awareness about the unique challenges they face; and provide opportunities to learn about resources and connect with other graduate student parents.
In celebration of our exceptional parenting graduate students here at Rutgers, The Office of Graduate Student Life is featuring the academic accomplishment and parenting journey of Angel, Rimshah, and Veronica, three incredible members of our graduate student parent community!
Meet "R" Grad Student Parents
Neda Mozaffari 
Neda is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in French due to her curiosity about other cultures and in learning from different ways of seeing and experiencing the world. She grew up in a family where literature was always an important part of everyday life. Her grandfather was a poet; her father was a literature teacher; and several other members of her family also taught literature. What she finds especially meaningful about literature is its ability to imagine other ways of living, thinking, and relating to the world around us, which also happens to be central to her dissertation on representations of the environment in literature.
Neda's research focuses on environmental questions in contemporary Francophone theatre, particularly works from Francophone Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. She is interested in how these plays represent issues such as resource extraction, displacement, historical inequalities, and changing relationships between humans and the natural world. She also looks at what theatre can do in a particularly powerful way through performance, space, the body, sound, and the presence of performers and audiences, to make environmental and historical questions feel immediate. More broadly, her work explores how theatre can help us rethink other ways of understanding land, nature, and human relationships with the environment, and imagine different possibilities for living together.
Neda also has a two-year-old daughter. She mentions that, for both her and her husband, "One of the biggest challenges we love to deal with has been finding the right balance between giving our daughter the structure she needs and allowing her the freedom to explore the world in her own way. We want her to learn certain boundaries and routines, while at the same time protecting her natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to discover things for herself. Finding that balance is not always easy, but it is also one of the parts of parenting that I value most, because it continually teaches us to be more patient, flexible, and attentive."
However, balancing parenting and graduate school have definitely changed the way Neda manages her day, because she has less uninterrupted time for studying and research. "What I have learned, though, is how to make much better use of the time I do have. Before becoming a parent, I might have spent six or seven hours a day working on something; now, I may have only three hours, but I try to make those three hours as focused and productive as possible." Parenting while Ph.D.ing has taught Neda to give her full attention and energy to her work during that limited time as a way to still maintain the quality of work she does.
Neda lists Rutgers Family Housing as a top resource. She has been connected to a community of graduate students and families who are often going through experiences and challenges like hers. Many of her neighbors have become close friends, and their children play together. The community is able to share concerns, advice, and support with one another, which has been very comforting. Neda values having a safe environment where her family can spend time outside, even in the evening after a busy day.
Neda hopes that as her daughter watches her pursue her education, she learns perseverance. "I hope that by watching me, she learns that even when things become difficult, it is important not to lose hope and to keep moving forward. Life is not always filled with easy or enjoyable moments; there are also times that are challenging. We have to learn how to face problems and find our way through them. One thing I have tried to do throughout my own journey is to keep going, even if sometimes I am moving more slowly because of challenges I face. Taking small but consistent steps has helped me stay hopeful and continue moving toward my goals. I would really love for my daughter to see that in me."
Her advice for her fellow grad student parents? "The first thing I would say to other student parents, or to anyone considering graduate school while raising a child, is not to underestimate what you are capable of. Throughout this journey, I have found myself handling situations that I never imagined I could manage. I think sometimes we discover our own abilities only when circumstances ask more of us. At the same time, if I could give one piece of advice, it would be to try, as much as possible, to enjoy the time you have with your children along the way. Graduate school can become very demanding, and there may be periods when work requires most of your time and attention. During the months when I was preparing for my qualifying exam, for example, I spent much less time with my daughter, and afterward I was surprised by how much she had grown and how many new things she had learned. Children grow so quickly, and those moments do not come back. Finding a balance between being a parent and pursuing your academic and professional goals is never easy, but I think it is important to find a fair balance between them and to be present for those small moments whenever you can. I should also add that I have also been very fortunate to have my husband’s support during the times when I could not be as present as I wanted to be. He has always made sure that our daughter receives the time, attention, and care she needs, and I feel incredibly grateful for that."
