Program Details

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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

58 faculty, 51 male, 7 female

How many graduate students-- male/female?

261 grad students, 219 males, 42 females (as of Fall 2012)

How many post doctoral associates - male/female?

54 postdocs, 40 males, 14 females

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

Yes. Eligible assistants (i.e., assistants holding an appointment at the time parental leave is taken) are entitled to up to six (6) weeks of parental accommodation immediately following the birth of a child or upon either the initial placement or the legal adoption of a child under 18 years of age. The parental accommodation period may be comprised of a two-week paid Parental Leave, use of paid sick leave (13 days for each appointment year), and a personal unpaid leave of absence to make up the balance of the six weeks.

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

Yes, health insurance is provided. It is not included in the stipend, but the health insurance fee is covered by either the teaching or research assistantship that supports the student.

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

The University of Illinois Dept. of Physics has excellent research programs in a wide range of areas (see http://physics.illinois.edu/research/), and we are a highly collegial and interactive department that provides an outstanding environment for academic study and world-class research. We have strong institutional support for female students and other underrepresented groups, including fellowship support from the College of Engineering, involved faculty, and active Women in Physics and Physics Graduate Student Association (http://uiucpgsa.blogspot.com/) support groups. In addition to our excellent research programs, we place a strong emphasis on innovative graduate and undergraduate teaching(http://www.aps.org/programs/education/undergrad/faculty/awardees.cfm). Illinois therefore provides an outstanding training ground for graduate teaching assistants to learn advanced physics teaching methods.

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

Yes

Updated: September 17, 2012

Back to list of institutions