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.
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 & Community
Tuesday, September 16, 2pm – 3pm
Location: Virtual
Register HERE
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.
Colorful Connections: Family Art Class
Tuesday, September 16, 6pm – 7pm
Location: Virtual
Email nikita.cuvilje@rutgers.edu to register
Celebrate 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 public
Student 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 HERE
New 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 HERE
Join 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 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. Contact Info: education@zimmerli.rutgers.edu
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 September 3, 2025.
