Policy Statement and Reason
For the purpose of this policy, employees include faculty and staff unless otherwise indicated in sections below. All provisions of this policy apply, except that for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement, this policy does not create any benefits not expressly provided by that collective bargaining agreement and if there are inconsistencies between this policy and the collective bargaining agreement, the terms of the collective bargaining agreement will govern.
The College will accommodate nursing mothers who wish to express breast milk while at work. Employees may use the College’s private Wellness Room for this purpose. Sign-up to utilize the Wellness Room is required and is booked using SpaceBook. Employees must bring their own supplies and equipment.
Policy Guidelines
Eligibility
All faculty employees and staff employees are immediately eligible for Nursing Mothers Break Time.
Break Time, Personal Time and Vacation Time
The College recognizes that the timing, frequency, and duration of employees’ breaks to express milk may vary and will accommodate employees’ needs in this regard. Accordingly, staff employees should make arrangements with their supervisors regarding the timing and duration of such breaks.
- Non-Exempt: Non-exempt staff employees may use their regular paid rest breaks to express breast milk. Any additional break time will be unpaid unless non-exempt staff employees use available personal time and/or vacation time.
- Exempt: Exempt staff employees are paid a salary and receive the same amount of pay every pay period, regardless of how many hours they work. They do not receive overtime pay. When not working for more than half a day, exempt staff employees must use available sick time (if applicable), personal time and vacation time.
- Faculty Employees: For foreseeable absences, Faculty must provide the Chair with advance written notice and must receive prior approval when absent for more than two sessions or when a weekly class is missed more than once in order to coordinate coverage or makeup sessions. In the case of unreported and/or excessive absences, the Chair notifies the Dean.
Other Information
Related Policies
Key Offices to Contact
Please contact Human Resources for further information regarding this policy and its implementation.
Links to Procedures or Forms
Not applicable
Definitions
Not applicable
The contents of this policy are informational only and are not conditions of employment. This policy does not create any contractual obligations or alter the at-will employment of the College’s at-will employees. Emerson College reserves the right to modify, revoke, suspend, terminate, or change any and all policies and procedures at any time, with or without notice, as consistent with state and federal law.
Policy Effective Date: May 2019
