UChicago’s Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center (FRC) is a welcoming play and community space where University families can access resources, information, supportive services, and enrichment programming. Membership is free.  Any university affiliated family is welcome: Students, post-docs, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The multi-age FRC playroom and playground is located in the Woodlawn Social Services Center at 950 East 61st St, and we just re-opened this fall.  Our current hours are Mon-Fri from 10-4. In pre-pandemic times, we offered children’s classes, family parties and student-parent write-ins: a free babysitting service for student parents. In lieu of classes, for Fall Quarter we have offered a daily themed activity in our art room with stories, crafts and related games. We have a great big playground. Come visit and play!

For more information, visit us online. Or better yet, drop by and see us in person!

Making the Most of One-on-One Conversations with your Faculty Advisor or Mentor

UChicagoGRAD’s Sounding Board offers private sessions for graduate students and postdocs to discuss optimizing their work/life balance and satisfaction, connecting with university resources, and problem-solving while navigating academic and professional careers. Make a Sounding Board appointment here. 

 

5 Tips for Making the Most of One-on-One Conversations with your Faculty Advisor or Mentor

  1. Organize your approach: focus the conversation on what you want to address and keep track of your questions and concerns by writing a list in advance
  2. Seek guidance: your advisor is there to provide advice, even on tough topics
  3. Invite a dialogue: sharing your ideas or needs is as important as hearing feedback and guidance
  4. Be authentic: Your honesty and clarity are essential to moving the conversation forward
  5. Engage respectfully: your success benefits everyone—remembering that is an important foundation for a productive exchange