As part of a continuing commitment to improve quality of life for Penn State employees and their families, Penn State Human Resources is announcing a new Paid Parental Leave benefit for all benefits-eligible staff. Beginning Wednesday, July 1, eligible new parents employed at the University may receive four consecutive weeks of paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child.
Benefits-eligible staff experiencing the birth or adoption of a child that occurs on or after Wednesday, July 1, 2020, will be eligible for paid parental leave. Employees must also be in a benefits-eligible position for at least 12 months prior to the birth or adoption to be eligible for this leave. The four consecutive weeks of paid leave must be used within the first 90 days immediately following the birth or adoption of a child. Staff who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement are subject to its terms and are not eligible. Faculty should refer to HRG18.
As defined by the University, paid parental leave is for the purpose of bonding with a newborn or a newly adopted child under the age of 18. However, if the adoption involves a child who is incapable of self-care due to a disability, the age limit of 18 may be waived.
The University will implement a pilot program with the Applied Research Laboratory beginning on Saturday, Feb. 1. At that time and with the University-wide initiative, paid parental leave will run concurrently with Penn State’s Family Medical Leave Act and Short-Term Disability programs. “We are delighted that Penn State is able to provide a paid parental leave benefit to our staff. We understand the bond formed between a parent and a child can have a tremendous impact not only on the health of the child, but on the well-being of the family,” said Lorraine Goffe, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer.
“Our paid parental leave policy demonstrates Penn State’s support for working families,” said Goffe. “It builds on other important steps we’ve taken to invest in our employees and positively impacts our employees’ well-being and experience here at Penn State.”
The official Paid Parental Leave policy is currently under review and will be available on the University’s policy website once approved. Resources are available on the Human Resources website. If you have any further questions, please go to the WorkLion portal or call HR Services at 814-865-1473.