Doctoral Student Family-Friendly Policies
The University recognizes that the birth of a baby can disrupt a student mother’s academic career. Both to ensure accommodation of the mother’s physical needs and to facilitate appropriate planning by all parties, the University is establishing two new policies.
Policy on “Time Off” Childbirth Accommodation for Student Mothers
A student in the Ph.D. program at Penn who anticipates giving birth shortly before or during term, or during the period covered by stipend support, is eligible for a “Time Off” period, typically six to eight weeks, for late stage pregnancy, delivery, and post-natal recuperation. The student mother must notify the graduate group chair and adviser in writing, at an early date, of her plans to initiate a “Time Off” period, so that appropriate arrangements can be made to cover any teaching/research responsibilities.
- Normally the “Time Off” period commences within two weeks of the birth.
- During the “Time Off” period, the student remains enrolled full-time. In order to facilitate a rapid return, she may participate in her program as fully as she deems appropriate. It is recognized that remaining in full-time status will eliminate problems that may arise when a student is deemed part-time or on leave, such as visa status, loan repayment schedules, etc.
- The student is entitled to academic accommodation including relief from academic requirements, such as postponement of exams and course requirements.
- A student receiving stipend support is entitled to continuation of support during the “Time Off” period as follows:
- Students in Biomedical Graduate Studies are entitled to benefits set forth by the BGS Parental Leave Policy.
- Students funded by government grants or other external funding sources are entitled to benefits as determined by the funding agency.
- Other student mothers, on full-time status, receiving stipends from University/school funds are entitled to draw support for eight weeks during the academic year.
Family Leave of Absence Policy
A student in the Ph.D. program at Penn students may take an unpaid Family Leave of Absence for the birth or adoption of a child, for child care, or for care of an immediate family member (spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent) with a serious health condition.
- Students may take a Family Leave of Absence for one or two semesters. The student is expected to notify the graduate group chair and adviser in writing of his/her plans to take a Family Leave at an early date, so that appropriate arrangements can be made to cover any teaching/research responsibilities.
- Family Leave “stops the clock” on the student’s academic requirements, including service requirements, for the duration of the leave.
- During the period of Family Leave, the student may arrange to continue Student Health Insurance, but is responsible for the payment of his or her own premiums. Upon paying a fee, students on approved Family Leave will retain their PENNcard, e-mail accounts, library privileges, and building access.
- Funding commitments from the institution are deferred until the student returns from Family Leave. Students receiving funding from external sources, such as government grants, are subject to the conditions established by the funding source.
- Service requirements (e.g., teaching, research) will be met by the student following return from Family Leave.
- Requests for extension of Family Leave beyond one year, or for repeated Family Leaves, may be made. Approval of extensions, deferral of funding and continued academic accommodation is at the discretion of the Graduate Dean.
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