Parental Benefits & Resources
CU Boulder supports graduate students as they balance their academic responsibilities with pregnancy, childbirth, adoption and parenting. The university offers academic adjustments and, for eligible graduate student employees, paid parental leave to help students continue making progress toward their degrees while managing new family responsibilities.
Planning for Parenthood During Graduate School
If you're expecting a child, planning an adoption or preparing for new caregiving responsibilities, exploring your options early can help you navigate academic requirements, leave benefits and family support resources.
Start by reviewing the university's pregnancy and parenting-related policies, discussing academic planning with your advisor or graduate program, and contacting the appropriate university offices about leave eligibility and available benefits.
For additional guidance, contact the Graduate School for help understanding academic policies and connecting with campus resources.Pregnancy, Parenting & Academic Adjustments
Pregnancy, Parenting & Academic Adjustments
Academic Adjustments for Graduate Student Parents
Under CU Boulder's Graduate Student Pregnancy & Parenting-Related Policy, eligible graduate students may receive up to six weeks of academic adjustments following the birth or adoption of a child.
These adjustments allow students to remain enrolled while temporarily modifying academic expectations, including assignment deadlines, examinations and other degree requirements. They are available to eligible graduate students regardless of university employment status.
Students should work with their academic advisor, department and instructors to develop an academic plan that accommodates their circumstances while supporting continued degree progress.
Review the Graduate Student Pregnancy & Parenting-Related Policy
Paid Parental Leave & Family Medical Leave
Paid Parental Leave for Graduate Students on Appointment
Graduate students holding qualifying university appointments may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child through CU Boulder's Graduate Student Paid Parental Leave policy and Colorado's Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.
Eligible students receive:
- First six weeks: Continued payment of their full stipend, subject to policy limits.
- Up to six additional weeks: Partial wage replacement through FAMLI for eligible students.
- Continued benefits: Retention of associated tuition support and applicable benefits during the approved leave period, as provided by university policy.
Eligibility generally requires a qualifying appointment of at least 25% during the semester of the birth or adoption, full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.
Students should review the policy and coordinate with their department and the appropriate university leave benefits office to plan their leave and complete required procedures.
Review Paid Parental Leave Eligibility and Procedures
Additional Family & Medical Leave Benefits
Depending on their employment circumstances, graduate student employees may also qualify for leave under Colorado's FAMLI program or the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
These programs may provide leave for childbirth, adoption, personal medical needs or certain family caregiving responsibilities. Eligibility, compensation and available leave vary by program.
Explore Family and Medical Leave Benefits
Childcare & Family Support
CU Boulder offers several resources to help graduate students and their families access childcare, manage unexpected caregiving needs and balance academic and family responsibilities.
CU Boulder Children's Center
The CU Boulder Children's Center provides early childhood education and childcare for eligible university-affiliated families. Enrollment is subject to availability, and families are encouraged to explore options early.
Explore the CU Boulder Children's Center
Bright Horizons Family Support Services
Graduate students with active university appointments are eligible for family support services through CU Boulder's partnership with Bright Horizons.
Benefits include access to childcare resources, preferred enrollment at participating childcare centers, discounts at select providers and a complimentary Sittercity membership to help families find babysitters and other caregivers.
Explore Bright Horizons Family Support Services
Back-Up Child, Adult & Elder Care
When regular caregiving arrangements are unavailable, eligible graduate student employees can access back-up care through Bright Horizons.
Services include center-based childcare and in-home care for children, adults and elderly family members. Eligible employees receive up to 10 back-up care uses per calendar year, subject to availability and applicable copayments.
Back-up care may be particularly helpful when a childcare center closes, a regular caregiver is unavailable or a family member needs temporary assistance.
Learn About Back-Up Care and Reservations
Additional Resources for Graduate Student Parents
Lactation Spaces
CU Boulder provides designated lactation spaces across campus for students, faculty and staff who are breastfeeding or expressing milk.
Graduate & Family Housing
CU Boulder offers university-operated Graduate & Family Housing, along with resources to help students explore housing options in Boulder and surrounding communities.
Explore Graduate Student Housing
Employee Benefits & Discounts
Graduate students who hold university employment appointments may qualify for additional discounts and family support services through CU Boulder employee benefit programs.
Explore Employee Benefits and Discounts