Parental Leave

The University recognizes that strong family connections promote the well-being of parents, children, and the broader campus community, and is committed to offering supportive parental leave for all eligible employees. 

Please read all of the information on this page and then click on the link appropriate to your position.

Parental Leave - Faculty

Parental Leave - Staff

Parental Leave - Supervisor Responsibilities

_____________________

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)

Virginia Human Rights Act - Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnancy

The University provides reasonable accommodations for a qualified employee's known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including lactation, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Reasonable accommodations include but are not limited to:

  • more frequent or longer bathroom breaks
  • breaks for the expression of breast milk in a private location
  • acquisition or modification of equipment
  • a temporary transfer to a less strenuous or hazardous position
  • assistance with manual labor
  • job restructuring
  • a modified work schedule
  • light duty assignments
  • leave to recover from childbirth

Employees are encouraged to contact HR to discuss their needs and explore appropriate solutions.

Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act)

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as extended by the PUMP Act, the University provides reasonable break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) for an employee to express breast milk for their nursing child for one year after the child's birth each time such employee has need to express milk.

Extra Dental Coverage for Expecting Mothers

For those who have enrolled in W&L's dental coverage, United Concordia offers additional dental benefits at no extra cost for those who are pregnant. This added coverage helps prevent and manage periodontal (gum) disease during pregnancy. Learn more by visiting the United Concordia Dental Pregnancy Benefit.

Lactation Stations & Support

Please see the Nursing Parents webpage for information on pumping/nursing at work.

Childcare Resources

A listing of resources is available on our Dependent Care page.

Retirement Plan Distribution

Per the University's 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, you may be eligible to withdraw funds from your retirement via a Qualified Birth or Adoption Distribution (QBAD). You may request up to $5,000 per child as a QBAD, provided certain conditions are met. A QBAD must be made during the one-year period beginning on the date your child is born or the date you adopt someone who is not your child or your spouse's child and who is under age 18 or is physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves.  You may request a QBAD only from the vested portion of the following accounts: elective deferrals, matching contributions, non-elective contributions, mandatory employee contributions, and custodial account.  Participants should contact their retirement provider (TIAA or Fidelity) for rules on repayments - which are permissible under certain conditions.