Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has announced a new family leave policy for full- and part-time employees who have been with the university for at least one year. Under the new policy, new mothers and fathers will receive four weeks of paid leave. Employees who give birth will receive an additional six weeks of paid leave.
In addition, qualified employees who wish to adopt a child will be able to access up to $15,000 to cover expenses relating to the adoption. This is an increase from $5,000.
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will be eligible for an eight-week accommodation period to care for a new child with no loss in tuition benefits, stipend support, or funds from a grant, fellowship, or scholarship.
Heidi Conway, vice president for human resources at Johns Hopkins University, said that “we have worked to create a benefit that allows faculty and staff to put their energy into caring for a new child while feeling secure about their income and work responsibilities.”
Ronald J. Daniels, President of Johns Hopkins, added that “these policies reflect our belief that our employees are family. We felt very strongly that we could be helpful to them when they are embarking on one of life’s great adventures.”
A video about the new policy may be viewed below.