Students with Children

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.

The Graduate School does not have a formal policy regarding a leave of absence. For more information see the Leave of Absence policy.

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.

Dissertators

In order to encourage timely degree completion, time limits have been established. 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.

Learn about 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 found on the UW Benefits Services website.

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 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. Instructions for reapplication are available. 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 Listserv, which keeps students updated about parenting info, events, support, and guidance.