A boost in membership, hosting more social events and becoming more of a presence on campus are all goals the BabyCats are trying to meet this year.
BabyCats is a club devoted to student-parents, which provides an outlet for social interaction, resources and support groups for its 100-plus active members, said Heather Gasser, the club adviser.
Launched in May 2003, BabyCats caters mainly to undergraduate parents. A second group, BabyCats Too, was created as a version for graduate students.
One of BabyCats' goals this semester is to work with both the Associated Students of the University of Arizona and the Graduate Professional Student Council to create a family lunch where parents and children alike can meet and interact, said club president Dorana Lopez.
Lopez, an economics and Latin American studies senior, has a 4-year-old son as well as a job in the Woman's Studies Office. She said it is often difficult for student-parents to meet others in a similar situation, but hosting an event would offer them a bigger support network.
In addition to hosting more social events, Lopez said the club is aiming to increase its membership.
"The UA definitely could be more child friendly," Gasser said. "This is a step in the right direction."
Cynthea Carter, a computer engineering senior, said she found out about BabyCats through the Commuter Affairs Office.
"This club saved my life," said Carter, who is a club member.
Before joining the group, both Carter and her husband had a difficult time trying to balance school and raising their 1-year-old daughter. The resources offered by the BabyCats were fundamental to maintain this balance.
The social network through the club has also been helpful, Carter said.
"I've went to the groups and met moms and had all this wonderful companionship and friendship and mentoring," she said.
Carter said the club is also aiming to increase BabyCats' presence on campus via expanded facilities.
One resource available to the BabyCats and any other student-parent is the Kidz Korner, located in the Student Commuter Lounge on the fourth floor of the Student Union Memorial Center.
"I'm hoping that they will expand the Kidz Korner that's in the Commuter Lounge so it easier to have our kids on campus, its easier for us to nurse kids on campus," Carter said.
The Kidz Korner, which opened in January, provides a safe place for parents to let their child play while they study nearby. The area is free of charge and open for anyone to use.
"It's not child care, not a place to drop your kid off, but a safe place," Gasser said.
One group affiliated with the club is the BabyCats Babysitters. The babysitters are enrolled UA students who are available to watch a parent's child on campus, usually when they are in class.
The average price of hiring a BabyCats Babysitter is $5 per hour, according to the club's Web site.
Students interested can sign up for the BabyCats Listserv by sending a blank e-mail to listserv@listserv.arizona.edu with "SUBSCRIBE babycats (YOUR NAME)" in the body of the message.
The group's Web site is http://clubs.asua.arizona.edu/~babycats/.