Parental Leave

Parental Leave Policy

Effective January 1, 2026, the University provides Paid Parental Leave in accordance with the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act. This benefit supports eligible employees who are the Primary Caregiver following the birth or legal adoption of a child.

Eligibility
Employees are eligible if they:

• Have been employed by the State of Mississippi or any agency, department or institution of the state for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months in a position for which he or she is compensated on a full-time permanent basis; and

• Be designated as the Primary Caregiver of a biological child following birth or the legal adoption of a child under eighteen (18) years of age.

Benefit

• Up to 6 weeks (240 hours) of Paid Parental Leave

• Paid at 100% of the employee’s regular salary

• May be used for the birth or adoption of a child

Key Details

• Leave must be taken within 12 weeks of the birth or adoption

• Available once per 12-month period

• Runs concurrently with FMLA, when applicable

• Does not reduce accrued personal or major medical leave

• State and federal holidays do not count against Paid Parental Leave

• Leave does not accrue, carry over, or pay out upon separation

Notice & Documentation
Employees should provide 30 days’ advance notice when foreseeable and follow standard University notification and documentation procedures. Documentation may be required to confirm eligibility.

Career-Life Connector

In addition to parental leave, faculty and staff also have access to resources across campus that will help with transitioning back to work and with taking care of their children at any age.

Career-Life Connector