UW–Madison and the Universities of Wisconsin are proposing a policy that would allow six weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The move follows over 10 years of studying its feasibility.
The policy from UW–Madison would grant six weeks of paid parental leave in a 12-month period to faculty and staff; graduate workers who are lecturers; and those who are teaching, research, or project assistants. All non-temporary staff would be eligible for paid parental leave following six consecutive months of employment.
Slight differences exist between UW–Madison’s and the UW system’s policies. Neither policy will apply to temporary employees or hourly student employees. Both would take effect July 1.
UW–Madison’s policy is anticipated to cost roughly $500,000, covering around 875 employees annually and representing about 0.02% of the university’s $2.6 billion budget for wages and fringe benefits. The UW system policy for the other schools has an expected cost of roughly $229,500 per year for around 650 employees.
The UW Board of Regents will review the policies at its meeting this Thursday–Friday.
