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GradParents group shot

The Duke Graduate School provides a number of resources to help graduate students who have children juggle school and family.

Childcare Subsidy

Since 2003, The Graduate School has been offering full-time Ph.D. students subsidies of up to $5,000 per year to help cover the cost of enrolling their child/children at a child-care center or a family child-care home. | More Information

Childbirth and Adoption Accommodations (Parental Leave)

Since 2009, Duke Ph.D. students have been guaranteed a specified amount of time off from full-time graduate studies and duties after the birth or adoption of a child to help them transition to parenthood. | Childbirth and Adoption Accommodation Policy

GradParents Student Group

The GradParents student group is designed to provide additional support, family-friendly events, and networking opportunities for students in The Graduate School who are raising children. The group typically holds one or two off-campus events per semester (such as Disney on Ice or a pumpkin patch) and lunches hosted by The Graduate School.

GradParents Contacts
  • GradParents Group Staff Liaison: Sondra Ponzi, Senior Program Coordinator, Graduate Student Affairs, (919) 681-1551, sondra.ponzi@duke.edu
  • GradParents Group Co-President: Bonnie Helper, Ph.D. Candidate, Nursing, bonnie.helper@duke.edu
  • GradParents Group Co-President: Brian Cole, Ph.D. Student, Electrical & Computer Engineering, brian.cole@duke.edu