Angel Medrano 
Angel is a parenting graduate student who is currently enrolled in the Ed.D. track of the Education, Culture, and Society program at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. He was drawn to that specific program because of his commitment to educational equity, institutional access, and an understanding of how systemic structures directly shape students' opportunities. His research centers on disability access, comparative educational systems, and addressing systemic barriers in policy and practice when it comes to students with ASD, and he was driven to pursue graduate school by a desire to keep growing to better show up for his students. Fortunately, Rutgers’ tuition-remission benefit for staff members allowed that dream to be realistic. For a student parent balancing work, family, and finances, that financial support removed a massive barrier and made continuing his education truly affordable.
A dad to 5-year-old Gigi, Angel knows the delicate balance it takes to attend grad school while parenting a small child. He explains that "juggling doctoral coursework, full-time professional responsibilities in higher education, and family life requires strict time boundaries and intentional presence. Having the support from my family and coworkers has been really helpful. My family has made sure to give me the time that I need to study and finish my work. Also, having co-workers who support my work and also give me the time I need is really important."
Angel credits Supporting Parents & Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) and the Office of Graduate Student Life for giving him information about resources that he didn't know about and for providing opportunities for his daughter to participate in various events, which have made her feel like she is part of Rutgers. He adds, "Everyone who knows me also knows about my daughter, because I make sure that she is included. I love watching her grow up and making sure I am always there for her." If Gigi gets anything from his journey, he would like her to take away that learning is lifelong, that persistence through demanding goals is worth the effort, and that you are never too late to start something if you want to do it. He also hopes Gigi will read this as a future Scarlet Knight and bring to a Rutgers Football game!
Rimshah Jawad
Rimshah is completing a Master of Public Informatics at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Public Policy. Rimshah's work focuses on the intersection of AI, data, and public good. She recently presented her paper “MOMCare with AI: A Dual Embedding-based RAG-LLM Chatbot for Postpartum Depression” at a conference, and she has another paper, “Unlocking Business Value with Generative AI! Economic Value Assessment for Chatbots and Gen AI ROI Discovery,” scheduled to be presented this fall. Across all her projects, Rimshah's goal is to use technology and data-driven solutions in ways that are practical, equitable, and meaningful for communities and families.
Rimshah is a mom to an 11-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. Her children serve as a constant reminder for why she is in graduate school. Rimshah explains "their curiosity, honesty, and resilience keep me grounded. The best part is seeing the world through their eyes; it makes me want to build a future where opportunities are more accessible for all kids, not just my own."
While teaching computer science to high school students, Rimshah often found herself talking about AI and machine learning with her students as these topics became part of their curriculum. She realized that if she wanted to guide them well, she also needed to upskill. That realization, combined with her own desire for a second chance to grow, pushed her toward graduate school. At Rutgers, Rimshah has found a place where she can expand those skills and connect them to real-world impact in the public sector.
Balancing school and parenting is not easy. Rimshah explains that in the beginning, even simple things, like doing grocery runs at Walmart, felt like challenges because everything was so different from what she was used to. The early months of graduate school were tough, but over time she has settled in, found a supportive community, and built friendships that have made such a difference. While there are still nights when she is writing a paper after bedtime routines and mornings when she is squeezing in assignments before school drop-off, Rimshah has discovered that she is stronger and more capable than she ever thought, stating that "each milestone, whether academic or personal, feels more meaningful because of the juggling act behind it." She explains "Motherhood has reshaped me — not just as a student or researcher, but as a human being. It’s taught me patience on the hardest days, empathy when I try to understand experiences different from mine, and practicality in how I approach challenges. Whenever I dive into a project, I find myself asking: how would this affect families like mine, with kids like mine? That perspective keeps me grounded, and it gives my work not only purpose but also heart."
