University employees who qualify for FMLA coverage are entitled to up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave per year for various qualifying events, which include the care of a newborn child –or newly placed adopted or foster child—for up to one year after birth or placement. Additionally, covered employees may take FMLA leave to care for immediate family members, including but not limited to minor children, who have serious health conditions.
Generally, university policies mandating leave and other accommodations for students are limited to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery, and do not extend to subsequent childcare issues. In some cases, individual university departments or units may elect to take steps on a voluntary basis to accommodate students experiencing short-term childcare related issues, but this is not required by policy.