University Human Resources

Parental Leave at Brown

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Parental Leave at Brown

Brown University is committed to supporting employees as they grow their families. The Paid Parental Leave Benefit provides eligible employees, both birthing and non-birthing parents, with paid time off to bond with a new child, recover from childbirth, or complete the adoption process.

Paid Parental Leave: Overview

Eligible employees receive six weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of base pay. 

This paid leave may be taken:

  • As one continuous block or intermittently, in full-week increments
  • Within one year of a child's birth or placement
  • Concurrently with FMLA or state leave, or separately with department approval

Eligibility

Paid Parental Leave is available to benefit-eligible staff employees who:

  • Are biological or adoptive parents
  • Meet Brown's Full-Time Equivalency (FTE) requirements

If both parents are eligible Brown employees, each parent is entitled to the full six weeks.

Maximum Benefit

Paid Parental Leave is based on an employee's regular work schedule. For example:

  • Full-time (5 days/week): 6 weeks = 30 days of paid leave
  • Part-time (4 days/week): 6 weeks = 24 days of paid leave

Legal Protections and Leave Coordination

Brown's Paid Parental Leave works alongside federal and state leave protections to support employees before, during, and after parental leave.

Parental Leave Options at a Glance

TypeBirthing ParentsNon-Birthing Parents
FMLA Leave
  • Up to 12 weeks
  • May be taken continuously or intermittently
  • Up to 12 weeks
  • May be taken continuously or intermittently
State Leave Programs
  • Eligibility and duration vary by state
  • Runs concurrently with FMLA
  • Eligibility and duration vary by state
  • Runs concurrently with FMLA
ADA/PWFA Leave
  • May apply when FMLA is unavailable
  • Typically 6-8 weeks for recovery based on delivery method
  • Supports continuous leave only
  • Not applicable
Paid Leave Options
  • Access to accrued PTO balances
  • Up to six weeks of Brown's Paid Parental Leave benefit
  • Any additional time beyond paid balances is unpaid by Brown
  • Access to accrued PTO balances
  • Up to six weeks of Brown's Paid Parental Leave benefit
  • Any additional time beyond paid balances is unpaid by Brown

Requesting Parental Leave

Employees should submit a Parental Leave request in Workday at least 30 days before the anticipated start of the leave. 

  • Leave requests covered by FMLA or ADA are reviewed and approved by the UHR Office of Leave and Accommodations.
  • Approval requires submission of appropriate documentation.

Required Documentation

Documentation requirements depend on parental status:

  • Birthing Parents: Medical certification from a health care provider
  • Non-Birthing Parents: Statement of relationship or applicable court documentation

Medical certification forms are available at the link below.

Medical Forms

Requesting Paid Parental Leave

To receive Paid Parental Leave, employees must complete both steps below:

  1. Submit a Leave of Absence request
  2. Submit paid time off requests, selecting Parental Leave PTO, and if applicable, accrued sick time and/or vacation time

Additional Details:

  • Accrued PTO may be used based on available balances at the start of leave
  • PTO continues to accrue during leave
  • Paid time off must be used consecutively from the first day of leave 

Information about unpaid leave, benefit premiums, state wage replacement programs, and holiday or winter break pay is available on the Pay and Benefits During Leave page.

Important: Access to the Paid Parental Leave benefit is contingent upon approval of the leave request by UHR. Once approved, a new “Parental Leave" PTO option will appear in Workday.

Support and Assistance

Employees may contact their manager, HR Business Partner, or the UHR Office of Leave and Accommodations for assistance at any stage of the process.

Parental Leave Training Sessions

The UHR Office of Leave and Accommodations offers monthly parental leave training to help employees and managers navigate the leave process. These sessions cover topics such as preparing for parental leave, understanding benefits, and planning a smooth return to work.

Registration for the next Parental Leave Training is available in Workday.

Register

Additional Resources

Return to Work Planning

Guidance for employees returning from a medical leave for their own health condition, designed to support a safe, smooth, and well-coordinated transition back to work.

Leave and Accommodation Forms

Employees can access medical leave forms for requesting time off due to their own serious health condition or to care for a family member, as well as the Return to Work Certification Form required when resuming work after a medical leave for their own serious condition. These forms help ensure the leave and return to work process is smooth, compliant with University policies, and supportive of employees' needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page provides answers to common questions about taking a leave of absence from Brown. Employees can find guidance on general leave policies, pay and benefit premium options during leave, and federal and state-protected leaves. The FAQs are designed to help employees navigate the leave process clearly and confidently.