Policy VII-7.49-GC UMGC Policy on Family Support

1. Purpose and Applicability
   This policy is intended to support University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Nonexempt, Exempt and Overseas Staff employees on Regular Status in balancing professional and family demands during and after the birth or adoption of a child through measures to promote a family-friendly environment. These measures include support for nursing mothers, including lactation facilities, breastfeeding support, break time for nursing mothers, and protections from discrimination for utilizing the family support provided in this policy.
2. Support For Nursing Mothers
   1. Lactation Facilities
      UMGC shall provide space at reasonable locations where employees who are nursing mothers may breastfeed or express milk.
      1. The area must be shielded from view and free of intrusions from others.
      2. A bathroom or restroom may not be designated as a lactation area.
      3. The space may be a private area in a larger room, or a private room that is reliably made available for nursing mothers whenever needed but may otherwise be used for different functions.
      4. The area shall be equipped with seating, a table or other flat surface, an electrical outlet and nearby access to a sink.
   2. Breastfeeding
      The requirement for lactation facilities at each UMGC location and their availability for the purpose of breastfeeding a child or expressing milk are subject to UMGC procedures.  Provisions for lactation facilities do not apply to UMGC locations Overseas. The circumstances under which the children of employees may be present at a UMGC location are addressed in the applicable policies.
   3. Break Time for Nursing Mothers
      The schedule of the employee who is a nursing mother shall allow for reasonable break time during work hours for the purpose of breastfeeding or expressing milk. Employees shall be permitted to use current paid break and unpaid lunch times to breastfeed or express milk.
      1. Supervisors shall work with employees who need additional break time for this purpose to provide for the flexible scheduling of additional unpaid break time.
   4. Protections for Staff Employees
      No employee shall be discriminated against or otherwise experience reprisals in any appointment, evaluation, promotion, or other employment-related process as a result of utilizing the support provided by this policy.
3. Implementation Procedures
   The UMGC President has designated the Vice President of Human Resources to administer this policy; to develop procedures as necessary to implement this policy; to communicate this policy to the UMGC community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the UMGC website. The Vice President of Human Resources may approve exceptions to this policy in extenuating circumstances.

Replacement for:

• USM BOR VII-7.49 – Policy on Family Supports for Staff