New Parent Benefits
Utah Valley University provides full-time employees with up to six consecutive weeks of paid medical maternity leave and ten days of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child. The university's policy, which applies to all full-time exempt and non-exempt employees, supplements federal protections offered under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Maternity and Parental Leave Policies
The university's parental leave policy allows new parents to use up to ten days of paid leave within six months of an adoption or birth. Additionally, the person giving birth is eligible for up to six consecutive weeks of paid medical maternity leave. Both types of leave may qualify as Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for eligible employees.
Because giving birth or adopting is classified as a qualifying life status change, full-time employees may change their health insurance benefits outside of the standard open enrollment period. To take advantage of this, employees must request changes to their enrollment within 31 days of the event.
Employee Eligibility and Coverage
The university's benefits package requires employees to work at least 130 hours per month, or 30 hours per week, during a 12-month measurement period to be eligible for health insurance and benefits. Once enrolled, employees can also enroll eligible dependents, including a legally married spouse and children under age 26.
Other benefits offered to UVU employees include medical, dental, and supplemental vision coverage. The university also provides a 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan for newly hired full-time, benefits-eligible employees, featuring contributions totaling 14.2% of compensation.
Federal FMLA Protections
The university's benefits serve as an addition to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under federal law, the FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for reasons such as the birth of a child, adoption, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
While the FMLA requires unpaid leave, it mandates that employers maintain group health benefits for employees during their leave under the same terms as if they had continued to work. The FMLA also ensures that employees are entitled to return to their same or an equivalent job at the end of their leave.
Comparison of Leave Regulations
The scope of leave benefits varies depending on the employer's classification. For instance, the University of Utah's rules for health-related leaves of absence apply to all university employees except for staff at the University Hospitals and Clinics, who are governed by separate rules.
In contrast, Utah state law specifically defines state employers as executive branch agencies, the legislative branch, or the judicial branch. Under state law, state employees may be allowed up to three work weeks of paid parental leave for childbirth, adoption, or legal guardianship, and up to six work weeks of postpartum recovery leave for those giving birth at 20 weeks or greater gestation.
Institutional Commitment
Utah Valley University's leadership has emphasized a commitment to student and staff success. Board of Trustees Chair Scott Smith stated that trustees are committed to student success, engaged learning, and professional excellence. The university currently serves more than 46,000 students, with a recent student poll showing 82% of respondents were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the university.
University Mission and Values
The university's mission focuses on educating students for success in work and life through engaged teaching and services. This mission is supported by the university's core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.
