Program Details

Stony Brook (Physics and Astronomy)

How many tenure-track or tenured faculty -- male/female?

Currently 53 male and 4 female. We are working to raise the percentage of female faculty members.

How many graduate students-- male/female?

Approximately 165 male and 30 female.

How many post doctoral associates - male/female?

Information Unavailable

Is there a family leave policy for graduate students? If so, describe.

The Stony Brook Childbirth Accommodation Policy (SB-CAP) will enable pregnant and child-bearing Graduate School students to maintain full-time, registered student status and facilitate their return to full participation in class work, research, teaching and clinical training.

SB-CAP includes provisions for academic extensions, relief from regular teaching and research duties and interim financial support from the Graduate School for students that receive stipend support as Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, or Research Assistants. The SB-CAP guidelines encourage open communication between students, their advisors, Graduate Program Directors and additional supervisors of teaching responsibilities with the goal of accommodating the needs of pregnant and child-bearing graduate students in a manner that minimizes the disruption to their graduate training activities and responsibilities.

ELIGIBILITY

The current policy states that pregnant graduate students must inform their program directors, advisors and whomever they are working closely with (i.e. professor) that they wish to take leave by the 24th week of pregnancy. Students must have the knowledge and consent of their advisor, program directors, professors and a doctor's note to be eligible. International students will also need to consult with International Services.

Is there family health insurance for graduate students? If so, is it included in the stipend?

Yes. Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants are insured under the SUNY Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP). Under this plan, the State will pay 90% of the cost of individual coverage and 75% of additional premium cost for dependents. Specific information for holders of F and J visas is provided in Enrollment and Eligibility Requirements. For Research Assistants in research groups supported by grants through the Research Foundation (RF), the percentage splits are the same, with the RF taking the place of the State.

Please describe why someone applying to graduate school who is interested in a female-friendly department should choose your department.

Stony Brook University (SBU) has a very diverse student population, as does our Department, which is proud of and well known for its collegiality. It provides a welcoming, nurturing environment for all and has a standing Committee on the Status of Women for paying close attention to particular concerns and needs. With Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) only a half-hour away by car, there has always been strong research involvement between BNL scientists and members of our department. The Scharff-Goldhaber Prize of $1,000 is given annually by BNL to recognize substantial research progress and accomplishments by women graduate students who are either enrolled in physics at SBU or doing Ph.D. research at BNL. SBU has long participated in the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Program. (Female) graduate students in our department have the opportunity in the WISE Precollege Program to mentor and inspire young women from nearby high schools brought into research programs on campus. Similar mentoring opportunities are available in the department's own Laser Teaching Center. We are not just friendly to female graduate students; we are committed to their professional growth as scientists.

Has the institution had a Climate for Women in Physics Site Visit or Gender Equity Conversation?

Yes

Updated: March 22, 2010

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