The University of Iowa now provides up to four weeks of paid parental leave to eligible employees.
The Iowa Paid Parental Leave (IPPL) program, effective July 1, 2025, gives employees who are eligible for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) the opportunity to take time off to care for and bond with a new child without using sick or vacation leave.
On May 27, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that provides paid parental leave for state employees. The new law paved the way for the UI's paid parental leave policy.
"This new benefit reflects our institution's commitment to supporting employees through some of life's most important moments," says Cheryl Reardon, chief human resources officer and associate vice president. "By offering paid time off to care for and bond with a child, we're fostering a workplace culture that values family, wellness, and work-life balance."
The program offers:
- Up to four weeks of paid leave for birthing parents or adoptive parents
- One week of paid leave for non-birthing parents, including spouses and partners
- Paid leave that is not charged to sick or vacation accruals
- Flexibility to use leave intermittently, with supervisor approval
Paid parental leave would be used at the same time as an employee's FMLA leave. Eligible employees may still use sick and vacation accruals to extend their paid time off, as allowed by UI policy and FMLA rules.
Adoptive parents will continue to receive one week of paid adoption leave charged to sick leave accruals. This can be used in addition to the four weeks of IPPL leave, provided the employee is FMLA eligible.
For more information about the Iowa Paid Parental Leave program, including frequently asked questions, please visit the Parental Leave webpage.