Information for Student Parents

Welcome to The University of Iowa.  Our hope is that you have a meaningful and successful academic experience and feel supported in your family responsibilities.

As a parent, you know that your child may be ill at times causing you to miss a class or delay the completion of an assignment.  While staying home to care for your child may be necessary, we want to suggest steps that you can take to minimize the academic impact of missing a class or an academic deadline.  The purpose of the suggestions is not to excuse you from any academic responsibility or supersede guidelines as established by your instructor.  The intent is to help you to inform your instructor that you are juggling academic and family responsibilities, and that you are fully committed to completing the requirements of your classes.

To communicate your commitment to your instructor, consider the following:

1. If you feel comfortable, let your instructor know that you have child and family responsibilities.  We have developed a sample form letter that you can use. It can be found at http://provost.uiowa.edu/students/parents/letter.htm.
   
   If you wish to approach your instructor, but do not feel comfortable in doing so, seek the guidance and support of your academic advisor.
    
2. When your child is ill, contact your instructor as soon as you can, explaining why you are not able to attend the class.  It is preferable that you inform your instructor prior to the class.  Use the method of communication suggested by your instructor, or if none was suggested, use email.
    
3. Plan ahead.  Try to find a back up system of child care.  Ask friends, neighbors or relatives to provide back-up child care.  For a listing of mildly ill child care resources, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/hr/famserv/.
    
4. Prior to missing a class, seek students out in your classes who will be willing to share their notes with you.
    
5. Come to class prepared and do assignments in a timely manner.
    
6. Speak up in class regularly so the instructor knows of your commitment.
    
7. Participate in a study group if you can.
    
8. Keep your instructor informed if you are unable to fulfill an academic responsibility. 
9. Consult with your academic advisor and consider using tutor resources if needed.

The above suggestions are useful when your child has a short-term illness.  If your child has a health condition that results in your being absent from class for more than a day, you may wish to speak to your advisor and/or instructor about the best way to handle the absences.