University of Michigan employees who welcome a child to their family within the first six months of being hired are now eligible for three weeks of paid parental leave under an expansion of the university’s policy on maternity (childbirth) and parental leaves.

The policy is outlined in Standard Practice Guide 201.30-6, Paid Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leaves.

“One of the ways U-M supports faculty, staff and families is through paid maternity and parental leaves,” said Rich Holcomb, associate vice president for human resources.

“Employees have long been eligible for up to six weeks of paid parental leave after six months of employment, and this expanded policy adds eligibility for three weeks of paid bonding time for employees who welcome a new child into their lives during their first six months of employment.”

Under current university policy, employees who give birth also can receive up to six weeks of additional paid time off for physical recovery immediately after childbirth.

The parental leave benefit is available to employees who have a newborn, newly adopted or newly fostered child, or a child newly under the legal guardianship of the employee.

All regular, non-bargained-for faculty and staff and postdoctoral research fellows hired on or after Jan. 1, 2025, are now eligible. Employees represented by a bargaining unit should consult the terms of their collective bargaining agreements.

Tags:

• childbirth
• parental leave
• Standard Practice Guide