Work/Life Policies on the National Stage

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In 1993, President Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act into law, giving most employees access to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for major life events. Although the act has been updated, the leave remains unpaid, making the U.S. one of the few countries not to provide paid maternity leave. However, there are actors on the national stage working to rectify this policy. Universities provide a unique location for considering work/life issues. Some institutions provide comprehensive policies to assist employees with major life demands. Other institutions offer no support. The purpose of this session is to consider the current climate for work/life issues, on both the national stage and for those employed at colleges and universities.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education

Chair

• Jaime R. Lester, George Mason University

Participants

• Sarah Jane Glynn, Center for American Progress

• Margaret W. Sallee, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Kerry Ann O' Meara, University of Maryland - College Park

• Kevin Miller, American Association of University Women

• Ann Person, Mathematica Policy Research