Family Friendly Policies for Graduate Students
The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) provides accommodation for its graduate students for the birth or adoption of children, as outlined in this policy.
Parental Leave
In recognition of the challenges of balancing the demands of doctoral study and parenting a new child, this policy aims to support PhD student parents and improve the environment for academic success. The PhD Student Policy for Parental Accommodation establishes a defined period of accommodation for full-time PhD students immediately following birth or adoption.
For the complete details of this policy, please visit the PhD Student Parental Accommodation Policy.
Family Health Insurance
All full-time graduate students have access to the University of Rochester Student Health Insurance Plan. Additionally, coverage can be purchased for spouses/partners and children. The University of Rochester plan is comparable to most high quality health insurance plans available in the United States today. For more information about student health insurance, please visit the University Health Service website: www.rochester.edu/uhs
Childcare Options
The Children’s School @ URMC is a Children’s Creative Learning Center located on the University of Rochester campus. The Children's School @ URMC uses an exclusive educational program which provides unlimited opportunities for the development of the whole child. There's a unique curriculum for every age level, centered on developmentally appropriate and fun activities that help children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
The Children’s School @ URMC
55 Castleman Road Rochester, NY 14620 (585) 273-3677
Additionally, the University of Rochester Office of Human Resources Family Care Program can provide a list of recommended day care centers in the area.
Childcare Grants for PhD Students
PhD student-parents can receive a taxable childcare grant based on the dollar amount of grant funds available and their ability to meet eligibility requirements.
Lactation Rooms
University of Rochester Medical Center
Three lactation rooms are available at the University of Rochester Medical Center for graduate students to use to express their milk or breastfeed their child. One room is available on the ground floor in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, room G-7815. This room requires a pass code that may be obtained from Student Services in room G-7644. A second room (the Pumping Place) can be used by calling 275-4058 to obtain swipe access to the room. This room, which is available 24/7, can accommodate four women at the same time. There are lounge chairs, breast pumps, lockers and a refrigerator for women to store their milk if they care to. The room is located near the green elevators, on the first floor, 1-2226. The third lactation room (The Pumping Place II) is available in Helen Wood Hall, room 1W.125. The Pumping Place II operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
River Campus
Three lactation rooms are available on the University of Rochester River Campus for graduate students to use to express their milk or breastfeed their child. One room is on the fourth floor of Dewey Hall, room 4-311. The second room is on the second floor of Wallis Hall, room 255, and is available from 6:30AM to 6PM Monday-Friday. Both the Dewey and Wallis hall rooms operate on a first come, first served basis and are equipped with a chair with integral tablet and a cup holder. The third room is on the third floor of Hutchinson hall, Room 320C, Available 24/7 on a first-come, first-served basis and is equipped with Lounge chair, desk, refrigerator, microwave, sink with drying rack and wi-fi. Call 275-8059 to obtain swipe access to the room for one year (may be renewed)
Family Counseling
The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides individual and couples therapy and yearlong group therapy to members of the University of Rochester community who pay the mandatory student health fee. Support is available for those looking to manage the changes in their lives that occur with the birth or adoption of a child.