Program Details

University of Iowa (Physics and Astronomy)

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

25 male / 4 female

How many graduate students-- male/female?

59 male / 15 female

How many post doctoral associates - male/female?

12 male / 4 female

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

Graduate students are unionized at the University of Iowa and have sick leave benefits as determined by negotiations between their union and the university. During the period 2005-2007, graduate students are entitled to 13.5 paid sick days per academic year. Up to 5 of these sick days per year may be used for care of a family member. Graduate students employed as teaching or research assistants are also covered by the Family Medical Leave Act.

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

Yes, health insurance is available at additional cost. Graduate students employed as either teaching or research assistants receive a substantial university contribution toward these costs.

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

Our department offers a student-friendly environment for world class research in a broad range of disciplines. The Iowa City community is culturally and intellectually stimulating, and it is extraordinarily safe. With women representing more than 10% of our faculty and more than 15% of our graduate student body, new female graduate students have both role models and peers with whom to interact. We have shown steady gains in the number of female graduate students in our program, and we are committed to further increasing the representation of women among our undergraduate and graduate students, as well as our faculty. The department maintains an active connection with the campus WISE program, and we have participated in a site visit by the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics. The report of this committee stated in part: "The Department has shown a strong interest in the welfare of its students. It has been very supportive of the undergraduate majors, and has recently made great strides in increasing the number and diversity of the graduate student population."

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

Yes

Updated: June 09, 2011

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