Rimshah notes that the student services staff at Bloustein— Dean Weston, Courtney, Greg, and Andrea— have been an incredible source of support. "From the very beginning, they welcomed me and guided me whenever I felt unsure. My advisor,Professor Clint, who invited me to his family picnic when he first met me with my kids, which meant so much. And my program director, Professor Jim Samuel, has always encouraged and appreciated me in ways that keep me motivated." Rimshah has also found support through the Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) Graduate Student Organization. She also notes that Assistant Dean Ghada in the Office of Graduate Student Life has been a great source of help, no matter the situation. On top of that, I’ve been lucky to build a wonderful community of friends here, who’ve become some of my strongest support.
Rimshah explains that the challenges she has faced have taught her resilience and the importance of asking for help. She would tell any student parent considering graduate school that while the path is tough, it’s also deeply rewarding. Explaining that "Your children will see your perseverance, and that example is worth every late night and hard moment."
Rimshah hopes that by watching her pursue graduate education, her children will see that it’s never too late to begin again. She wants them to remember that their mom kept going despite the obstacles, and that they, too, can carve out their own opportunities with persistence and courage.
Veronica Armour
Veronica is a PhD student in Library and Information Science in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the School of Communication and Information. She has her MA in Education and after being an instructional designer for many years Veronica found that her interest in learning experience design really fit with human information behavior in information science. Veronia is interested in how students' behaviors around seeking, using, and sharing information, as they develop into young professionals, shape and are shaped by their experiences.
Veronica is a proud mother of 9-and-a-half-year-old twins. She has really enjoyed getting to watch each of her twins develop their own unique personality as they grow. In addition to being a parent and doing her PhD, Veronica also works full time at Rutgers. Having multiple responsibilities has required her to readjust her thinking about what balance means. Veronica explains "I can't organize my day so that I spend equal time on my research, work, and kids. Balance means that I make sure time is spent on all three each day, even if most of my time is spent on area and only little in the other two." She notes that having set regular activities helps, like having a weekly writing group and she works hard to never miss a bedtime.
According to Veronica, her biggest supporter is her husband. When the COVID-19 Lockdown derailed Veronica's PhD application, her husband's encouragement helped her to persist. Veronica also notes that she is able to find a semblance of balance because her husband takes on the lion's share of the housework.
Veronica has found support accross campus. She explains that the faculty at SCI have been wonderful, Matt Weber, Kaitlin Costello, Charles Senteio, Jessica Cheng, and Denise Agosto in particular have kept her grounded and moving along. Veronica's writing group partner, Rachel A., has played a key role in keeping her accountable in her writing habits. Her co-workers in the Alexander Library Undergraduate Education unit have also been a strong source of support, cheering her on everyday. Veronica is especially grateful for her friend Meghan I., explaining "she has been a great work friend and is always there when I need to get out and walk, or need a brain break, or is quick to lend me her academic hood so my daughter can use it for a skit at camp!"
Veronica also notes the Office of Graduate Student Life has helped her to feel seen, explaining "Doing things like this to recognize student parents is really meaningful to me. I do not get to participate in a lot of on-campus activities during the day because I'm working and in the evening my kids need me. But I feel seen because of this office."
For more information about resources for graduate students with children, please visit the pregnant and parenting graduate student resource webpage or contact gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu.
- National Student Parent Month 2026: Celebrating "R" Grad Student Parents
Below are programs and events for parenting graduate students and their families that will run during September 2026 for National Student Parent Month. This initiative is coordinated by the Office of Graduate Student Life in collaboration with Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) Graduate Student Organization, Office of Title IX, Basic Needs, and CAPS.
