University to implement Paid Parental Leave starting Jan. 1

Under Executive Order 95, Providing Paid Parental Leave to Eligible State Employees, the Office of State Human Resources has established a pilot program to allow state agencies and universities to offer Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to promote physical and mental health for employee families, increase worker retention and improve worker productivity and morale.

The UNC Board of Governors approved the Paid Parental Leave program in September 2019 and directed institutions to implement no earlier than Jan. 1, 2020, and no later than April 30, 2020.

UNC Charlotte will implement this important benefit effective Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. Below is a summary of PPL:

• Eligible University employees who have given birth are provided eight weeks of PPL. This includes four weeks for recuperation during the disability period associated with the birth (recuperation leave), and four weeks of bonding to be used within the first twelve months of the birth (bonding leave). Bonding leave must be used as a continuous four-week period of leave
• Eligible University employees who care for a newborn child or newly adopted, fostered or otherwise legally placed child shall be provided four weeks of Paid Parental Leave (bonding leave). This leave must be used within the first 12 months of the birth or placement and must be used as a continuous four-week period of leave

The UNC System has included a provision for bonding time to be used beginning Jan. 1, 2020, if the qualifying life event (i.e., birth or child placement) occurred Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2019.

Employees who have experienced a life event that may qualify them for this benefit or would like more information can email the Benefits Office at benefits@uncc.edu or call 704-687-8134. Staff will be available to schedule one-on-one consultations to discuss specific circumstances and answer questions.

For more information on eligibility, resources and action items, visit the Human Resources website.