Work/Life Balance
UMass Amherst offers a range of programs designed to support faculty and staff in maintaining a balance between home and work responsibilities. The resources below point to some policies and initiatives which may be of assistance.
Reports and Benefits
UMass Work-Life Reports
UMass Work-Life Reports, written by Jennifer Lundquist and Joya Misra, professors of sociology and public policy, offer UMass Amherst-specific research on work-life balance by experts in the field: Parental Leave Usage by Fathers and Mothers at an American University (PDF) and Gender, Work Time, and Care Responsibilities Among Faculty (PDF).
Work-life Information and Benefits for Faculty
Childcare Resource Agencies
State Regional Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies
The state operates regional childcare resource and referral agencies that provide referrals to licensed childcare providers, information on childcare options, and on how to select care that meets their needs. Please note that these links have been included on this website for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as endorsements of individual care providers or childcare centers.
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) maintains a listing of licensed center-based and family-childcare services in the area.
The Center for Early Education and Care (CEEC)
The Center for Early Education and Care (CEEC), a.k.a. the UMass Amherst daycare, part of the Student Life office, has served the university community for over three decades. CEEC offers full-day and flexible-schedule services for toddlers and pre-school-aged children ages 15 months through 5 years throughout the year. The program is licensed by the state and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Children at CEEC receive an educational program based on energy, attention, and dedication with developmentally appropriate practices as delineated by NAEYC. They also benefit from the professionally trained supervising teachers, with assistance from undergraduate assistant teachers, interns, and volunteers.
Financial Assistance
The Office of the Provost
The Office of the Provost may have funds available for newly hired, tenured-track faculty to pay for childcare. Check the office for more information.
Dependent-Care Assistance Program
The Dependent-Care Assistance Program allows faculty and staff to pay for expenses for dependents under age 13 such as day care, nursery schools, and day camps with pre-tax dollars.
Campus Resources
Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO)
The Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO) is a free and confidential counseling, consultation, and referral service that assists employees in resolving personal, work-related, and family problems.
Workplace Learning and Development
Workplace Learning and Development is dedicated to promoting and supporting faculty, staff and organizational growth, development and empowerment, through innovative high-quality workplace programs, including skill building around personal wellness and time management.
Psychological Services Center (PSC)
The Psychological Services Center (PSC) is a community mental health clinic operated by the Division of Clinical Psychology, in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. The PSC provides both short- and long-term adult psychotherapy on an outpatient basis. PSC specialties include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic/interpersonal, and integrative approaches to psychotherapy.