Diaper Drive
Monday, August 17 – Thursday, September 10
In support of parenting students with infants and toddlers, the Office of Graduate Student Life and Basic Needs will co-host a diaper drive. The drive runs Monday, August 17 through Thursday, September 10. We are collecting all sizes, with a higher need for sizes 3, 4, and 5. Diapers can be dropped off at the Basic Needs Center (open 9:00am-5:00pm) or at one of the Farmer's Markets. The Farmer's Market will be held on Morrell Street, next to the College Ave. Student Center, every Thursday from 11:00am-4:00pm.Thank a Parenting Grad E-Cards
Tuesday, September 1 – Wednesday, September 30
For the month of September, acknowledge a graduate student parent superhero by submitting an empowering message of support and recognition of their hard work and commitment juggling the demands of graduate school and family life. Notes will be sent to student from the Office of Graduate Student Life.Meet "R" Grad Student Parents
Monday, September 1 – Tuesday, September 30
During National Student Parent Month, the Office of Graduate Student Life will feature graduate student parents from the different graduate and professional schools, spotlighting their academic work and parenting journey at RU-NB.How to Thrive as a Pregnant or Parenting Grad Student:
Navigating Protections, Resources & CommunityWednesday, September 9, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Virtual
Are you a student who is currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or raising children? Join us for this informational session on understanding how Title IX protects you from discrimination. The Office of Graduate Student Life, CAPS, and Basic Needs will also go over available resources and groups to get connected with to build community. Hosted by Title IX, Office of Graduate Student Life, CAPS, and Basic Needs.Graduate Student Families Welcome Social
Sunday, September 13, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Graduate Student Lounge (Behind Panera Bread, 126 College Ave., College Ave. Campus)
New and returning graduate student families are invited to a special welcome event to meet other grad families and enjoy an afternoon of food and fun! Free to attend. Email gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu to RSVP.Ultimo Domingo Celebration at the Zimmerli Museum
Sunday, September 27, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Zimmerli Museum (71 Hamilton St., College Ave. Campus)
No registration required, FREE and open to the public!
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series celebrating Latinx culture and invites bilingual communities to come together through the experience of art. Explore our stunning exhibitions, create art, and enjoy interactive performances. This free event is open to all ages and communities. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to honor and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Latinx community. Complimentary light refreshments offered. Please visit the event website for more information!
- National Student Parent Month 2025: Celebrating "R" Grad Student Parents
Below are programs and events for parenting graduate students and their families that will run during September 2025 for National Student Parent Month. This initiative is coordinated by the Office of Graduate Student Life in collaboration with Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) Graduate Student Organization, Office of Title IX, Basic Needs, and CAPS.
Diaper Drive
Tuesday, August 19 – Thursday, September 11
In support of parenting students with infants and toddlers, the Office of Graduate Student Life and Basic Needs will co-host a diaper drive. The drive runs Tuesday, August 19 through Thursday, September 11. We are collecting all sizes, with a higher need for sizes 3, 4, and 5. Diapers can be dropped off at the Basic Needs Center (open 9am-5pm, until 7pm starting 9/2/25) or at one of the Farmer's Markets. On September 4, the Farmer's Market will be held on Morrell Street, next to the College Ave. Student Center, from 11am-4pm. On September 11, the Farmer's Market will occur in the International Lounge in the Busch Student Center, from 11am-4pm.
Thank a Parenting Grad
Monday, September 1 – Tuesday, September 30
For the month of September, acknowledge a graduate student parent superhero by submitting an empowering message of support and recognition of their hard work and commitment juggling the demands of graduate school and family life. Notes will be sent to student from the Office of Graduate Student Life. Submit HERE by September 30.
Meet "R" Grad Student Parents
Monday, September 1 – Tuesday, September 30
During National Student Parent Month, the Office of Graduate Student Life will feature graduate student parents from the different graduate and professional schools, spotlighting their academic work and parenting journey at RU-NB.
