Parental Leave Overview

Dad holding baby

If eligible, FMLA/CFRA provides 12 weeks of job and benefit protected leave to bond with a new child (i.e. Baby Bonding)

  • Eight of the 12 weeks of Baby Bonding are paid with Paid Family Leave (PFL) and, if eligible, SF Paid Parental Leave (PPLO).
  • PFL pays approximately 60% of wages, up to $1,640 per week for 2023. PPLO pays approximately 40% of wages, up to a maximum.
  • Four remaining weeks of Baby Bonding are paid with vacation or are unpaid.
  • FMLA/CFRA, for the purpose of Baby Bonding, must be taken in two-week increments; shorter increments will be allowed on two occasions.
  • University-provided benefits remain intact while on FMLA/CFRA leave. Premiums will continue to be deducted from the pay you are receiving from USF.
  • Tristar administers Parental Leave and issues PFL payments. PPLO payments are issued by USF.
  • Non-California employees, please contact leaves@usfca.edu to determine if your state offers benefits.

Requesting Parental Leave

Tristar is the university's leave of absence administration partner.

  1. Notify your supervisor of your leave dates.
  2. Review Tristar's Leave Request Reporting Instructions.
  3. Contact Tristar at 1-844-702-2352 or http://usf.ess-absencetracker.com/.
  4. Email leaves@usfca.edu.

New Parent Information

You may add your new child to USF benefits within 30 days of birth or adoption via USFWorks. Birth or adoption documentation will need to be uploaded. 

There are two Lactation Rooms on main campus: UC Room #329 and LM Rossi Room #105. If working at another campus location, please reach out to leaves@usfca.edu

To request use of a lactation room, please submit a completed and signed Lactation Accommodation Request Form to leaves@usfca.edu at least five (5) business days in advance before the start of the request. The form is to be signed by both Employee and Supervisor. Employee and Supervisor will receive written confirmation of approved schedule.

The lactation rooms are scheduled in 30-minute increments. Please indicate on the request form the Days and Times you wish to schedule the room. For example:  Mondays 10-10:30am & 4-4:30pm. Your requested times are not guaranteed.

Your One Card will be updated to provide swipe access to the lactation room. 

If you need to change or cancel your scheduled use of lactation room, please email leaves@usfca.edu as soon as possible.

USF Lactation Accommodation Policy

New parents are eligible for the USF Childcare Subsidy. Apply for the subsidy within the first 30 days of returning to work after childbirth, adoption, or foster placement.

USF’s employee assistance program is administered by Concern. Concern offers employees and their families Parent Coaching, In-the-Moment Support, Work-Life Resources and more.

The USF Parents’ Group lets you connect with your fellow employees about all things parent including daycare, preschool, camps, etc.