Young woman with two young children

Find Balance

Many students balance family obligations with their studies. U of T is committed to fostering a family-friendly learning and working environment, providing family services through the Family Care Office.

Law students with families

Every year, a handful of students will start their legal studies with children at home, or they may even welcome a child while pursuing their degree.

While being and/or becoming a parent while in law school can bring added pressures, we offer a range of accommodations and supports to help you manage these responsibilities and succeed, including:

  • Providing some flexibility in course schedules to accommodate child care requirements;
  • Admitting students into the Half-Time program; and approving requests to switch from the Full-Time to the Half-Time program;
  • Approving leaves of absence;
  • Approving deferral of studies;
  • Approving paper extensions and exam deferrals;
  • Providing assistance contacting professors to request extra notice regarding; assignments;
  • Providing a flexible exam schedule to accommodate nursing times;
  • Providing a private space to nurse/pump;

In addition, U of T’s Family Care Office offers a number of resources and supports to students who are parents, including:

  • Lists of child care centres;
  • Locations of change tables on campus;
  • Special orientation sessions;
  • Workshops  on a range of issues related to pregnancy and parenting.

We’re here to help

Contact the Family Care Office directly at 416-978-0951 or visit them online. 

If you need help navigating available supports, contact Wellness and Student Success Program Manager, Chantelle Brown-Kent: chantelleb.kent@utoronto.ca