Sept. 9, 2019

Wilfrid Laurier University is pleased to announce changes that will enhance access and funding for graduate students who take a parental leave of absence from full-time studies.

Effective Sept. 9, 2019, the enhanced Parental Leave Grant Program will be available to all full-time research master’s and doctoral students who have completed at least one term of study prior to commencing their leave, for a period of up to 12 months (three consecutive terms). Previously, graduate students had to complete a minimum of three terms of study before being eligible for the Parental Leave Supplement.

The supplement amount has been increased to provide 95 per cent of the average funding received prior to the leave, minus tuition, and in combination with other forms of leave support such as EI maternity/parental benefits. The maximum benefit amount has also been increased from $2,500 per term to $4,000 in Term 1 and $3,000 in Term 2 and Term 3.

Students must apply for the grant at least two months prior to their leave. The grant will be paid as an award and will be credited to the student’s academic account at the start of each term.

These enhancements reflect Laurier’s commitment to support graduate students and to strengthen the university’s graduate programming. They also align with the university’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by our endorsement of the Dimensions Charter, which is focused on increasing research excellence, innovation and creativity within the postsecondary sector across all disciplines, through greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

For more information, please visit the Parental Leave Grant section of the Graduate Funding and Awards webpages.