Congratulations on your growing family! Taubman College is committed to supporting staff as they welcome a new child. The University of Michigan provides paid maternity (childbirth) and parental leave to eligible employees, along with helpful resources.
Maternity Leave
Eligible employees who give birth may receive up to six weeks (240 hours for a full-time appointment) of paid maternity leave to support recovery from childbirth.
- Maternity leave begins on the date of childbirth and must be taken immediately following childbirth.
- Time away from work before childbirth due to a medical need may be reported using applicable sick time. Time taken before childbirth for personal reasons (which requires supervisor approval) may be reported using applicable vacation.
- If you need a modification or exception to your work schedule or working arrangements due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical circumstance, please create a case with U-M Work Connections and provide appropriate medical documentation.
- If you need additional time away from work before or after childbirth, including additional recovery time following a cesarean section or medically complicated delivery, other applicable paid leave options may be available, including extended sick time, short-term sick time, and vacation time. Employees should create a case with Work Connections and provide appropriate medical documentation to initiate the process for requesting additional time away from work.
Parental Leave
Eligible parents and legal guardians may receive up to six weeks (240 hours for a full-time appointment) of paid parental leave to bond with a new child.
Parental leave may be used following:
- Birth of a child
- Placement for adoption
- Placement for foster care
- Legal guardianship
Parental leave must be used within 12 months of the child’s birth or placement. Employees who give birth and are eligible for both benefits may receive up to 12 weeks of combined paid maternity and parental leave.
Requesting Your Leave
Maternity and parental leave requests are processed by the Shared Services Center using the Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Request eForm.
- Submit the form on or after the child’s birth or placement event to support timely processing.
- Maternity and parental leave may be requested on the same form.
- Submitting the eForm is necessary to release the time codes needed for time reporting. It does not constitute approval of the dates you plan to take parental leave. Parental leave scheduling must be approved by your supervisor.
Once processed, report leave on your timesheet using:
- Maternity Leave – MRL
- Parental Leave – PRL
You must continue submitting your own timesheets while on leave to ensure your time is recorded accurately.
Holidays and Season Days
Maternity Leave: Staff members who are on maternity leave on a day observed by the university as a holiday or season day will be considered observing that holiday or season day for timekeeping purposes. Having a holiday or season day during maternity leave does not extend the six-week paid block of time.
Parental Leave: Staff members who are on parental leave on a day observed by the university as a holiday or season day will be considered observing that holiday or season day for timekeeping purposes. They will not be charged parental leave on that day.
Other Leave & Support
Depending on your circumstances, additional leave options may be available, including extended sick time, short-term sick time, vacation, FMLA, or an unpaid child care leave of absence. Employees should work with HR to determine appropriate leave options based on their personal circumstances and applicable university policies. When necessary, employees should also create a case with Work Connections to initiate the appropriate process.
A child care leave of absence must generally be requested at least 30 days in advance when foreseeable, or as soon as possible when unexpected. Eligibility requirements apply, including the use of sick and vacation time before an unpaid child care leave may be granted.
Contact taubmancollegehr@umich.edu to initiate a child care leave of absence.
Lactation Support
Taubman College HR can work with you to identify an appropriate lactation space within the college. U-M also maintains lactation spaces across campus and provides resources and protections for pumping at work.
Returning to Work & Remote Work Expectations
Taubman College offers hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions. These arrangements are subject to university and college expectations and are not a substitute for dependent care.
Under the U-M Remote Work Agreement, employees agree that family care responsibilities will not interfere with work during established work hours, except in an emergency when applicable time off should be used.
Working remotely does not mean an employee can simultaneously provide regular care for a child or other family member. Employees are expected to have appropriate caregiving arrangements in place during established work hours. If an unexpected caregiving need arises, applicable time off should be used.
Helpful Resources
- Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave
- SPG 201.30-6: Paid Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leaves
- U-M Leave of Absence Checklists
- U-M Work Connections
- Lactation Resources
Questions? Please reach out to taubmancollegehr@umich.edu. We are happy to answer your questions and help you plan for your time away as well as your return to work.