Parental Leave Policy (HR14)

SUBJECT:
Parental Leave Policy

PURPOSE:
Provide a paid time-off benefit for the birth or adoption of a child that does not deplete necessary leave or vacation

POLICY:
Graceland recognizes that the time period right after the birth or adoption of a child is a very important time in the life of the parent(s) and child. Providing time off without creating a financial hardship for families is consistent with our values. Our generous necessary leave policy is available for the birth or adoption of a child but was initially designed to provide short term disability benefits under the waiting period for our long term disability insurance.

Graceland University will provide six (6) weeks of paid time off within a year following the birth of a baby or the adoption of a child. To be eligible for this benefit, you must have worked at Graceland for one year and completed at least 1,050 hours of service in that year. This benefit will allow employees to have paid time off without exhausting their necessary leave and/or vacation balances. If both parents work for Graceland, then they will be eligible for a maximum of 6 weeks parental leave combined. If the employee wishes to have more paid time off, he/she may use accrued necessary leave and/or vacation up to the 12 weeks provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This parental benefit will run concurrently with FMLA. A maximum of 12 weeks will be applicable to any single birth or adoption.