In response to a new state labor law and to further Cornell's support of the work and life interface, the university has recently added a section to the Time Away From Work policy, to allow regular staff members and student employees to request time away from work to express breast milk following the birth of a child. For this accommodation, reasonable efforts will be made to provide a private room or other location in close proximity to the work area.

Here are some answers to anticipated questions about the policy.

Q: What do employees need to do to take advantage of this policy?

A: New mothers should contact their supervisor or college/unit level human resource representative with their request. Unpaid break time, paid break time or unpaid meal time can be used to express milk, as well as personal leave, family health leave, vacation or flexible scheduling.

Q: How should supervisors respond to these requests?

A: Supervisors are encouraged to follow policies regarding breaks and hours of work to accommodate employee requests. Generally, 20-30 minutes, three times per day, should be sufficient. However, the required time may vary, depending on individual needs and the proximity of a reasonable space to use. Decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. Supervisors should consider schedule options that would accommodate this leave time and still allow for business needs to be accomplished.

Q: What kinds of spaces should be used?

A: Spaces should be formally designated. A reasonable space should be secure, private, ventilated, sanitary and at a comfortable temperature, with comfortable seating, an electrical outlet, lighting and a sink nearby. Good possibilities include areas adjacent to restroom facilities, separated by a door or curtain; small, unused conference rooms that can be secured and made private; or private offices.

Q: Are there spaces already available on campus?

Yes, three such spaces so far have been designated in Day Hall, Olin Library and Schurman Hall, and others will soon be added to this list.

Contact Michelle Artibee, program manager of Work/Family Programs, Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality, mla64@cornell.edu, or subscribe to the lactation listserv, Lactation-L.