UMass Amherst: A Leader in Work-Life Balance
UMass Amherst is a leader in providing institutional supports for faculty to combine work and family/personal responsibilities, and was listed among the Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For,” UMass is in the top 10% of public research-intensive universities in the COACHE survey for making having and raising children compatible with the tenure-track.
Spouse and Partner Employment Program
When a prospective faculty member indicates an interest in seeking employment for a spouse or partner, UMass has a partner employment subvention program in place to help dual career families. Job candidates should discuss this need with the hiring department, who can explore options for the spouse/partner through their Dean. Although UMass cannot guarantee job placement, efforts are made to help secure an on- or off-campus position (as appropriate) for spouses or partners.
UMass participates in the Academic Career Network to accommodate dual career couples with easy access to job postings at New England colleges and universities. View open faculty positions at the five colleges (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith and UMass).
Paid Parental Leave
UMass offers a semester of paid leave to new parents immediately before, during, or following the birth or adoption of a child under 5 years of age.
Tenure Decision Year Delay for Care-Related Needs
Pre-tenure faculty have the option of stopping their tenure clock for one year (see Article 27, Supplemental Compensation (benefits) in the MSP contract). Also, UMass supports a one-year delay on the tenure-decision year for faculty to care for a family or household member who is seriously ill.
Caregiver Resources at UMass
Find curated sources to support you as you navigate working from home, caring for loved ones, and supporting your children in their remote learning. UMass provides resources for juggling these roles, for outsourcing care, and for choosing to prioritize care.
Childcare Reimbursement Program
UMass offers childcare assistance funds to new tenure-system faculty to offset the costs of academic year childcare expenses during their first 3 years of employment.
At-Home Caregiver Benefits
SitterCity, an online database of local and out of state babysitters, caregivers for elderly or infirm parents, housesitters, tutors, and petsitters for full-time UMass Amherst faculty.
The Center for Early Education and Care (CEEC) offers on-campus childcare 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.
Childcare Resource Agencies
State Regional Childcare Resource and Referral Agencies: Provides referrals to licensed childcare providers and information on childcare options.
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC): Maintains a listing of licensed center-based and family-childcare services in the area.
Hilltown Families: Also provides a local listing of preschools and childcare.
Tuition Credits and Tuition Remission
Full-time benefitted UMass Amherst employees and their spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried dependent children (through age 25) age eligible for tuition credits and/or tuition remission.
