The Graduate Studies Office child accommodation policy is designed to assist a graduate student, who is the primary child-care provider, immediately following the birth or adoption of a child. The policy does not intend to replace communication between the student and his or her advisors, but rather serves to establish a uniform and supportive guideline for graduate students.
Under the child accommodation policy, a full-time stipend-supported graduate student is eligible for up to twelve weeks of accommodation from his or her graduate program. Under most circumstances, the Graduate Studies Office 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 Graduate Studies Office will provide up to twelve weeks of support. In the event that both parents are full-time graduate students, the benefit by this policy can be shared between the parents as they choose, but the total amount of accommodation provided will not exceed twelve weeks.
During this period of accommodation, the graduate student 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 Graduate Studies Office encourages the graduate student to discuss his or her plans for accommodation with the Graduate Studies Office and his or her advisors as soon as possible in order to allow adequate planning.
For graduate students who are not full-time, and stipend supported, they may request a child accommodation period, without tuition or stipend support, through their programs.
