University Adopts New Paid Parental Leave Policy

As of July 1, 2024, most benefits-eligible U of A employees who are new parents are now eligible to receive up to six weeks of paid leave to spend with their child under University of Arkansas Board of Trustees Policy 420.2. 

Under the new policy, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees who are a birth parent, legal spouse of the birth parent, an adoptive parent, or a foster parent. The leave can be used within the first 12 months of birth, adoption or foster placement as long as the child is under 18 years old. 

Employees with two years of consecutive benefits-eligible employment within the University of Arkansas System may use the paid parental leave option. This leave must be used concurrently with approved family medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and must be taken continuously, rather than on an intermittent or reduced-schedule basis. When both parents are eligible for parental leave, the paid leave availability is limited to a combined total of six weeks. The new policy will not impact the use of leave without pay, accrued annual leave, sick leave, or group short-term disability. 

"We are pleased to offer a flexible option for eligible employees that will allow new parents to focus on taking care of — and bonding with — their children during such a special time in their family's lives," said Michelle Hargis Wolfe, chief people officer and associate vice chancellor for human resources. "Human Resources strives to create and maintain operational excellence and a culture that ensures overall success and a sense of belonging for our most important asset — our people. This parental leave policy is one example that will help us foster a people-first work environment that shapes our larger employee value proposition — what makes it so special to work for our university." 

The policy is a reflection of the university's commitment to its Employer of Choice priority. 

"We strive to enable our people to thrive personally and professionally by implementing policies that focus on their well-being, are easy to understand and manage, and that make work easier for our employees," said Terri Chadick, human resources director for talent acquisition, policy & ethics. 

Current policy updates and information for the university system, including certain additional criteria for the paid parental leave policy, can be found at uasys.edu. Questions regarding the new parental leave policy should be directed to the human resources benefits department at hrleave@uark.edu.