Policy Statement

In order to assist and support new parent relationships through its leave policies and programs and to assist with balancing work and family matters, Duke provides Paid Parental Leave. Paid Parental Leave is intended to provide staff time and financial support to adjust to the addition of a new family member during the important period immediately following the birth or adoption of a child. This policy provides eligible employees with a period of paid time off for activities related to the care and well-being of their newborn or adopted child.

Duke will provide up to six consecutive weeks of 100% paid parental leave to the eligible employee to be used within the first 12 weeks of the birth or placement for adoption of his or her child.

The amount of the benefit will be base salary determined by regularly scheduled hours of work.

Payment for Paid Parental Leave will be paid on the staff member's regular payroll dates.

Note: If both parents are Duke staff members that meet the eligibility criteria, each parent is eligible to receive the six week paid parental leave benefit.

Policy Details

Definitions

An eligible parent is defined as a biological parent, same-sex spousal equivalent, or a new adoptive parent. An individual who adopts a spouse or partner's previous child(ren) is not eligible for this benefit.

Eligibility

Duke University and DUHS staff regularly working 30 or more hours per week who have been employed for the previous twelve (12) consecutive months and have worked for at least one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) hours during the prior twelve (12) month period are eligible to apply for the Paid Parental Leave (includes House Staff). The eligibility requirements must be met as of the last day worked prior to the start of the paid leave.

Staff members are eligible to receive Paid Parental Leave during the first 12 weeks following the birth or placement for adoption of a child.

*This policy may not be applicable to employees covered under a union contract. Employees covered under a union contract should refer to their respective contract.

Application

To apply for Paid Parental Leave:

1. Complete an application for Leave of Absence Request form.
2. Have your department payroll representative complete a Leave of Absence iForm using Duke@Work.

To ensure accurate and timely payment, the employee is responsible for submitting the Leave of Absence Request Form to their departmental HR representative who will then prepare a Leave of Absence iForm. All forms must be completed and submitted at least 30 days in advance of the first day of leave. The Paid Parental Leave will run concurrently with the associated Family Medical Leave. Reminder: The Leave of Absence Request forms remain in the department's confidential file on the employee.

The staff member may not concurrently use accrued time in the form of vacation, sick leave, discretionary/designated holidays, vacation, or PTO while receiving Paid Parental Leave. Payment for Paid Parental Leave will be paid on regular payroll dates.