When the Strategic Framework was introduced in August, excellence in graduate education and research were identified as essential to the University's ability to be the leading global Catholic research institution. In alignment with that vision, Mike Hildreth, dean of the Graduate School and vice president and associate provost for graduate studies, announced on December 12, 2023 the health care subsidy for eligible graduate students will be expanded to cover spouses and children.
“This offering reflects the University’s values in the support of families, making it easier for our graduate students and their families to flourish during their time at Notre Dame,” Hildreth said.
The health insurance subsidy expansion will take effect at the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year for graduate students who qualify for the subsidy. Currently, the Graduate School provides a subsidy toward the cost of the health insurance premium for full-time, fully funded students who are enrolled in the University sponsored health insurance plan. Final details of the expansion will be shared in late spring or early summer next year.
This expansion is expected to have broad impact—both for current and prospective graduate students. This initiative, representing one of the first University investments aligned with the new Strategic Framework, has been enthusiastically endorsed by the University’s president, provost, and executive vice president.
December’s announcement is expected to be the first in a series of enhancements to the Notre Dame graduate student experience.