The Paid Parental Leave changes expand eligibility, extend leave duration for certain employee groups, and increase covered events. The following changes apply to qualifying events occurring on or after October 1, 2026. Any events that happen before October 1 will continue to follow the previous guidance for paid parental leave.
Paid Parental Leave changes
A summary of the changes is included in this table and detailed below.
| Before Oct. 1 | Oct. 1 and Beyond | |
| Eligibility | Full-time Equivalent (FTE) employees | FTE, Time-limited (TLP) and Temporary Grant (TGP) |
| Qualifying Events | Adoption, Birth or Foster Care | Adoption, Birth, Stillbirth or Foster Care |
| Length of Leave for Co-Parents and Foster Parents | Two weeks | Four weeks |
| Rate of Pay | Base pay only | All pay at time of leave |
Expanded eligibility for time-limited, temporary grant employees
Paid Parental Leave will be available to employees in time-limited or temporary grant positions. Previously, this leave type was only available to FTE employees.
Paid leave now available following stillbirth
Paid Parental Leave benefits will be extended to eligible employees who experience a stillbirth, as well as eligible co-parents.
Four weeks of leave for co-parents and foster parents
Eligible employees in the following situations will now receive four weeks of paid leave.
- Adoption: An employee who is not primarily responsible for the care and nurture of a child under age 18 who is initially placed for legal adoption.
- Birth or stillbirth: Eligible employees whose co-parent gives birth to a child or experiences the stillbirth of a biological child.
- Foster Care: An employee who fosters a child under age 18 who is in state custody.
Rate of pay for Paid Parental Leave
Employees will receive their rate of pay at the time paid parental leave is taken, including any applicable supplements or allowance plans. Previously, Paid Parental Leave was paid at the employee’s base rate only.
Requesting Paid Parental Leave
Eligible faculty and staff should request Paid Parental Leave through Workday.
When possible, requests should be submitted at least thirty days prior to the qualifying event.
Questions about paid parental leave can be sent to the Office of Human Resources through ServiceNow.
