Prospective or New Parent Resources
Welcome to the journey of parenthood—we are so glad you and your growing family are part of the George Fox community. This page is designed to guide you through your benefits, from immediate needs like paid leave and childcare searches to long-term financial security.
Our goal is to support your professional calling while ensuring you have the time and resources to prioritize your most important role at home. Whether you are welcoming a child through birth, adoption, or foster care, we are here to help you navigate every step of this transition with grace and clarity.
Time Off & Leave
Protecting your income and your job during the first weeks.
- Paid Parental Leave: Up to 8 weeks for primary caregivers and 2 weeks for secondary caregivers at 100% pay for eligible employees.
- State Paid Leave (Oregon and Washington): George Fox coordinates State Paid Leave for wage replacement (12 weeks).
- Job Protection (FMLA): Legal assurance that your position (or an equivalent one) is waiting for you when you return.
To understand more about your leave benefits, visit Time Off and Leave page and contact the Office of People & Culture to request a leave of absence.
Work-Life Balance & Work Re-Entry
Transitioning back to campus without the "all or nothing" shock.
- The Phase-Back Program: A unique benefit where you receive 100% pay while working a reduced schedule (50%–75% hours) for the first 2–4 weeks back for eligible employees. See the Employee Handbook for more information.
- Remote/Hybrid Flexibility: Depending on your department, the university supports flexible arrangements to help manage new routines.
- Break time to express breast milk will be provided for George Fox employees. A reasonable amount of break time (which may include an employee’s normal morning, lunch, and afternoon breaks) will be provided. We understand that the frequency and duration of breaks may vary in order to meet the expressing needs of the employee. The employee should be completely relieved of duties during this time. If there is any unpaid time, an employee may make up this time within the work week or use paid leave if available. Find out more on this page.
- Nursing & Lactation Support: Dedicated private spaces on campus for pumping parents, ensuring you can maintain your feeding goals while at work. See the campus map to locate the nursing mothers' rooms. See additional breastfeeding resources.
- Mini-fridges are available for new parents to check out. This will allow pumping mothers to store milk and snacks in a private, compact refrigerator.
Childcare & Caregiver Support
Solving the "Who watches the baby?" puzzle.
- Customized Care Searches: Through Canopy (Employee Assistance Program), specialists will pre-screen local daycares, nannies, or back-up care and send you a list of vetted options.
- Dependent Care FSA: Set aside up to $7,500 pre-tax to pay for daycare, which lowers your overall taxable income. Contact the Office of People & Culture to find out more about this benefit.
- Mom’s Employee Resource Group - For those who are mothering while working at George Fox (Contact: Megan Fisher at mfisher@georgefox.edu).
Visit this page to learn more about our caregiver resources
Family Wellbeing and Insurance Benefits
Preparing for the baby, education and insurance.
- Proactive Education: Access to specialized preparation for your delivery resources, " Bring Your Baby Home" resources, new parent classes, and flexible e-learning modules to build parenting confidence.
- Specialized Care: Targeted support through Providence Women’s Health and EAP resources, including guidance for those on a fertility journey.
- Medical Care: Full integration of Providence health insurance to cover delivery, postpartum care, and newborn wellness. See your plan coverage and contact Providence to get an estimate (1-877-569-7768 or 503-574-7500, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Qualifying Life Event: A 30-day window to enroll your child in benefits:
- Add your child to our health plan
- Consider voluntary life insurance
- Add or update Dependent Care FSA
Mental Health
Supporting the "Internal" transition to parenthood.
- Canopy Counseling: 5 free sessions per year for you or your household members—ideal for discussing postpartum adjustments or relationship shifts.
- Wellness Coaching: Free health coaching through Providence Basecamp to help with sleep hygiene, nutrition, and stress management.
- Life Coaching: Partner with a confidential Canopy coach to gain practical skills and set achievable goals as you navigate the unique transitions and new rhythms of parenthood.