Family Friendly Practices

Recognizing the vital role that family plays in the well being and productivity of its students, staff and faculty, the University of Oregon is committed to helping its members balance their work, educational and family responsibilities. UO policy 3.02 adopted in 1995

The Childcare and Family Support Committee was created to support efforts to address the family and child care needs of University faculty, staff and students. This committee assesses childcare and family support needs, identifies priorities, and develops proposals to meet them. Much of the information compiled here is a result of their direct or indirect efforts.

To look at UO policies and benefits created to support individuals and their families (i.e. flexibility in the workplace, sick and vacation leave, time off for illness of family members, short and long term disability and stopping the tenure clock for pregnancy) check the UO Policy Statements web page, or contact staff in Human Resources (346-3159). These practices include but are not limited to the following...

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for employees who need time off from work to take care of a new child, or deal with serious health situations involving their family or themselves. Also found at this link are additional resources such as the Oregon Family Leave Act and the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

Work/Life Resources This link provides information on an array of services aimed at assisting with family related matters...

• Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a nationally recognized event aimed at bringing children between the ages of 9 and 13 to experience what their parent or guardian does during the workday, see the value of education, and share their visions for the future.
• Child Care and School Choices, Work and Family Services provides personal consultation and information about campus and community programs and services, including family child-care homes, child-care centers, in-home care options, before and after school programs, private and public schools.
• Elder Care, Work and Family Services collaborates with several community agencies to provide the information and resources you need, whether the family member lives with you, in the area, or in another state. Additional information on the Alzheimer's Association also found at this site.
• Employee Assistance Program, the University of Oregon contracts with Cascade Centers, Inc. to provide a comprehensive employee assistance program for eligible employees, their dependents and eligible household members. This short term professional counseling and assessment is at no cost to eligible employees and their family.
• Financial Assistance for Child Care, this includes information on the Oregon College Savings Plan, the ASUO Student Child Care Subsidy, the Employee Dependent Child Care Account, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Policies and Benefits, miscellaneous policies and benefits.
• Promoting a Healthy U, this program offers resources and opportunities to support the health and well-being of faculty and staff at the University of Oregon. Workshops and events are found here for a variety of issues affecting physical and mental well being including exercise, time management, financial management, identity theft, etc. Information for the Healthy Worksite Initiative is also found here.
• Resource Library
• Summer Camp Directory
• UO Affiliated Child Care, including the Moss Street Children's Center, Co-op Family Center, and the Vivian Olum Child Development Center.

Domestic Partner Insurance Coverage

On April 21, 1998, the Public Employees' Benefit Board (PEBB) voted to offer domestic partner coverage to state employees. Domestic partners include both same gender and opposite gender partners. Coverage available to partners of eligible employees includes health benefits as well as access to family tuition rates.

For more information about domestic partner coverage, including how to request forms to enroll a domestic partner, refer to the PEBB website. 

Family and Lactation Support Rooms, two family and lactation support rooms each provide a private, intimate, space for student, faculty, and staff mothers to nurse or express milk. UO parents may register to use the room for a term or for a year by contacting the Work and Family Services administrator:
30 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall
64 University Health Center
(541)346-2962

Staff Tuition Rate Reduction, Faculty and Staff (not including temporary employees, graduate assistants, and other student employees) employed half-time or more on the first day of classes may register (or transfer their staff fee privileges to one family member each term) for a maximum of 12 credit hours per term at the staff rate.

Family Recreation Program, Participation in the Family Recreation Program is a great way to set a healthy example for your children and make exercise a regular part of your family time. Visit the program Website for more information.

University of Oregon Health Center, The Health Center offers students a broad variety of programs and services including primary medical care, psychiatry, dental care, sports medicine, physical therapy, allergy services, nutritional counseling, travel medicine, and health promotion.

Laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray services are also available on-site at the convenient, centrally located campus location at the corner of 13th and Agate. We encourage you to take a moment to explore the website to learn more about the many services that are available to students at the University of Oregon.