Purpose

To define the terms and conditions under which employees may be granted leave for maternity purposes.

Eligibility

All regular employees are eligible for maternity leave.

Duration of Leave

An employee may request up to five (5) months of leave for pregnancy and care of newborn infants.

Utilization of Leave

Employees should request leave as soon as possible, but no later than the beginning of the fifth month of pregnancy. Maternity leave may be charged to accrued sick leave, compensatory leave, annual leave, or leave without pay in that order.

Physician's Certificates

Maternity leave is treated as any other disability or illness, therefore, a physician's certificate is required to document the condition. The certificate must include the specific date that the employee may return to work. The University reserves the right to require an employee to get a second medical opinion at the University's expense. [See Section - Sick Leave/Family Medical Leave ]

Coordination with Family Medical Leave

Family Medical Leave may be taken in lieu of Maternity Leave for up to twelve (12) weeks based on the terms and conditions outlined in that policy. [Section X - No. 61.00]. The amount of time taken under the FMLA policy will be deducted from the total amount of leave for which the employee is eligible.