The purpose of these guidelines is to provide paid leave for eligible doctoral graduate students after the birth of a child.

Eligiblity

Full-time female doctoral graduate students who are in good standing, making satisfactory academic progress, receiving full tuition remission, receiving a stipend and who have completed at least one full semester of studies are eligible for the benefits described herein. For the purposes of these Guidelines, full-time status is maintained during summer academic terms.

Paid Leave Period

Eligible females will be granted paid leave for up to six (6) weeks. This period will be extended up to an additional two (2) weeks if a longer absence is medically necessary (e.g., caesarean deliveries). This period period must be used continuously, not divided, and must be used prior to and/or immediately following the birth of a child.

Academic Considerations

The provisions below apply to eligible graduate students for the duration of the paid leave.

  • They will continue to be registered as full-time students.
  • They are excused from attending classes, teaching and research activities during the period of leave.
  • Prior to the paid leave, students, their advisor and their faculty members must work cooperatively to make appropriate arrangements for completing coursework, research commitments and other academic responsibilities upon their return. This may include extending deadlines for assignments, examinations and research.
  • The length of any existing multi-year stipend commitment and total time allowed to obtain a degree will not be extended.
Procedure
  • To request a paid maternity leave, eligible graduate students must submit a Graduate Student Paid Maternity Leave Request Form to the Chair of their academic department or the Dean's office no later than sixty (60) days prior to the anticipated start of the paid leave period. International students must also consult in advance with the Center for Global Engagement.
  • All approved requests shall be forwarded to the University Disability Claims Manager in the Office of Human Resources.
  • Prior to returning to work from an approved leave, the graduate student shall provide a medical release to return to work, signed by a physician, to the University Disability Claims Manager.
  • The University shall coordinate paid leave that is provided pursuant to these Guidelines with any other leave or accommodation granted in accordance with applicable University policies and local, state and federal law.
General

The Provost's Office retains authority to interpret, apply and amend these guidelines at any time, with or without notice, and may approve deviations from these Guidelines based upon individual circumstances.