Student Parents and Caregivers

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Last Updated: Aug 11, 2025, 11:57 AM

Students who are parents or caregivers have extra responsibilities, and we know that can present challenges, along with some pretty amazing rewards. Non-Traditional Student Services provide resources and support for students with children or dependents. Given the unique nature of each student's individual circumstances, most of our resources are provided one-on-one. Contact nontrad@siu.edu to discuss how we can help meet your needs.

Check out these great spaces for other family-friendly things to do on campus and in the community!

Available Resources and Benefits for Partners and Dependents

  • Family Housing

    Designated housing for students with spouse/domestic partner and/or children

  • Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for an allowance for dependent care expenses through your financial aid package. Contact Financial Aid for eligibility.

  • Morris Library

    Free courtesy card, which includes borrowing privileges and internet access.

    Family-friendly study room and lactation space

  • Rainbow's End Child Development Center

    SIU students pay a discounted tuition rate.

  • Saluki Express (Bus)

    Children 5 and under ride free (must be accompanied by an adult); while adults and children over 6 years old may pay individual fares or purchase a 30/180/365 day pass.

  • Saluki Food Pantry

    Students in need may request food for each family member residing in their household.

  • Student Health Insurance

    Dependents (spouses, domestic partners, children) are eligible through an eligible student.

  • Students Legal Assistance

    Provides legal assistance with issues that may be helpful to students with partners/dependents, such as adoption, divorce (uncontested with no children), and landlord tenant issues.

  • Student Recreation Center

    • Student Plus One - $105 (fall/spring) $66 (summer)
    • With a currently enrolled fee-paying student
    • Plus-one must be at least 18 years of age and of the same family as the Primary
    • Student Child(ren) Membership - $10/card (spring/summer/fall)

Other Campus Resources

Here are some additional resources available to the community.

In addition to resources and support, Non-Traditional Student Services works to provide programming for students and their families and promote other family-friendly events on campus and in the community.

Upcoming Events:

August 18: First day of fall semester
August 13-17: Saluki Startup
August 18-31: Weeks of Welcome
August 30: First home football game and Saluki Sprint
September 1: Labor Day - no classes
September 5: Parents Night Out at the Rec Center
September 27: Worldwide Day of Play
October 3: Parents Night Out at the Rec Center
October 3-5: Saluki Family Weekend
October 10: Fall break - no classes
October 20-24: National Transfer Student Week
October 20-26: Homecoming: Saluki Spooktacular!
October 24: Downtown Candy Walk
November 3-7: National NonTrad Student Week
November 11: Veterans Day - no classes
November 14: Parents Night Out at the Rec Center
November 22-30: Thanksgiving break - no classes
December 8-12: Final Exams
December 13: Commencement

For more family-friendly events in the community, check out these community organizations!

Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois
Carbondale Junior Sports
Carbondale Park District
Carbondale Public Library
SIU Camps
SIU Recreational Sports and Services