Advance compiles a guide for UNM faculty caregivers
Caregiving can be hard! A fall 2023 survey by Advance at UNM found that faculty feel significant stress from their caregiving roles. This stress is particularly high for faculty who are adult caregivers, who also report particularly low departmental support for their role.
Based on survey results, Advance leaders are working with UNM Human Resources and the Office of Academic Affairs on several recommendations to better support caregivers. They include compiling this guide for faculty on the policies, support and logistics that can help make family responsibilities easier.
In the short term, recommendations based on survey results include:
– Revising or identifying new benefits for caregivers of both children and adults. This includes examining successful policies at other universities.
– Making caregiving services in the Albuquerque metro area easier to identify and access.
– Advocating for the removal of recurring fees required for faculty parents to remain on the waitlist for the UNM Children’s Campus.
In the long-term, recommendations based on survey results include:
– Expanding the UNM Children’s Campus so that the waitlist is substantially shorter and more employees’ caregiving needs are accommodated.
– Considering agreements with local caregiving centers so that UNM faculty and staff can receive priority access, particularly when moving to Albuquerque shortly before beginning their jobs at UNM.
– Facilitating leader support and understanding for faculty caregivers. This includes advocating for supportive approaches, such as flexible deadlines and working arrangements, allowing caretakers to join meetings remotely when needed. It also includes the flexibility to use funds for childcare during research travel.
– Supporting parents who are coping with K-12 school calendar changes that can be disruptive, and working with public school leaders to be sure faculty and UNM input is heard as APS leaders consider school calendars.
— Advocating that meetings not be scheduled on APS “no school” days. If such meetings are necessary on these days, allowing remote attendance or creative options, including multiple faculty bringing their children to work so children may spend time in an area close to the meeting, if old enough.
Advance at UNM also will host informal groups of parents to network, share information, and identify support solutions. The first two meetings are Nov. 20 and Dec. 11 from noon – 1 p.m. in the Advance office.
If you are interested in joining this group, please email advance@unm.edu. We are interested in hearing about the unmet support needs you have as a caregiver and how UNM could better support faculty and staff caring for children and adults.
Child caregiving resources and information
Child care locators and resources
Support and resources for parents
Adult caregiving resources and information
Finding, understanding and paying for adult care
Adult caregiver support
UNM policies
UNM parenting related policies and information
Additional resources
