Parental Leave

Parental Leave Resources

Resources for Employee Parental Leave

The intention of parental leave is to provide care and bonding time with a child during the first 12 months of the qualifying event (birth, adoption, foster care placement).

Employees who meet the following qualifications are eligible for the benefit of paid parental leave:

  1. Classified Staff

    who have worked for 12 consecutive months in a 50 percent or greater appointment prior to the child’s arrival qualify for paid leave
  2. University Staff

    who have worked for 12 consecutive months in a 50 percent or greater appointment prior to the child’s arrival qualify for paid leave
  3. 9-Month Faculty

    9-month faculty members accrue sick leave, but do not accrue vacation leave.  Tenure and tenure-track nine-month faculty may be entitled to parental leave.  See the Administrative Leave Policy (5062) for more information.
  4. 12-Month Faculty

    who have worked for 12 consecutive months in a 50 percent or greater appointment prior to the child’s arrival qualify for paid leave

Human Resources Liaisons

Select a resource to view more information and download
  • HCM Job Aid

    This job aid should be used when entering Parental Leave for eligible employees into HCM.

  • Parental Leave Chart

    This reference chart outlines the benefit, eligibility, policy, and other notes or resources per employee class. It is not intended to replace the APS or UCCS campus parental leave policy; any discrepancies will default to the policies.

  • Parental Leave Agreement Form

    Please have the eligible employee complete the parental leave agreement form and return form to hrhelp@uccs.edu after required signatures are obtained.

  • CU APS 5062: Parental Leave Benefits for Faculty and Staff

    Please click the button to view the Regent policy.

  • UCCS Policy 300-023: Parental Leave for Faculty and Staff

    Please click the button to view UCCS Policy 300-023, the following procedures clarify details specific to UCCS.

FAMLI

Colorado voters approved the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance in November 2020. This provides workers a portion of their weekly salary for up to 12 weeks of leave to care for themselves or their families. The measure is funded by employers and employees in a 50/50 split.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Paid Parental Leave for UCCS employees.

How much paid leave is provided?
12-Month Faculty, Classified & University Staff

The UCCS’s Paid Parental Leave program grants 160 hours (4 weeks) paid parental leave, prorated for percent of time if appointment is less than 100%, to eligible employees.  

 

Do 9-month faculty qualify for parental leave?

Faculty on nine-month appointments do not accrue vacation leave but are are entitled to 18 weeks of parental leave, during which the faculty member may use accrued sick leave. If the faculty member exhausts all sick leave before the end of the 18-week period, then the faculty member may continue the leave for the remainder of the period at half pay with full benefits. For tenure track faculty members, parental leave results in a "stop" on the tenure clock. Such stops must be taken in one-year increments. For more information, view CU APS 5062: Parental Leave Benefits for Faculty and Staff.

How do I request this benefit?

Please contact Human Resources at 719-255-3372 or email hrhelp@uccs.edu 

Do I have to take all four weeks at once?

No, parents may take it in a 4-week block or in one-week increments during the first year of birth, adoption or foster care placement.

How long after the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child can I take paid parental leave?

Leave must be taken within one year after the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.

Can I take paid parental leave and then take time off using Family Medical Leave separately?

All parental leave runs concurrently with Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Thus, leave taken under the Parental Leave Policy counts as part of, not in addition to, the 12 weeks of leave guaranteed by the FMLA.

To get the process of FMLA started please contact Cindy Rhoads at 719-255-3628 or email crhoads@uccs.edu.

What documents will I need to provide to prove birth, adoption or foster placement?

Documents needed for:

Birth - FMLA Medical Certification completed by your physician. Copy of the birth certificate for non-birthing parent.

Adoption - Signed copy of Order of Possession. 

Foster Care - Verification letter or papers from the court in which the case was processed.

 

Documents should be submitted to Cindy Rhoads via email at crhoads@uccs.edu. Please call Cindy at 719-255-3628 if you have any questions.

Does the policy apply to foster children?

Yes.  HR must administer the program and verify the required documents.  This benefit can only be used once during a rolling 12-month period.

Can I take paid parental leave again for the birth or adoption of another child later?

Yes, paid parental leave can be used following subsequent births or adoptions. However, this benefit can only be used once during a rolling 12-month period.

Do I still accrue vacation, sick leave while I'm out on paid leave?

You will continue to accrue sick and vacation time while on paid parental leave. However, if you go into leave without pay status you do not accrue sick or vacation time. 

Will paid leave be included in my regular paycheck or a separate check?

Paid parental leave will be included in your regular paycheck. Short-term disability benefits will be paid on a separate paycheck. 

On-Campus Resources for Nursing Parents

University Lactation Room Locations:
1. Third floor of the University Center: Please obtain a key from the front desk located on the first floor.
2. The ENT Center for the Arts: Private room located in the Women’s Restroom on the main floor.
3. A third location is planned for the Hybl Sports Medicine & Performance Center