Child Accommodation Policy

Policy Statement

Note on affected parties: Full-time, stipend supported graduate students enrolled in Guarini School programs only.

The Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies' child accommodation policy is designed to assist graduate students, who are the primary child-care providers, immediately following the birth or adoption of a child. The policy does not intend to replace communication between the students and their advisors, but rather serves to establish a uniform and supportive guideline for graduate students.

Under the child accommodation policy, full-time stipend-supported graduate students are eligible for up to twelve weeks of accommodation from their graduate program. Under most circumstances, the Guarini School will provide up to six weeks of support, and the student's department will provide up to six weeks of support during this period. If a student is supported by a funding mechanism that is incompatible with this accommodation policy, or if a student's program is unable to provide matching support, the Guarini School will provide up to twelve weeks of support. 

If both parents are full-time, stipend supported graduate students, the benefit can be shared between the parents as they choose, but the total amount of the accommodation will not exceed 24 weeks. They will generally be permitted to take the leave concurrently or separately. Leave is usually approved as one continuous absence. However, leave may be taken intermittently, or on a reduced schedule basis. Intermittent leave can be taken in no less than one day increments. 

During the period of accommodation, graduate students will continue to be enrolled and will receive their full level of stipend support and health benefits. In addition, an automatic one-term extension will be granted to complete their degree. The Guarini School requires graduate students to discuss their plans for accommodation with a Guarini dean and their advisors as far in advance as possible to allow for adequate planning.