Students with family responsibilities have a lot on their plate! You lead busy lives with academic challenges and successes while also making time for family and community. Here are some strategies and insights we’ve collected from other students with families.
Plan Ahead
- At the beginning of each session, a course syllabus is provided and so you should know when all your mid-terms are scheduled and assignments are due. Record all the dates on a calendar.
- Get a Peer Mentor! A mentor can share valuable tips and candid advice to help you balance the demands of caring for children with academic commitments in a safe and supportive environment.
- Try to develop a back-up system of childcare to help out when needed. Find out what community resources are available for caregiving (an FCO Family Care Advisor can help you). Speak to friends, neighbours or family to create a support network. Access the Babysitting Bulletin Board. Arrange for childcare for mid-terms and exams ahead of time.
- Book appointments early at your Writing Centre based on when your assignments are due so that you are not relying on the availability of drop-in appointments.
- If you are having difficulties with time management and study skills, visit the Centre for Learning Strategy Support.
- Read the information on re-writes and grade re-checks, extensions, exemptions, petitions and appeals. Pay special attention to important dates such as when you can drop the course with a refund and the last date to drop a course without academic penalty.
Communication with Professors
- Your instructor will usually appreciate if you take the time to introduce yourself and let them know that you have family responsibilities. You may wish to send an email that explains you are serious student but may have family concerns that arise during the term. Here is a sample letter (DOCX) for a student parent to use, which could be adapted for other family situations.
- If you feel uncomfortable about approaching your instructor, you may seek the guidance a Family Care Advisor or an academic advisor. Student Life offers some good advice on Talking to your Professors.
- If you must miss a class because your child is ill or another family member needs your assistance, contact your instructor as soon as you can, explaining why you are not able to attend class. It is best if you can inform your instructor before the class and use the method of communication that your instructor has suggested.
In the Classroom
- This may be self-evident but good student practices include:
- Speaking up in class so that your instructor can see you are keeping up with readings and are committed to the class.
- Do all assignments in a timely manner.
- Early on in your classes, try to identify a student who would be willing to share notes with you if you must miss a class.
- If you are unable to fulfill an academic responsibility, inform your instructor as soon as possible and keep them updated on your progress.
Visit your Registrar’s Office (Undergraduates and students in professional faculties)
- Introduce yourself to your Registrar’s Office and inform an academic advisor that you have family responsibilities. Discuss how this fact may bring unexpected challenges in the course of your studies such as child care issues and financial emergencies. They may be aware of resources that could assist you.
- If you are facing difficulties with keeping up in a course due to your family responsibilities then talk to an academic advisor in your Registrar’s Office sooner rather than later to determine your academic options.
These suggestions are useful in short-term situations. If you are in situation when you need to be absent for a longer time, you may need to speak to your instructor and/or academic advisor in your Registrar’s Office to explore options.
Working with your Graduate Supervisor (Graduate students)
- Visit the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) website for information on working effectively with your graduate supervisor. Also, read the Graduate Supervision Guidelines — Student Edition which will provide guidance when problems arise.
- If you are facing difficulties with keeping up in a course due to your family responsibilities then talk to your course instructor and Associate Chair to determine your academic options.
- The Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision is here to support you if you need support or advice about a supervisory relationships. You can contact CGMS at any time to discuss your concerns, ask for advice, or to help facilitate next steps.
If you are in situation when you need to be absent for a longer time, speak with your graduate faculty supervisor, and refer to your unit’s handbook to understand who else should be notified (this may be your Graduate Associate Chair, Graduate Coordinator, and/or Graduate Administrator).
