Climate survey results from UMD and social science research indicates that faculty experience barriers to attaining healthy work-life integration, particularly if they are parents. Office Hours & Aftercare: The ADVANCE Faculty Parenting Series is a new discussion series designed to support faculty navigating the intersection of academic careers and parenting. Through a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, participants will have opportunities to connect with colleagues, learn about campus resources and policies, and share experiences and strategies for navigating the demands of work and family.
Session 1: Academic Parenthood Across Career Stages
Friday, October 23, 2026, 12pm - 1:30pm , In-Person
Location: HJP 2130/2124
This interactive discussion features faculty who have (or ARE!) navigating parenting at different stages of their academic careers.
Speakers: Antoine Banks, Professor of Government, Department Chair, BSOS; Lindsey May, Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, MAPP; Tracy Riggins, Professor of Psychology, BSOS; Nazish Salahuddin, Principal Lecturer of Psychology, Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence, BSOS
Session 2: Family-Friendly Policies and Resources for UMD Faculty
Wednesday, November 12, 2026, 1pm - 2:00pm (Virtual)
Learn about campus policies, practices, and resources that facilitate work-life integration - directly from the administrators who facilitate and implement them.
Speakers: Andrea Goltz — Director of Faculty Initiatives, Office of Faculty Affairs; VJ Aderholt — Assistance Director, Leave Management, University Human Relations
Session 3: Navigating Tenure and Promotion While Parenting
Wednesday, December 3, 2026, 12pm - 1:30pm (Virtual)
Negotiating leave. Delaying (or not delaying) your promotion timeline. Managing student expectations. Maintaining your research. Faculty parents navigate multiple tradeoffs and decisions. Hear from TTK and PTK faculty who have experienced similar contexts and gain strategies and perspectives.
Speakers: TBA