The university offers paid maternity (childbirth) and parental leave to support faculty and staff when they welcome new children by birth, adoption, foster care or legal guardianship. For complete information on these benefits:
- Learn more about Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave
- Review the Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Checklist
- Browse Frequently Asked Questions about Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave
- Download the Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Toolkit
Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Examples
To understand how new parents may utilize paid and unpaid time off, download sample scenarios for using maternity and parental leave. You may also wish to review flow charts for using FMLA leave with paid and unpaid time off.
Scheduling Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave
The timing of maternity leave is non-discretionary for eligible faculty and staff. Paid maternity leave is available for up to six weeks immediately following childbirth.
Parental leave is subject to scheduling approval by the department within 12 months of the child’s birth or placement for adoption, foster care or legal guardianship, although units must allow a single block of time if requested. Units may establish additional parental leave scheduling guidelines as needed to support local business processes (for example, regarding intermittent use).
Arrangements for a gradual return to work can be discussed at the department level. Options to accommodate a flexible transition back to work following maternity or parental leave may include use of available vacation or PTO or a temporary reduction in appointment.
When to Contact Work Connections
There is no need to contact Work Connections for a parental leave. An uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery typically will not require any involvement from Work Connections for a maternity leave. One broad exception is that all faculty and staff paid with sponsored funds (codes 20000 and 250000) and postdoctoral research fellows must work with their supervisors to submit appropriate medical documentation to Work Connections for maternity leave.
All faculty and staff should contact Work Connections if medical complications arise during pregnancy or delivery, if the health care provider recommends that the faculty or staff member limit work activities during pregnancy, or if an extended period of recovery is recommended following delivery.
For More Information
- Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Request eForm
- Staff Handbook – Absence from Work
- Changing Your Benefits: Life Events – Birth or Adoption
- Changing Your Benefits: Life Events – Legal Guardianship
- U-M Lactation Resources
- U-M Child Care Resources
- Work Connections
- Office of Research and Sponsored Projects – Extended Sick Time Pay & Leave
- FMLA Toolkit for Supervisors
Related Policies
- SPG 201.30-6 Paid Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leaves
- SPG 201.11-0 Sick Time Pay
- SPG 201.11-1 Sick Leave Plan – Academic Appointments
- SPG 201.30 Leaves of Absence
- SPG 201.30-1 Leaves of Absence without Salary (Instructional)
- SPG 201.92 Tenure Probationary Period: Effects on Tenure Clock of Childbearing and Dependent Care Responsibilities
- SPG 201.93 Modified Duties for New Parents (Faculty)