Get up to date on new and expanded leave options
In response to California laws that went into effect Jan. 1, 2024, the university has introduced a new leave to support reproductive loss and has increased the amount of annual sick leave available to some employees.
New Reproductive Loss Leave
Reproductive Loss Leave is now available to all employees, regardless of gender, and provides the right to five days off for a reproductive loss, and up to 20 days in a calendar year. Reproductive loss is broadly defined to include a failed adoption, failed surrogacy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or an unsuccessful assisted reproduction.
You may use available paid time, including sick leave, vacation, PTO, and floating holidays to receive pay for the leave, or it can be taken unpaid if there is not enough time available. There may be situations in which an employee needs to also take disability leave.
Stanford also offers resources to support you during difficult life events. Please speak with your manager and HR representative to identify the available resources that are right for you.
Expansion of Paid Sick Leave
Paid Sick Leave for contingent (i.e., temporary or casual) employees and student employees is increasing from 24 to 40 hours per year. The university already provides regular benefits-eligible employees with more sick leave than this law requires, so this change will primarily apply to contingent employees, student employees, academic staff–teaching, other teaching staff, postdocs, faculty, and coaches. For contingent employees and student employees who accrue sick leave, the accrual rate will remain the same, but they will now accrue up to 40 hours of sick time instead of 24. The maximum sick time carryover for these employees will increase from 48 to 80 hours. For new employees, this accrued sick time becomes available for use after a 90-day waiting period. Those who receive their sick leave in one lump sum will see the additional 16 hours of time in their balance.
Please reach out to your manager or HR representative if you have any questions about these changes.
Related Administrative Guide Policies
AGM 2.1.8: Miscellaneous Authorized Absences
AGM 2.1.22: Sick Time for Temporary and Casual Staff Employees
