Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis has announced the creation of a new Parental Paid Leave of Absence policy for OHIO graduate students.

The policy, which is anticipated to become effective Fall Semester 2018, will provide funded graduate students the ability to take up to a six-week leave of absence from their appointment responsibilities, and receive 100 percent of the stipend and other benefits associated with their appointment, for the birth or adoption of a child.

The policy also states that such a leave of absence shall not have a negative impact on a graduate student’s future appointment status or academic opportunities.

“What I heard over and over again during my listening tour this past summer and fall is that Ohio University’s administration, faculty and staff share an interest in supporting our graduate students,” said Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis. “No parent should have to make the difficult choice between their studies and their new child. The creation of this policy provides some much-needed support for our students and makes us a more family-friendly institution.”

As part of the policy, the birth mother, or a parent taking on the role of a primary caregiver, will be provided up to six weeks paid leave of absence; a spouse or domestic partner may be provided with up to three weeks leave.

President Nellis stated that the University will centrally fund replacement costs for assistantship support incurred as a result of graduate students being on leave, so that OHIO’s colleges and units will not have any added financial responsibility as a result of the Parental Paid Leave of Absence program.

Graduate Student eligibility for Parental Paid Leave of Absence

To be approved for a leave of absence: A graduate student must be in good academic standing and hold a current graduate appointment of at least 15 hours per week (or multiple concurrent graduate appointments combined for at least 15 hours per week) that is paid through the Ohio University payroll system. The student must also have completed two consecutive semesters on any graduate appointment (graduate, teaching or research), of at least 15 hours per week, prior to the start of a leave of absence.

In most instances, full-time registration is also required during the Parental Paid Leave of Absence; however, requirements for full-time enrollment may be reduced with the approval of the appropriate Advisor, Departmental Chair, Graduate Committee, the Graduate College and other relevant entities.

International students must check with their International Student and Faculty Services (ISFS) and/or the Graduate College Director for International Student Services to ascertain that their visa status is maintained during the leave of absence.

In the event that a graduate student has multiple appointments, the appointment units will work together with the student (and the enrolling unit, where appropriate) to create a coherent plan for the leave of absence. Graduate students funded by external agencies are subject to the guidelines established by the funding agency.

Graduate Students and use of the Parental Paid Leave of Absence
Program utilization will generally begin immediately following the birth or adoption of a child; however, in some instances, the paid leave of absence may begin prior to the event when deemed medically necessary or when requisite to fulfill the legal requirements for an adoption.

When both parents are eligible to request paid parental leave of absence, both leaves of absence may be requested concurrent or consecutively; however, leave is not transferable from one parent to another.

It is important to note that the number of children involved does not increase the six-week length of a leave of absence granted for each event.

Additional details will be available in the coming months
President Nellis shared that a website with information about the Parental Paid Leave of Absence program and related resources for graduate students is currently being developed.

Additional program details, including specifics regarding the enrollment process, will be available before the end of Spring Semester.