2019 acs graduate Student Survey Report

Figure 3. 3. 6. 2.
 
Graduate Students’ Awareness of Insurance Types Availabble to Them at Their 
Current Institution
100.0
75.0
50.0
25.0
0.0
I don’t know
Yes
No availibility
Dental Disability Health Life Vison 
Per
cen
tage

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37
Leave times offered to graduate students often vary from one institution to another. Graduate 
students were asked about their knowledge of available leave times, such as maternity/paternity, 
sick, and vacation/annual leave, on their campus. About 60% of survey respondents indicated 
that they have access to annual leave, 15% indicated they do not, and 27% percent were unsure 
(Table 3.3.6.4). About a third of graduate students reported that they have access to maternity 
leave. When asked, “Are there any changes in benefits, including the addition of new benefits 
that you would like to see for graduate students?” 725 graduate students shared their thoughts.
Recurring themes suggest the need for:
• Transparent, regulated, and mandated leave policies
• Improved benefit packages (including retirement plans)
• Adjustment of stipend levels to reflect regional cost-of-living expenses
• Availability of “mental health breaks”
Type of insurance 
Dental 55.3
Health 61.8
Life 27.6
Vision 52.6
Percentage of respondents who were 
aware of insurance availability (n = 76)
Table 3.3.6.3. Subsidized Insurance Offered by One Institution and Percentage of Its Graduate 
Student Survey Respondents Who Are Aware of Its Availability. 
Yes No I don’t know
Maternity/paternity leave (n=1,914) 
31.5 
9.4 
59.1
Sick leave (n=1,917) 
48.0 
14.5 
37.7
Vacation/annual leave (n=1,917) 
58.0 
15.1 
27.0
Table 3.3.6.4. Awareness of Leave Times Offered at Current Institution (n = 1,919)
Is this leave time available at your current institution?