Resources for Parents

For Graduate Student Parents and Parents-to-be

Boston University has a wide array of resources for graduate students parents. Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE@BU) has composed an excellent list of these resources you can also consult this PDF. GWISE also runs a campus Mothers’ Group. Full time PhD students have access to paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. This program is called the Childbirth and Adoption Accommodation for full-time PhD Students. Details of PhD policy and instructions. For masters students, there is a similar policy allowing for time off for childbirth and adoption. Masters students will only be paid during this period if they are already paid a stipend. Details of the masters policy.

Funding

Below is our best list of internal and external fellowships and other funding.

  • The GSO offers travel grants for research and conference travel.
  • The BU Office of Fellowships maintains a list of fellowships and other opportunities graduate students may want to consider. They are also responsible for nominating students for fellowships that require a nomination from a university.
  • GWISE maintains a comprehensive list of fellowships available to scientists, many of which are open to people of all genders. This list and other resources can be found here.

If you’re having a problem

Graduate school is hard. It’s normal to need some help once in a while. Below is a list of some of the places you may go if you need help. You should also feel free to contact the GSO directly at gso@bu.edu and we can help you find a resource the matches your needs.

  • The Office of the Ombuds is a safe place to have off-the-record conversations on issues related to life, work, or study at Boston University. Talking to the Ombuds can e a good first step if you have a concern and don’t know where to turn for help.
  • BU Behavioral Medicine offers free short-term counseling to full time students and other resources.
  • BU Office of Disability Services
  • BU Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • BU Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SARP) provides rapid, confidential, compassionate, supportive, and free-of-charge advocacy and assistance to BU students who have experienced a traumatic incident. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, physical assault, interpersonal violence, and other crimes.
  • The Educational Resource Center (ERC) is your academic support system; whether you want to practice your language skills with a native speaker, restructure an essay, or improve your study habits. They offer one-on-one and group academic skills sessions with peers and professionals, as well as offer a variety of workshops to faculty, student organizations, and various campus offices.

Miscellaneous Resources

Anything missing? If you have a suggestion for resources to add to this page please contact the GSO President at gso@bu.edu.