Personal Life – New Children, Ombuds, and more
NEW: CHILDBIRTH LEAVE AND PRIMARY CAREGIVER PAID WORKLOAD REDUCTION POLICY for Professorial Faculty, Lecturers, and Instructors – approved February 2011, effective July 1, 2011
Childbirth Leave and Primary Caregiver Paid Workload Reduction Policies
Link to Provost Form Library, which contains the Workload Reduction form, which the faculty member initiates and gives to his or her Chair.
FAQs about the new Childbirth Leave and Workload Reduction Policies
Note that the old “Maternity Leave” policy is still in effect until July 1, 2011. If you have an upcoming maternity leave that has already been approved under the old policy, that approval is still valid. If you have questions during this transition period (February – July), please contact Associate Provost Julie Sandell to discuss your options.
Maternity Leave – in place until July 1, 2011
Boston University currently has a maternity leave policy that provides 3 months of paid leave to female faculty members who give birth or adopt a child. Faculty members who are not eligible for leave under the current policy but who anticipate becoming the primary caregiver for a new child in the family may request that the Provost consider their request for a leave. If you would like clarification of the policy please contact Julie Sandell at jsandell@bu.edu.
Leaves of absence of a semester or more (including medical leaves and leaves for childbirth) may be excluded from the years of service counted in computing the date for mandatory Tenure Review for tenure-track faculty. This exclusion (“stopping the clock”) must be mutually agreed to by the faculty member and the dean at the time the leave is taken, it cannot be applied retroactively.
To apply for Maternity Leave:
Each school or college has a faculty actions administrator who can help you with the paperwork needed to set up your maternity leave. A Non-Academic Leave of Absence Form must be completed that helps the University track maternity leaves and decisions to “stop the clock” if applicable.
Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA (UNPAID)
A leave of absence of up to twelve weeks per year is available to a faculty member for illness or care of a family member (spouse, parent, or child), birth of a child, or placement of a child with the family for adoption or foster care. In general, such FMLA leave is without pay, but under some circumstances other University policies or benefits may permit continuation of pay for some or all of the period of such leave. Specific information about Family and Medical Leave Act policies may be obtained the Office of Human Resources. Unpaid leave for birth or adoption available to faculty under the FMLA runs concurrently with the paid Maternity Leave described above. If you have further questions, please contact Ginny Gregory in the Provost’s Office.
Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act, MMLA (UNPAID)
Massachusetts allows 8 weeks of unpaid leave for women (only) who give birth or adopt. MMLA usually runs concurrently with FMLA, but if an employee has used up her FMLA entitlement for the year, MMLA can provide additional unpaid leave. In addition, MMLA allows 8 weeks of unpaid leave per newborn child (i.e. 2 x 8 weeks for twins, 3 x 8 weeks for triplets etc.). It also allows additional leave for multiple children adopted at the same time. A faculty member giving birth to multiple babies or adopting multiple children can use MMLA to have additional unpaid leave after her 12 week Maternity Leave ends. If this information is relevant to your situation, please discuss MMLA needs with the same individual in your unit who sets up your Maternity Leave. If you encounter questions, please contact Ginny Gregory in the Provost’s Office. You can read more about the MMLA at the MMLA website.
Ombudsperson
The Ombuds office provides a safe place for faculty, staff and students to voice concerns and develop options for solving problems related to working and studying at Boston University. Francine Montemurro is the Ombudsperson. All discussions with the Ombudsperson are informal and strictly confidential. In addition to providing information and helping you understand your options in difficult situations, with your permission the Ombudsperson can help mediate disputes. More information about the activities and services of the Ombudsperson, as well as contact information is available at the Office of the Ombuds website.
Faculty Staff Assistance Office (FSAO)
The Faculty Staff Assistance Office is available to all Boston University faculty members, staff, and family members for free, confidential consultation and referrals regarding a wide variety of work-related and personal issues. Free short term professional counseling is also available through this office, and counselors can make arrangements for longer term counseling by community professionals when that would be helpful. The FSAO website also contains information about what steps you can take when you notice an employee or colleague in distress. In addition to helping people with personal problems the FSAO is a valuable resource when you want to help someone else but don’t know what to do.
Equal Opportunity Office (EOO)
The Equal Opportunity Office works to ensure that the environment for faculty, staff and students is free of of unlawful harassment and discrimination. The EOO receives and investigates complaints against faculty and staff, and works actively with all parties to resolve the situation. You do not need to file a formal complaint to take advantage of the services of the EOO and the EOO is a valuable resource for faculty and staff who are unsure about an uncomfortable situation. A second important function of the EOO is to advise and assist any employee who needs to request reasonable workplace accommodations because of disabilities. The office also advises faculty and staff on the provision and implementation of accommodations. Finally, the EOO is a critical component in the University’s efforts to fulfills its Affirmative Action obligations with regard to equal opportunity in hiring and workplace policies.
Health and Wellness
Boston University offers faculty members a variety of resources related to physical fitness, mental health and the workplace. Links to many of these resources can be found on the Wellness page of the Faculty Central website.
For Parents
The Work/Life section of the Human Resources website has information for faculty and staff who are adding a child to their family. In addition, the Office of Family Resources offers childcare referrals, school vacation programs and on-line resources of interest to parents.
Buying or Selling a Home?
One benefit that is available to Boston University employees (faculty and staff) is the Real Estate Advantage Program. It can provide a cash-back bonus or mortgage credit when buying or selling a home.