Life doesn’t stop just because you are in grad school or a postdoc, and it can be difficult balancing everything. But you aren’t alone on this path.

If you have questions, concerns, are in distress*– and haven’t been able to find solutions or clear paths for assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact either Renee Eastwood (KSAS) or Christine Kavanagh (WSE). Even if we can’t solve the issue for you, we will be able  to direct you to the best resources (many issues have dedicated offices to support you- we can guide you to them if you haven’t yet found them), can offer suggestions, and will be a support to you as you navigate through your time with us. Another university-wide resource guide can be found on https://wellness.jhu.edu/.

Typical issues include:

  • Family balance/issues
    • Child care
    • New child accommodations
    • Caregiver concerns
  • Interpersonal conflict as related to your role (colleagues, classmates, advisors)
  • Mental and Physical Health
    • Taking time for acute illnesses
    • Medical Leaves
      • ramifications, timing, funding and visa questions
  • Food Insecurity (not having enough money to eat healthy food as you need it)
  • Housing Insecurity
  • Financial concerns (budgeting, how to coordinate payment plans for health costs, etc.) emergency funds.
  • Homesickness
  • Degree Requirement Confusion
  • Advising Concerns
  • Disability
  • Equity/Discrimination
  • Coursework and/or Research Performance
  • Time Management (balancing homework, projects, research, TA-ing, etc. personal self-care, etc.)
  • Developing informal dissertation completion timelines
  • Career prospects
  • Visa concerns
*If you are feeling at risk and may harm yourself or others- please contact security directly at 410-516-7777 or 410-516-4600.

Emergency Fund

The Homewood Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs Emergency Fund provides limited short-term financial assistance to currently enrolled graduate students and fulltime postdoctoral fellows in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (fulltime status only) and Whiting School of Engineering (excluding EP and AAP students). The fund is designed to assist those who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of a temporary hardship resulting from an unexpected emergency situation, typically out of the control of the student/postdoctoral fellow.

Any funds awarded are not considered a loan do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes, and/or may affect a student’s financial aid status. Students receiving financial aid should consult with the financial aid office in advance of receiving any emergency funds.

Interested Graduate Students/Postdoctoral Fellows should complete an application and schedule an appointment with their appropriate Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs Office (Christine Kavanagh, WSE, or Renee Eastwood, KSAS).