Students With Children

Enjoy the toys in our children's play room!

Students with children are a diverse group on campus. They face particular challenges that go beyond the struggles of most students. The DWC works to fill the gaps that exist on campus, when attempting to juggle the double workload of going to school and raising a family. The DWC is committed to the success of all Dalhousie students regardless of gender, sexual orientation, language, race, creed, religion, economic status, and family status (to name a few). To this end, the struggles of lone female student parents on this campus are well known to the Centre and are indicative of the overall status of women experienced on this campus. Indeed, empowering single mothers is not charity. It is necessary for the success of all our students, particularly women.

While the DWC is committed to empowering lone female parents, we also provide support, advocay, and services to all students with children. Our programs and facility are open to ALL families. All our events are FREE.

Students with Families Meet and Greet
This is a family-friendly event designed for all students and their children to come out and enjoy their Women's Centre, meet other parents and children, and prospective volunteer childcare providers. Let us do the cooking!! Potluck supper served, games for the tots!

Single Parents Bursary
The DWC offers the only financial support on campus specifically for students with children. Bursary applications are available here. The deadline for submissions is January 30th. Please contact the Centre for more information.

Childcare Swap
The DWC is happy to coordinate an on-campus, volunteer-run, childcare swap service to enable students with families time in the library to study.

How does the swap work?

Parents MUST first register their child with the Centre. Parents then sign up for the Saturday(s) they need childcare, and then a Saturday that they are able to provide childcare. One or two parents are required at each swap. You are not alone: volunteer babysitters are assigned to provide care and help out.
Space is limited and available on a first come first serve basis. MAXIMUM 6 children/swap. For more information, contact the DWC.

Click here for DWC child care swap form

Gurrlz Night Out!
That's right ladeez, this night is for you! Time to take a breath, put on your dancing shoes, or go to bed early! The DWC knows finding time for yourself can be nearly if not entirely impossible. So, let us provide the free, DWC trained babysitter for you at your home. This night is earmarked for mums to have some time for themselves. Contact the Centre to arrange your babysitter. Contact the centre about getting a babysitter.

Donations
The DWC accepts and distributes donations to students with families. We have donated clothing, toys, food, household items, furniture, tvs, beds, etc to various students with children across campus. Please contact the Centre if have particular needs to be filled and we will do our best to make it happen.

Single Parent Portfolio:

The DWC is committed to improving the lives of parents and families of the Dalhousie community. Are your needs met? Would you like to network with other parents? The DWC's Students with Children portfolio aims to influence University policy, resource allocation, and decision-making in matters concerning students with children.

The DWC works with parents, allies, and community partners to build an inclusive campus community and culture that values, supports and recognizes all its members. We also work in the broader community of Halifax to help bring about systemic change in the areas of gender discrimination and education, child poverty, and family staus stereotypes.

Our current Students with Children portfolio includes:

· Seen But Not Heard: the staus of students with children at Dalhousie
·Groundswell (a province wide initiative to extend income assistance to mums attending university)
· CareerSeek
· Creating family friendly spaces and services at Dalhousie
· Students with Children/Single Mother's attending school
·Discrimination againts lone mothers
· Creating institutional links between students and Student Services

What We Do:
The DWC will do its best to voice your concerns or represent you.

In the past we have:
· Represented mothers at custody hearings
· Attended legal meetings
· Accompanied women to court
· Met with University officials on behalf of families
· Made phone calls
· Help you find an apartment
· Help you find daycare
· Help you with Professors
· Take your concerns to Student Council
· Link mothers/parents with local services/organizations
· Help you figure out your classes
And More

Please contact the DWC if you are interested in becoming part of the change! We need volunteers and concerned parents alike. Contact Marion Fennell at dwc@dal.ca to get involved, or to just get your two cents in!