Parental Arrangement and Resources for Parents

The Laney Graduate School (LGS) has a parental arrangement policy for students with parental responsibility due to childbirth, the care of a newborn, or the adoption of a child. This policy aligns with Emory’s policy (8.22) and ensures that LGS students receive arrangements and academic modification while welcoming a new child into their family. Any LGS student in good academic standing is eligible for parental arrangements. Doctoral students receiving stipend support will continue to receive funding throughout the arrangement period. 

Graduate students should develop and discuss plans with their advisors and Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)/Program Director (PD) and consult the LGS Student Affairs Assistant Dean, or the University Title IX coordinator, as needed.    

LGS doctoral students designated as caregivers who have parental responsibility may be allowed parental arrangements and academic modification(s) of graduate responsibilities for up to eight weeks after the birth or adoption of a child. Students may use four of those weeks before the anticipated birth or adoption date. Modifications, including length of time for master's students, are based on a case-by-case basis and worked out between the student, academic program advisor, and the DGS, depending on the student's stage of degree progress, i.e., coursework, teaching, research, and nature of the research environment. For detailed policies, consult the LGS Handbook. 

How to Request a Parental Arrangement:

  • Students should develop anarrangement plan guided by the policies in the LGS Handbook
  • with their advisor, PI funder (if applicable), and DGS/ PD. A plan should include arrangements and academic modifications that are being requested. When you submit a parental arrangement request form, you must attach a PDF of this plan.
  • The parental arrangement request form is in the Laney Connect Hub, in the "Enrollment" section. Log in with your Emory credentials, follow the instructions, and locate and submit the form.
  • When you submit the form, you'll receive a confirmation email, and your program administrator will receive a copy. 
  • LGS will process your request and let you know when it is complete. 

Returning from Parental Arrangement 

This guidance supports students returning to full academic responsibilities following Parental Arrangements. Students who are new parents may require special provisions when returning to the classroom or research responsibilities. Students should ensure that these provisions do not interfere with their ability to return and complete full academic duties. Students should make every effort to minimize absence from academic obligations. Requirements may vary but may include lactation.  

Develop a Plan: 

  • Students should develop a written plan when returning to full academic responsibilities with their advisors and DGS / PD, with consultation from the LGS Student Affairs Assistant Dean if needed. 
  • Students should share their plan with any faculty member instructing a course or supervising research when provisions are needed. 
  • If faculty members or students have any questions about arrangements or implementation, they may reach out to the program DGS or LGS Student Affairs Assistant Dean. 
  • Lactation Policy for Returns 
    • Lactation: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), all students who breastfeed their child are permitted reasonable break time to express milk throughout the day for the time they elect to breastfeed. Therefore, the university will provide lactation rooms and private areas across its campus. These areas will be in a space other than a bathroom. More information on lactation spaces can be found in Policy 4.91 Lactation Support. 

Resources for Parents

LGS provides robust benefits to students, including resources for caregivers: 

  • Emory Childcare Network 
  • Childcare Consultations 
  • Back-Up Care Advantage Program 

EMORY CHILDCARE NETWORK

LGS Students can access the Emory Childcare network, which provides Emory parents with discounts and priority admissions at over 175 licensed childcare centers throughout Metro Atlanta. 

Visit the Emory Child Care Network page for a list of participating childcare centers. 

CHILDCARE CONSULTATIONS

LGS students are eligible for a free consultation with an Emory Work Life specialist who can help new and expectant parents navigate: 

  • Locating childcare 
  • Addressing family caregiving issues for adults in your life 
  • Individual and departmental/ program flexibility consultations 

To schedule a consultation, contact the Benefits and WorkLife Department at 404-727-7613 or email worklife@emory.edu. 

BACK-UP CARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM

In partnership with Bright Horizons and the Emory WorkLife Resource Center, the Laney Graduate School is pleased to offer the Back-Up Care Advantage Program to all Laney Graduate School degree-seeking students. 

Back-Up Care provides affordable, fast, and secure care to help students when breakdowns in routine care arrangements occur that would otherwise cause them to be unable to meet their educational responsibilities. Care is available for any age loved one — infants through elders. Care options include center-based childcare, in-home well and mildly ill childcare, and in-home adult/elder care. The program provides a nationwide network of high-quality, licensed childcare centers and in-home care agencies. 

Emory is subsidizing the cost of this benefit to make back-up care more affordable. The co-pay (cost to you) is $15 per child per day, with a maximum of $25/family/day for center-based childcare and $8/hour for in-home care (child or adult). The benefit provides up to 10 days of Back-Up Care per calendar year and is limited to no more than three consecutive uses. Graduate students also have free access to Sittercity, an online service that can help you manage anticipated care and work-life needs. You can locate and hire nannies and babysitters for evening and weekend care, house cleaners, pet care, test prep and tutoring, and much more. 

Learn more about the Back-Up Care Advantage Program at the links below. If you have more questions, contact Mary Ellen Eady at the Emory WorkLife Resource Center. 

BUCA Flyer
BUCA Registration and Log-in Page

AETNA MATERNITY SUPPORT CENTER

Get comprehensive support at every stage of your maternity journey—including clear benefits guidance, virtual medical and mental‑health visits, expert childbirth and postpartum videos, stage‑specific resources, provider‑selection support and more. Your plan also covers a free breast pump and virtual lactation consultations at no cost. Questions? Call the number on your Aetna ID card.

PEACE AT HOME PARENTING SOLUTIONS

Peace at Home provides research‑based parenting support from pregnancy through young adulthood. Students get access to live online workshops, Lunch & Learn sessions, recorded classes, quick 10‑minute video solutions, downloadable guides, and a moderated parent community. Topics include child development, emotional regulation, mental health, autism, co‑parenting, LGBTQ+ support, and more. All resources are available anytime through the Emory Parenting Solutions Portal. (One‑on‑one sessions are available to faculty and staff only.)

Go to https://peaceathomeparenting.com/login and create an account. Use your Emory email address and create a unique password.

If you have been affected by discrimination, harassment, or retaliation related to pregnancy to make a report by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

If you have any questions about this policy, contact either:
Dr. Jennifer M. Cason
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Laney Graduate School

OR 

Nicole Babcock
Director and University Title IX Coordinator