Enhancements to Parental Leave Policy

April 14, 2016

​Dear Smith College staff and faculty,

Since my arrival at Smith, I have been invested in ensuring that Smith’s employee benefits reflect the college’s deep commitment to work-life balance. In support of that commitment I am pleased to announce the following enhancements to our parental leave policy, which will go into effect July 1, 2016.

Staff Policy

• Eligible parents who are the primary caregivers of a newborn or adopted child will have their paid leave extended from eight to 12 weeks following the birth or adoption.
• Eligible parents who are the non-primary caregivers will have their paid leave time extended from one to four weeks following the birth or adoption of a child.

Faculty Policy

• The primary caregiver parent will be excused from teaching, research and administrative duties during the semester a child is born or adopted. If the birth or adoption occurs between semesters, the leave will occur during the subsequent semester.
• The non-primary caregiver parent will be excused from teaching one course during the semester a child is born or adopted. If the birth or adoption occurs between semesters, the leave will occur during the subsequent semester.

If you have questions about these enhanced family leave policies, please contact Larry Hunt, associate vice president for Human Resources, at lhunt@smith.edu.

I wish you all the best as we prepare for the end of the academic year and look ahead to Commencement.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McCartney
President