Students with Children

A family outside of a campus childcare center

The Office of Child Care and Family Resources is your best place to start to find info about childcare, financial assistance, lactation spaces, parent education, programming, and many more campus and community resources.

Explore family resources

Child care tuition assistance

The Child Care Tuition Assistance Program (CCTAP) helps you cover eligible child care expenses, with application periods open each semester.

Back up child care

KidsKare offers back-up child care at the Little Chicks Learning Academy. This reduced-rate hourly child care is best for unexpected, short-term, or occasional child care needs.

Programming and events

The Office of Child Care and Family Resources offers a mix of family support programs, including free webinars to help graduate students network, build parenting skills, and raise great kids.

Respectful Parenting 101

Research shows that confidence in one’s parenting role leads to being able to handle stressful situations better. So, while you already have plenty going on right now, consider a parenting class as a worthy investment of your time. UW–Madison students receive a discounted rate for Respectful Parenting 101.

One-on-one consultations

Struggling with discipline? Wondering if your child’s behavior is typical for their age? Needing tips for handling big emotions? Sign up for a 30-minute Zoom meeting with Dr. Laura Froyen to discuss evidenced-based parenting strategies, or email laura@laurafroyen.com with your campus ID number and set up a time.

Kid-friendly activities

Madison has a ton of fun activities for children of all ages. This guide helps you find ideas for what to do with your children around town. Sign up for the parent support newsletter to learn about more events.

Helpful Resources

Student rights for pregnancy and parenting

Title IX is a federal law that protects pregnant students or those who have just given birth against discrimination.

Scholarships for nontraditional students

UW–Madison offers scholarships for single parents and returning adult students.

Community resources

Academic Matters

There are a number of family-friendly practices and resources in place for students considering taking a leave of absence for birth or adoption.

Prior to taking a leave of absence:

Many departments, programs, and schools/colleges have local leave policies. Please consult with your program administrator, advisor, and the Graduate School as early as possible in your planning process.

If you have pre-enrolled for a future term, you may drop all courses before the first day of class without academic penalty. Dropping courses prior to the first day of class will ensure a full tuition refund.

If you are withdrawing anytime on or after the first day of classes, an electronic withdrawal request in your MyUW Student Center is required. Also be sure to confirm that you will remain eligible for tuition remission. If you withdraw in the middle of a term, tuition remission may be maintained if you have already met the minimum appointment requirement. Prior to terminating your appointment, consult with your program and review the tuition remission policy.

Policy: Tuition Remission

The Graduate School does not have a formal policy regarding a leave of absence.

Policy: Leaves of Absence

Non-dissertators

Since many programs have formal policies regarding leave, it is critical that you contact your program in advance. Master’s and doctoral degree students who take a leave of absence maintain course credit for up to 10 years.

Policy: Time Limits

Dissertators

In order to encourage timely degree completion, UW–Madison has established time limits. PhD candidates who do not take the final oral exam and deposit within five years of passing the prelim exam may require another prelim exam. The Graduate School requires that all dissertators maintain continuous enrollment. When this is not possible, a degree completion fee is assessed. In exceptional circumstances, a student’s program may appeal these requirements through a written request to the Graduate School.

Policy: Continuous Enrollment

Health insurance options for your family

Graduate assistants, fellows, and trainees enrolled in State Group Health Insurance may add a child to their existing plan with the health insurance application form from UW Benefits Services.

More information about health insurance options is available from the Office of Human Resources Benefits Services.

Graduate students not eligible for State Group Health Insurance may purchase coverage for themselves and dependents through SHIP.

Graduate assistants

Students with graduate assistantships should start by reviewing the Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures section on leave benefits and inquire about additional leave policies that may exist within their department or program.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Project Assistants (PAs) should speak with their department chair/director or unit head. Research Assistants (RAs) should consult with their program, PI, and/or advisor.

Students with Fellowships or Traineeships are advised to contact their funding source, program, and/or advisor.

International students

Prior to taking a leave of absence, please check on your visa status with International Student Services.

Upon returning from a leave of absence:

Please contact your program in advance, to notify them of your intent to return. Resuming your studies is facilitated via the online application.

Students who are not enrolled for one semester or more (excluding summer) will need to reapply for admission. Please reapply at least six weeks in advance.

You are encouraged to consult with the Office of Child Care and Family Resources regarding campus childcare, financial assistance, lactation space on campus, and other parenting resources.

Explore campus housing options. Many students with families enjoy living in Eagle Heights and benefit from on-site Eagle’s Wing Child Care and Education Programs. University Apartments residents have priority when enrolling their children.

Seek support from campus resources and from other students who have children. One way to do this is through the Office of Child Care and Family Resources parent support newsletter, which keeps students updated about parenting info, events, support, and guidance.