The University of Nebraska’s revised parental leave policy signifies its commitment to supporting employees through significant life events.
Effective July 1, eligible UNMC employees may receive up to eight weeks of paid parental leave for qualifying events in accordance with the University of Nebraska Board of Regents’ 3.3.13 Parental Leave Policy:
- Care of a newborn.
- Period of incapacity, prenatal care or serious health condition related to childbearing.
- Care for a birth parent.
- Adoption of a child (under certain conditions).
Specifically, regular employees (full-time or part-time) holding faculty, administrative, managerial/professional, office/service or postdoctoral appointments will be eligible under this policy. Temporary employees are not eligible.
“Paid parental leave is one of the most important ways we support our employees,” said Linda Cunningham, interim director of UNMC Human Resources. “Welcoming a new child is a major life event, and this policy ensures people have the financial security and time they need to be with their families. It’s about recognizing our employees as whole individuals and truly living the values we hold as a university.”
Eligible employees are expected to utilize all sick leave available to them throughout the leave. If, however, an eligible employee does not have enough available sick leave, the university will continue the employee’s pay through to the end of the leave so that the employee will remain in paid status throughout the duration of the leave, not to exceed a combined total of eight workweeks.
Under the Parental Leave & Supplemental Parental Leave Policy, a paid supplemental parental leave request form must be completed when sick leave will be exhausted and paid parental leave is needed to maintain pay status for the remainder of the eight-week leave period. The paid supplemental leave then will be set up in payroll as a leave quota to be used instead of accrued vacation leave, as an example.
The policy will run concurrently with FMLA leave entitlements when applicable.
Events occurring before July 1 are not subject to the new policy and require no further action. However, if a qualifying event takes place on or after July 1, the new policy will apply.
Learn more about NU’s parental leave policy on this FAQ link.
Additional questions? Contact UNMC Human Resources via email.