How to Thrive as a Pregnant or Parenting Grad Student:
Navigating Protections, Resources & CommunityTuesday, September 16, 2pm – 3pm
Location: Virtual
Register HEREAre you a student who is currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or raising children? Join us for this informational session on understanding how Title IX protects you from discrimination. The Office of Graduate Student Life, CAPS, and Basic Needs will also go over available resources and groups to get connected with to build community. Hosted by Title IX, Office of Graduate Student Life, CAPS, and Basic Needs.
Colorful Connections: Family Art Class
Tuesday, September 16, 6pm – 7pm
Location: Virtual
Email nikita.cuvilje@rutgers.edu to registerCelebrate National Student Parent Month with a joyful and creative virtual gathering for student parents and their children! Join Health Outreach, Promotion & Education on Zoom for a guided drawing session where families will follow along with a fun video to create their own version of a Funny Pumpkin Pie, a silly and seasonal character that's sure to spark smiles. This event is all about connection, creativity, and community. No art experience needed. Just bring your imagination and your little ones! Materials provided upon request (email to arrange pick up).
Yoga in the Galleries
Wednesday, September 17, 10am – 11am
Location: Zimmerli Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, College Ave. Campus
No registration required, FREE and open to the publicStudent parents can reset their week with a relaxing, all-levels yoga session in a unique setting surrounded by art.
If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please call Nicole Simpson, Access Coordinator, at 848-932-6178 or email nsimpson@zimmerli.rutgers.edu in advance of your participation.
Rutgers Graduate Families Welcome Social
Saturday, September 20, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Graduate Student Lounge, 126 College Ave. (Behind Panera Bread), New Brunswick, College Ave. Campus
Register HERENew and returning graduate student families are invited to a special welcome event hosted by the Office of Graduate Student Life and the Student Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) Graduate Student Organization. This is a great opportunity to meet other grad families and enjoy an afternoon of food and fun!
Activities include:
- Pizza and Popsicles
- Fun games and crafts for children sponsored by Scarlet Arts Rx
- Socializing and info-sharing for parents
Supporting Parents & Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR): Virtual Lunch
Monday, September 22, 12pm - 1pm
Location: Virtual
RSVP HEREJoin SPCR for their first official meeting via Zoom. Get to know about the organization, meet other parenting/caregiving peers, and discuss available resources for students in and around campus. Attendees will receive a $15 reimbursement for lunch.
Ultimo Domingo Celebration at the Zimmerli Museum
Sunday, September 28, 1pm – 3pm
Location: Zimmerli Museum, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, College Ave. Campus
No registration required, FREE and open to the publicÚltimo Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series celebrating Latinx culture and invites bilingual communities to come together through the experience of art. Explore our stunning exhibitions, create art, and enjoy interactive performances.
This free event is open to all ages and communities. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to honor and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Latinx community. Complimentary light refreshments offered. Contact Info: education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu
- 2024 National Student Parent Month Programs
We will be celebrating our Graduate Student Parents throughout the month of September. This month is dedicated to recognizing the importance of empowering student parents as they balance the demands of academics and family life, raise awareness about their unique challenges, provide opportunities to learn about resources and get connected to fellow grad parents. The programs below were planned in collaboration with Supporting Parents and Caregivers (SPCR) at Rutgers Graduate Student Organization, Office of Title IX and Office of Graduate Student Life.
Appreciate a Grad Student Parent
For the month of September acknowledge a graduate student parent superhero by submitting an empowering message of support and recognition of their hard work and commitment juggling the demands of graduate school and family life. Notes will be sent to students along with an RU Express gift card from the Office of Graduate Student Life.
Supporting Parents & Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR): Back to School Virtual Lunch
Wednesday September 25, 12pm – 1pm
RSVP HERE
Join SPCR for the first social event of the semester! We will host a meeting via Zoom to get to know other graduate student parents and caregivers at Rutgers, as well as discuss available resources for students in and around campus. Feel free to buy lunch for the Zoom meeting- it will be on us (up to $15)!Know Your Rights and Available Resources as a Pregnant or Parenting Graduate Student ~ Information Session
Friday September 27 * 12pm – 1pm (virtual)
Are you a student who is currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are you a lactating mom? Join us for this information session on understanding how Title IX protects you from discrimination, resources from Office of Graduate Student Life, CAPS and Basic Needs and groups to get connected with to build community. We will share resources, how the accommodation process works and the supports that are available. Hosted by Title IX, Office of Graduate Student Life, CAPS and Basic Needs.
