The Graduate Student Assembly is starting a pilot program to provide study space for student families. Holly Wang/ Staffwriter
To support graduate student families navigating the balance between academic responsibilities and parenting, Carnegie Mellon University has launched the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Family Space pilot program.
Developed in partnership with Student Affairs, the offices of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, and Human Resources, the space offers a dedicated, family-friendly environment on campus. Graduate students, along with their children aged 12 or under and their partners, can use the facility to manage transitions between classes, engage with other families, or complete work in a safe and welcoming setting.
The idea for the Family Space emerged in the summer of 2023, driven by a growing need among student parents. Peter Roberts Olcay, a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering and one of the Parent and Family Advocates involved in the project, explained the origins of the initiative.
“There was simply no indoor space on campus where we could bring our kids and have them play safely while we try to get some work done,” Olcay said. While the university’s outdoor areas sufficed during warm months, the lack of a year-round, family-friendly indoor facility became a pressing concern as the academic year continued.
The Family Space addresses this need comprehensively. The space is located at 5140 Margaret Morrison St, and it is equipped with play equipment, a private bathroom, and swipe card access, ensuring a secure and accessible experience.
The facility is also furnished with child-safe fixtures, including age-appropriate books, toys, and kids’ tables and chairs. It’s designed as a space where children can be active and playful without disturbing other students, while their parents catch up on work or meet other academic obligations.
The new Family Space has children’s books, toys, and kids’ tables. Having the space has positively impacted students’ sense of community. Holly Wang/ Staffwriter
However, as Olcay emphasized, there are clear guidelines: Children must always be accompanied by an adult, meaning that the space does not serve as a childcare drop-off center. Instead, the space offers a flexible environment that allows student parents to manage their day more effectively.
One of the main challenges student parents faced before this space was finding a way to integrate academic responsibilities with the needs of their children. Olcay shared that in the past, parents had to bring their children into classrooms or offices, where they would attempt to keep them quiet and still, which was not always feasible.
Olcay noted that faculty have been supportive, often accommodating parents with remote options or allowing children in class if needed. Nonetheless, having a designated space specifically designed for families alleviates some of the stress and logistical hurdles parents face daily.
Securing this space was no easy feat. According to Olcay, it required significant advocacy and initiative from Carnegie Mellon student families themselves.
“If you want things to happen, you have to do it yourself,” he explained. Along with other parent advocates, Olcay and his colleagues actively scouted for potential locations on campus, even touring lesser-known and underutilized spaces, like forgotten classrooms in building basements.
The turning point came when a former advocate presented the need for a family space during a President’s Dinner with student leaders. According to Olcay, this was a pivotal moment, and made senior leadership aware of the importance of family spaces, ultimately leading to increased administrative support.
Despite widespread backing from university officials, the competition for space at was a persistent challenge. As Olcay noted, “Everyone at the university needs space for something, and it’s a constant competition.”
The Family Space ultimately took over an area that had previously served as a storage space filled with miscellaneous items left behind by students. Through collaboration with facilities management and administrative departments, the space was cleared, renovated, and equipped with furniture and toys suitable for children, turning it into a welcoming environment for student families.
Beyond the physical amenities, the Family Space has had a profound impact on the sense of community among graduate student families. Olcay described how social connections among parents have blossomed since the space opened.
“When you have kids, your social interactions often revolve around other parents,” he said. The Family Space naturally facilitates these interactions, as parents bring their children and end up bonding over shared experiences. This has been a crucial aspect of the initiative, especially since many student parents previously felt isolated.
Over the past year and a half, the Parent and Family Advocates have also organized weekly playgroup meetups, further strengthening the community among graduate student families. These gatherings typically bring together five to six families each week, creating a consistent and essential support network for parents who share similar challenges.
The impact of these meetups has been significant, with many parents expressing their appreciation for a safe and welcoming environment where their children can play freely and where they, in turn, can connect with other parents. Children have grown fond of the space, often asking to return, a clear testament to the success and importance of the facility.
Olcay mentioned that to better understand the use of the Family Space, the organizers are planning to implement a QR code system. This system will allow families to easily log their visits, providing valuable data on attendance and engagement. These metrics, along with user feedback, will be critical as the university evaluates the pilot program.
By collecting detailed usage information, advocates hope to demonstrate the space’s positive impact and secure its continuation. This push for effective data collection highlights the ongoing effort to ensure the space meets the evolving needs of graduate student families.
The impact of the Family Space goes beyond convenience. It represents a shift in Carnegie Mellon’s approach to improving inclusivity, recognizing that graduate students often come with families and that these families are part of the university community.
Olcay emphasized that their mission as Parent and Family Advocates is to ensure families feel integrated into the campus culture, rather than sidelined.
“Our goal is to build a welcoming environment for student families and make sure they know they’re not alone,” he explained. While economic or healthcare support isn’t within their scope, creating a strong, connected community has been a priority.
Looking ahead, Olcay and the other advocates hope the Family Space will remain a permanent fixture on campus and even grow.
“I really hope that in the future, this space becomes too small, and we have to move to a bigger facility,” he said. The GSA Family Space has already become a cherished resource, providing a haven where children can be children, and parents can find support and understanding.
As the university evaluates the program over the coming year, the hope is that this initiative will continue to flourish and serve as a model for how universities can support student families effectively.