Lactation Policy
Policy Number: OAE-1100-010
Policy Title: Lactation Policy
Vice Chancellor/Associate Chancellor: Associate Chancellor for Access and Equity
Unit Responsible for Policy: Office for Access and Equity
Effective Date: August 11, 2022
Contacts: Associate Chancellor, Office for Access and Equity
Policy Statement: UIC values a family-friendly environment for its students, employees, and community members. Accordingly, UIC will provide a lactating parent with a lactation room or a private location, other than a bathroom, where the individual can express breast milk or breastfeed a child.
UIC will provide an employee or student with reasonable break time as needed throughout the day to express breast milk for one year after the child’s birth. Break time provided for the expression of breast milk may not reduce an employee’s compensation regardless of the length of the break being taken or result in a student incurring an academic penalty. Students who take lactation breaks will be provided an opportunity to make up any work missed by use of such breaks. The breaks may run concurrently with regularly scheduled break times. The supervisor and employee will use their best judgment when determining a lactation schedule. Factors to consider include the employee’s distance to the lactation room, pumping time and time spent cleaning and storing supplies. Typical break times for pumping may vary between twenty minutes to one hour, depending on the above factors. The frequency of breaks will be dependent on the lactating parent’s nursing schedule, as well as their child’s age. It is common for a lactating parent to express milk every three to four hours. Employees or students who wish to extend their lactation breaks or have other concerns about scheduling should contact the Office for Access and Equity.
Reason for Policy: To ensure that UIC is compliant with federal and state laws related to lactation requirements. To ensure that UIC students, faculty and staff are provided time, space and institutional protection to pump or breastfeed while on campus.
Minority Impact Statement: The policy does not have any disproportionate or unique impact on UIC’s minority students, staff, or faculty.
Who Should Read the Policy: All students, faculty, and staff at UIC.
Definitions:
- Lactating Parent: an individual who is providing their child with breastmilk.
- Lactation Room: a private location designated by UIC, other than a bathroom, where an individual can express breast milk or breastfeed a child.
- Reasonable Break Time: a set amount of time provided for the expression of breast milk that is decided upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Procedures:
Forms:
Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies:
- Nursing Mothers in Workplace Act
- CDC Guidance - Pumping Breast Milk
- Fact Sheet #73: Break Time for Nursing Mothers under the FLSA (Department of Labor)
Document History:
Approval date: August 11, 2022
Approved as: New policy