Leaves

These are general recommendations. Contact your union and talk with a coworker for advice on or questions about how to best tailor the rights secured in the contract to your situation. For more in-depth information, read the articles Leaves of Absence, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, and Reasonable Accommodation. [** add hyperlinks]


Before Your Leave Begins

  • Plan the mix of Vacation, Sick Leave, unpaid leave, modified duties, reasonable accommodations, etc. that works best for you.

  • When appropriate, notify your supervisor and department that you will be taking a leave, and discuss when you are likely to stop and return to work. If applicable, discuss modified duties or reassignment.

  • Make arrangements with Human Resources regarding the mix of leaves you will be using. 

  • You can also reach out to your campus’s disability management services to receive reasonable accommodations in conjunction with your leave. You are entitled to engage in the interactive process for reasonable accommodations.

  • Keep an eye out for requirements of advance notice. Let your supervisor as far in advance as possible when you need to take a leave, including the expected length of the leave. If that isn’t possible, you may need to provide evidence of the treatment, reason, situation, or event that is the basis for needing to take a leave.


During Your Leave

  • Notify your department and supervisor when you start your leave.

  • Inform your department and supervisor of any changes in your leave plans.

  • If you need an extension of your leave, make a request orally or in writing from your supervisor in advance of your expected date of return.


Returning to Work

  • Notify your department and supervisor that you are back.

  • If necessary, have your physician certify your return to work.

  • If you are on a modified work schedule, complete the appropriate paperwork.

  • If you are unable to return to work before the expiration of the approved leave, you should notify your supervisor as soon as practicable to explain the reason for the absence before your scheduled start time. Failure to return to work after a leave without approval for extension is considered an unauthorized absence.