Parental Leave is the authorized absence of a birth mother, biological parent or adoptive parent to be used following the birth or adoption of a child and to care for and bond with the child.
Parental leave is a paid leave of absence that that provides up to three (3) weeks leave. Parental leave shall run concurrently with Family and Medical Leave and Child Care Leave.
Employees that qualify for parental leave because of the adoption of a child may elect to receive two thousand dollars $2,000 in taxable income (i.e, subject to withholding) for adoption expenses in lieu of receiving the paid leave benefit provided.
Qualifying Events
• Pregnancy
• Birth of a Child
• Adoption of a child
When to submit a Request for Leave
An eligible employee will be required to provide the university with thirty (30) days advance notice of the employee’s intention to take maternity leave. Employee must complete the Request for Leave form and submit this form to the benefits secure upload. The only exception will be when unforeseen circumstances prevent the employee from providing the required notice. Requests must be submitted as soon as reasonably possible when the employee becomes aware of the need. In the case of a request for a Child Care Leave by an adoptive parent, this thirty (30) day requirement shall be waived.
The Request for Leave form must be completed and submitted to the benefits secure upload to determine and confirm eligibility.
Accrued Leave Use
Parental leave is a paid leave of absence and does not require the use of sick time or vacation leave.
Return to Work
As a condition of returning to employment, an employee on a leave of absence that made the employee unable to perform the essential functions of the employee’s position, must submit documentation from the employee’s physician that the employee is able to resume work without restrictions. The employee's physician must complete and return the Return to Work and Release Form BEFORE the employee returns to any work.
Forms and Certifications
Request for Leave Form*
Return to Work and Release Form*
Refer to the OEA/ACE/APAS/FOP Collective Bargaining Agreements* for bargaining unit members or to University Policy 3356-7-14 Maternity/parental leave, excluded professional administrative employees.