My Family Member's Illness
Below are multiple types of leave use for a family member’s illness. Please discuss your specific situation with your Human Resources Representative.
Sick Leave
Family Caregiving Leave allows you to utilize available sick leave accruals to care for a qualifying ill or injured family member, up to 40 hours each calendar year. The Operations Manual provides information regarding sick leave use for family caregiving, and you can access information regarding the use of Family Caregiving Leave. You can access your rate of accrual and balance here (personal tab/time reporting/vacation/sick leave report).
Vacation
In certain circumstances, vacation may be used for absence, in lieu of sick leave for an employee's illness, in accordance with the Operations Manual policy regarding its use. Vacation must be requested and approved in advance in most situations, so please communicate with your supervisor. You can access your rate of accrual and balance on Employee Self Service.
FMLA
The Family Medical Leave Act is a federal law that provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of leave each calendar year. This leave is unpaid, but is used in conjunction with your sick leave and vacation accruals to provide pay during approved absence. Attached is a link to basic information regarding FMLA and its approved use or you may view the FMLA Toolbox. Your department HR representative must approve FMLA absence.
Rights
- You have the right to utilize available paid leave accruals for absences covered by university policy.
Responsibilities
- You are responsible for adhering to the Philosophy Statement on attendance and/or any departmental policy related to attendance.
- You may be required to provide medical documentation to support your reason for absence. Typically the information required is
- Reason for absence (family member illness)
- Duration of leave required
- Intent to return to work at the end of absence
- You are responsible for utilizing the minimum amount of absence required for your needs.
- You are responsible for staying in contact with your supervisor to keep him/her apprised of your absence, any changes, and your intent to return to work.
Page last updated December 2012