Ultimo Domingo Celebration at the Zimmerli Museum
Sunday September 29, 2024, 1pm – 3pm Zimmerli Museum, 71 Hamilton Street
No Registration Required, Free and Open to the Public
Information: https://zimmerli.rutgers.edu/event/ultimo-domingo-last-sunday-2. Join us for September Último Domingo in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month! Enjoy a vibrant day filled with live music, guided tours of the museum, engaging art activities and delicious food. This free event is open to all ages and communities. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to honor and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Latinx community. Contact Info: education@zimmerli.rutgers.eduMilk & Cookies Series at the State Theater ~ Lively Storytelling and Music Series (all ages welcome, recommended for children 3-8)
Saturday October 19, 2024, 10am at the State Theater Studio
Join Amelia Robinson of Mil's Trills as she presents songs from her fourth album, Let It Out, offering musical tools and activities for all ages that help identify, accept, and process emotions in positive and reaffirming ways. Connect with neighbors, family, and friends to restore community, nourish self-love, and build empathy. Milk & Cookies is a lively, interactive storytelling and music series for families. This program, which takes place in a studio and is the perfect way to introduce children ages 3-8 to live theater. Includes a cookie and a carton of milk for every child after the show. Approximately 45 minute performance. Filling out this form is not a guarantee of a ticket, you will receive an email confirming your tickets, if we are able to accommodate. Feel free to contact gradstudentlife@echo.rutgers.edu with any questions!
Policy Brief on Parenting Students and Graduate Education: A Call for Child- and Family-Friendly Infrastructure at Rutgers
The School of Graduate Studies' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Graduate Student Advisory Committee has released a policy brief, entitled, "Parenting Students and Graduate Education: A Call for Child- and Family-Friendly Infrastructure at Rutgers."
The brief summarizes research about parenting graduate students and outlines recommendations Rutgers should take to support this community and grow the University-wide commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The report reflects the culmination of two years of research, relationship-building, and co-writing by graduate student and postdoc members & conveners of the Holistic Student Supports subcommittee of SGS's DEI Graduate Student Advisory Committee. It is also part of a growing campus-wide effort to expand supports for parenting graduate students, thanks to the leadership and advocacy of the Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers (SPCR) Graduate Student Organization, the Office of Graduate Student Life, the Title IX Office, and Dean Mark Robson in the School of Graduate Studies. The co-authors hope that Rutgers administrators, faculty, and staff will engage with the brief to inform creative and sustainable investments and supports for parenting graduate students.
Reminder of two resources available to our pregnant and parenting students.
Title IX Legal Protections
Students experiencing pregnancy or a related condition, including childbirth, false pregnancy, loss, termination, and subsequent recovery are entitled to equal access to education, employment, and university programs and activities. Students experiencing pregnancy or a related condition (including partners, foster, and adoptive parents) are encouraged to reach out to the team at the Title IX office to discuss their rights to reasonable accommodations using THIS form, emailing nbtitleix@rutgers.edu, or by calling 848-932-8200. The Team at the Title IX Office are here to help you. Click HERE to learn more about resources, accommodations, or support available to pregnant and parenting students.
Resource Webpage
The Office of Graduate Student Life, in partnership with the Office of Title IX & Compliance, and Supporting Parents & Caregivers at Rutgers (GSO), created a webpage that serves as a platform for helping pregnant and parenting students locate resources, policies, support services, and community engagement opportunities available at Rutgers University and in the local community. Click HERE to visit the webpage.
This webpage was last updated on August 11, 2026.
