Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to share an important update to the University System of Maryland’s (USM) leave programs that will expand support for employees during significant life events.
Beginning July 1, 2026, USM will implement a new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This benefit provides eligible employees with fully paid, job-protected leave for qualifying family, medical, and certain military-related reasons.
PFML is a USM-administered benefit and is separate from the State’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. USM employees will continue to receive leave benefits directly through USM.
What This Means for You
PFML allows you to take time away from work while continuing to receive your regular pay and maintaining your benefits and job protection.
In most cases, employees may take:
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Up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a 12-month period
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Up to 24 weeks in limited circumstances
PFML covers:
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Bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or placement)
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Your own serious health condition
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Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
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Certain military-related situations
What’s Changing
Paid Parental Leave
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USM’s current parental leave policies will be replaced by PFML.
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Leave for bonding with a new child will now be provided through the PFML program.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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USM will move from a “look-back” method to a “look-forward” method for tracking FMLA leave.
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Going forward, your 12-month FMLA period will begin on the date you first use FMLA leave.
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All eligible employees will receive a new 12-week FMLA entitlement starting July 1, 2026, regardless of prior usage
These updates are designed to better align federal FMLA with Maryland’s PFML making it easier to coordinate your leave benefits.
What You Should Do Next
No immediate action is required.
If you are planning to take qualifying leave on or after July 1, 2026:
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Please review the linked PFML Employee FAQs.
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Contact Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management-Talent Engagement and Labor Relations team with any questions or for guidance on your specific situation by emailing Michale Tallon at mtallon@umbc.edu.
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Employee and supervisor information sessions will be announced in the coming weeks, with sessions taking place in May and June.
UMBC is committed to supporting our employees during important moments in their lives. We believe this new program provides meaningful flexibility and support for you and your families.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Lynne Adams
Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer