/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies.json

EAA017 Parental Leave and Accommodations Policy

Policy Number: EAA017
Policy Title: Parental Leave and Accommodations Policy

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for parental leave and accommodations.

B. Persons Affected

This policy will cover the students participating in the UTRGV SOM curriculum.

C. Implementation Date

This policy is effective with the UTRGV SOM inaugural class, the Class of 2020, and will remain in effect for future classes unless otherwise amended.

D. Policy

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) is committed to supporting all students (male and female) who have children during medical school and to working with such students to facilitate the completion of their medical education. UTRGV SOM also complies with federal and state law regarding accommodations during and after pregnancy. Our goal is to accommodate the immediate perinatal period and all of its demands on parent and newborn while providing a realistic option for the student to continue making progress toward completion of the MD degree. Students are not required to take parental leave. However, if they choose to do so, the School of Medicine (SOM) permits parental leaves (birth or adoptive) up to 12 months. Medically necessary extensions of parental leave will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Procedures for Requesting Parental Accommodations or Leave

Medical Students
When requesting a parental leave of absence, early communication and good-faith efforts among all parties involved are essential to ensure the least impact on a student's education. Because the structure and demands of the medical education program vary throughout the four-year curriculum, the approach to parental leave accommodation will differ depending on the year of the program in which the parental leave and birth or adoption occur. Regardless of the timing, a detailed plan must be developed by the student in close collaboration with the SOM Office of Student Affairs. The plan must receive written approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Guidance regarding each portion of the curriculum is below.

Year 1/2: A student who wishes to request parental leave during the first two years of medical school should consult with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to request a leave of absence. Due to the nature of the medical education program, depending on the time of year and the length of the leave, leaves of absence may require a student to take a full year of leave and return the following year. Students must complete all coursework and the Step 1 exam before beginning clerkships for 3rd year.

Year 3: A student who seeks parental leave during the 3^rd year should contact the Office of Student Affairs and coordinate with the Assistant Dean for Clerkships. A parental leave of absence in Year 3 is less likely to obligate a 12-month leave. Working with the Assistant Dean for Clerkships, the student may resume clerkships at a mutually agreed upon time. The plan for time away from clerkships should be completed and approved by all parties at least 3 months before the start of the leave.

Year 4: A student seeking parental leave should work closely with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to schedule the leave. The plan should be completed and approved by all parties at least 3 months before the start of the leave. 

Financial Aid
Any student taking a leave of absence who receives financial aid is strongly encouraged to contact the Associate Director of Financial Aid within the Office of Student Affairs for advice regarding the leave's effect on the receipt of aid.

Student Disability Services
Medical students who experience medical complications related to pregnancy and wish to explore disability accommodations should contact the UTRGV Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office or the SOM Office of Student Affairs. We strongly recommend that students consult their health care team regarding any concerns or restrictions due to pregnancy.

Student Accessibility Services Office Contact Information

UTRGV - Edinburg
1201 West University Drive
University Center 108
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 665-7005
Fax: (956) 665-3840

UTRGV - Brownsville
One West University Blvd.
Cortez Hall 129
Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: (956) 882-7374
Fax: (956) 882-7861

Email: SAS@utrgv.edu
Website: Student Accessibility Services