Parental Accommodation and Financial Support (PAFS)

Students of any gender enrolled in GSAS PhD programs are eligible for the Parental Accommodation and Financial Support (PAFS) program following a childbirth or adoption event, which provides a one-time supplemental stipend and academic adjustments.

How to Participate

At least four months in advance of the anticipated birth or adoption event, students must meet with PAFS Coordinator Lisa Simpson, GSAS assistant director of financial aid and senior admissions officer, to review guidelines, benefits, and student-specific coordination of the program. To set up an appointment, email gsasfamily@fas.harvard.edu.

After meeting with the PAFS coordinator, students must notify advisors and directors of graduate studies so that appropriate arrangements can be made to cover any teaching or research responsibilities.

• Students interested in receiving advice on how to approach these conversations should reach out the Office of Student Services.

PAFS is not a retroactive program. Students must express interest in participating at least four months in advance of the anticipated birth or adoption event.

Funding

Eligible GSAS PhD students receive a one-time supplemental stipend payment. For the 2022–2023 academic year, the award amount is $7,158.

• Please note, as with all other stipends, the PAFS stipend is considered taxable income. For more information, please consult the Taxes section of the GSAS website.

Students funded by government grants or other external sources are subject to the program policies established by their funding agencies. Students with external awards should contact their funding agencies for further information about possible parental accommodations.

Teaching fellows should discuss how time off will affect their teaching appointment and related income with the office or individual who made their appointment.

Academic Adjustments

While participating in PAFS, students may request up to 12 weeks of academic accommodation of their duties. Academic accommodation may vary based on G-year, department, or other attributes. Alternatively, students may also opt to take a leave of absence, as detailed in the GSAS Leave of Absence policy.

• During the accommodation period, students receive relief from academic requirements, such as postponement of exams and course requirements.
• Students are eligible for a departmental G-Year adjustment of one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will time off affect my teaching or research assistant appointment?  
Students should discuss how requested time off will affect their academic appointment and related income with the office or individual who made their appointment.

Is there a form I need to complete?  
Students wishing to participate in the PAFS program do not complete a form but rather meet with Ms. Simpson to ensure that their specific situation is addressed as fully as possible.

May I take time off from my duties during this period?  
You may request up to 12 weeks off from your academic duties. This should be discussed with those who you would have been working with (your advisor, course head, etc.) during the anticipated 12 weeks away. You do not need to take a leave of absence unless you wish (see the GSAS policy on Leaves of Absence for more information).

What will happen if I am receiving external funding such as an NSF grant?  
You should check with your funding agency for more details on their policy.

How will the PAFS period affect departmental deadlines (generals, prospectus, etc.)?  
During the time off period, you will receive academic adjustments, including relief from academic requirements, such as postponement of exams and course requirements. Students who take advantage of the time-off period will also be eligible for a departmental G-Year adjustment of one year.

I'd like to talk with someone about how to navigate my parental and academic responsibilities. Whom should I contact?  
Reaching out to the Office of Student Services is a great place to start. Staff is available to assist with any academic or personal concerns and can connect you to resources and help you strategize and problem-solve.