Grad Students with Children
Jump To
Graduate students with children constitute a vibrant part of our learning community at the University of Michigan. Rackham believes in supporting graduate students with children both academically and socially. Because each parent has distinct needs, Rackham has designed a variety of programs and events, from child care information and parenting resources to support groups and social events. Abundant resources exist for parents in the Ann Arbor area; however, finding them can be a daunting task. Rackham Graduate School provides information to help parents quickly transition into life at the University of Michigan and in Ann Arbor.
Policies and Financial Support
Rackham Graduate School Academic Policies
The Rackham Graduate School publishes this guide as a resource for graduate students with questions about academic standing, time to completion of degree, and other U-M policies.
Graduate Student Parental Accommodation Policy
The Graduate Student Parental Accommodation Policy (GSPAP) assists graduate students immediately following the birth or adoption of a young child. The purpose of this policy is to make it possible for a student to maintain registered full-time student status, along with all the benefits of such status, while facilitating the return to full participation in courses, research, and teaching.
Leave of Absence Policy
This policy grants an eligible doctoral student a leave to take care of an urgent family necessity or care for dependents.
Child Care Subsidy Program
The U-M Office of Financial Aid provides information on the Child Care Subsidy Program, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and terms of use.
U-M Child Care Tuition Grant for the U-M Ann Arbor Children’s Centers
This program assists eligible families with young children to meet the cost of child care at the university’s child care centers.
Graduate Student Professional Travel with Children Grant
The Graduate Student Professional Travel with Children Grant is intended to support expenses incurred by Rackham graduate student parents traveling with small children (under the age of 6) while attending conferences, workshops, meetings, or other academic events as part of their scholarly research or in pursuit of professional career readiness both within and outside of academia.
Campus Resources
Student Caregivers Website
U-M students with children have many resources at their fingertips, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rackham, the Work/Life Resource Center, and the CEW+. Resources include assistance in locating child care, subsidy programs, university policies, sources of social support, and information about family friendly activities.
Work/Life Resource Center
The Work/Life Resource Center provides information and resources regarding the healthy balance of work and personal life. Their website provides information on how to find child care, back-up emergency care, and family helpers. They also have extensive resources for expectant parents, and a list of lactation rooms on campus.
Campus Housing
The University of Michigan offers housing for graduate students and students with families. This website provides information on the Northwood Community Apartments and Townhouses, a vibrant community that houses hundreds of families and graduate students on North Campus.
YourChild: Development & Behavior Resources
Sponsored by the University of Michigan Health System, this website provides resources on child development and behavior. There are links to agencies and organizations, support groups, informational reports and tools, and a guide to internet resources.
Lactation Rooms on Campus
This list, provided by the Work/Life Resource Center, indicates the location of lactation rooms on campus.
University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF)
This University of Michigan facility offers a comprehensive range of mental health services for children and families in the community.
University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy (UCLL)
The University Center for the Development of Language and Literacy provides language and literary services to adults and children. Their variety of programs helps families and individuals cope with the challenges of special education, learning disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, ADD, and more.
Healthcare and Pregnancy Information
In addition the facilities below, you can find lists of health providers and clinics on campus and in the community on the Students with Children website and the Physical and Mental Health section of the Rackham website.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care for children.
St. Joseph Mercy Health System
St. Joseph Mercy Health System provides holistic care for the entire family, including Pregnancy, Childbirth and Infant Care and Children, Adolescent and Teen Health.
Child Care Resources
University of Michigan Early Childhood Education and Care
The University of Michigan Early Childhood Education and Care website describes the range of child care choices at the University of Michigan. Parents may search for centers by ages served, by schedule, and by campus location.
Find Child Care
The Work/Life Resource Center’s website lists resources, programs, and statewide databases of child care providers.
Kids Kare at Home
Kids Kare at Home is a back-up child care program for U-M families when your child is mildly ill and cannot be sent to school/child care or your regular child care is not available.
Child Care Network
Child Care Network aims to help families find quality child care education, provide parents with tips on how to choose child care, and assist low-income families with the costs of licensed care.
U-M Family Helpers
The Family Helpers program connects members of the U-M community who want to offer occasional/short-term/part-time services with members of the U-M community in need of assistance. Services may include child care, tutoring, elder care, house sitting, yard work, running errands, pet care, and housekeeping. Access is limited to current U-M students, benefits-eligible retirees, and current faculty and staff members, and individuals offering services must pass a State of Michigan background check before their profiles are posted.
Family Helpers indicate the services offered and their general availability, and U-M faculty, staff, and students can log in to view profiles and contact potential Family Helpers. Faculty, staff, and students may also post a Help Wanted Ad, and Family Helpers are encouraged to check these job opportunities frequently. Rate of pay and other details are negotiated between the client and the Family Helper.
Ann Arbor Resources
Ann Arbor City Guide – Children
The Ann Arbor City Guide’s Children section includes listings about schools, child care, educational resources, activities for children, and youth sports.