Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community’s shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability, or for a short-term disability should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) as soon as possible.

For more information, contact SAS at 1.519.824.4120 ext 56208 or email csd@uoguelph.ca or see the website here.

Caregiving In The Classroom

Currently, the University of Guelph does not have a formal policy on children in the classroom or caregiving. The policy described here is just a reflection of my own beliefs and commitments to students, staff, and faculty parents/caregivers.

• All babies are welcome in class as often as necessary.
• For older children and babies, I understand that unforeseen disruptions in childcare often put parents in the position of having to miss class to stay home with a child. While this is not meant to be a long-term childcare solution, occasionally bringing a child to class in order to cover gaps in care is perfectly acceptable.
• I ask that all students work with me to create a welcoming environment that is respectful of all forms of diversity, including diversity in parenting/caregiving status.
• In all cases where babies and children come to class, I ask that you sit close to the door so that if your little one needs special attention and is disrupting learning for other students, you may step outside until their need has been met.
• Finally, I understand that often the largest barrier to completing your coursework once you become a parent/caregiver is the tiredness many parents/caregivers feel in the evening once children have finally gone to sleep. While I maintain high expectations for all students in my classes regardless of parenting status, I am happy to problem-solve with you in a way that makes you feel supported as you strive for a school-parenting balance.
• If you have caregiving responsibilities that might affect your ability to complete coursework, attend class, or otherwise succeed, please talk to me. Caregiving includes parental duties, as well as any situation where you are responsible for the care of another person. This includes (but is not limited to) providing care to children, siblings, ill relatives or friends, or aging parents/grandparents/former caregivers.