Assessing the Effects of Family Leave Policy: An Empirical Evaluation of University Probationary Periods

This study looks at the average lengths and distributions of probationary periods for faculty at The Ohio State University. After the FMLA passed in 1993, Ohio State enacted an extension policy for both males and females to use. This policy states that an assistant professor who is working towards tenure may take a year extension when a newborn baby or adopted child enters the family. This option may be exercised twice throughout the probationary period. The study shows that there is a decline for both genders on the lengths on time towards tenure. Thus, it seems that although this policy is in effect, the utilization for both male and female faculty is pretty low