Celebrate student parents at upcoming September events
This September, the Student Parent Support Center (SPSC) is bringing the University of Utah community together to celebrate student parents, their children and the resources available to families on campus.
The celebrations begin Sept. 11, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with the grand opening of the newest UKids child care facility in the recently completed Sunnyside Apartments.
The facility opened in March 2026 and serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Now that construction of Sunnyside Apartments is complete, SPSC is inviting the campus community to officially celebrate the new space, located at 1955 E. Sunnyside Ave.
The space features thoughtfully designed classrooms, new furnishings and two outdoor playgrounds—one dedicated to infants and another for children ages 3 and older. Break Care is also available for school-age children.
The following week, SPSC will host Student Parent Week, Sept. 14–18, offering the entire U community an opportunity to recognize the experiences of student parents, celebrate students and their families, and learn more about the resources available to them.
“Our student parents are doing something remarkable every day. They are pursuing their own goals while caring for and creating opportunities for their families,” said Virginia DeSpain, director of the Student Parent Support Center. “We want them to know that they belong here, their children belong here, and there is a community at the U that is invested in seeing them succeed.”
Throughout the week, SPSC will host events for student parents, children and the broader U community.
Mon, Sep. 14 | Children’s Art Installation
An art installation stretching from the Marriott Library to the Sutton Earth Sciences
building will showcase artwork created by children at the U. The installation will
also bring awareness to the approximately 450 children who are on campus each day
and highlight the role families play in the university community.
Tues, Sep. 15, 10–11 a.m. | Read with the VP
Join Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald and special guests at the Marriott
Library for a special storytime.
Thurs, Sep. 17, 7–8 p.m. | UKids Open House
Get to know UKids during an open house at its Sunnyside, Guardsman Way and Presidents
Circle locations. Families can tour the facilities, meet center administrators, and
learn more about child care, preschool and summer camp programs. Art activities and
light refreshments will also be available.
Fri, Sep. 18, 3 p.m. | Student Parent Alliance Gathering
Connect with other student parents at the Union Treehouse, across from the Student
Parent Support Center in Union Room 280. An additional gathering at the Cottonwood Community Center from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
will feature board games, free popcorn and giveaways. Bring a favorite game to share
or try one provided at the event.
To learn more about the Student Parent Support Center and the services and resources available to student parents and their families, visit childcare.utah.edu.