What is FMLA?

The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for your own serious illness which causes you to be unable to perform the functions of our position.

You are eligible for FMLA leave if you have been employed either part- or full-time with the University for at least 12 months, which do not need to be consecutive or continuous, and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months prior to your absence.

Absences may be of an ongoing nature or, when medically necessary, may be taken as an intermittent leave or on a reduced leave schedule. Whenever possible, you should make a reasonable effort to schedule any medical treatment visits so as not to unduly disrupt operations. 

Because University policies typically exceed the FMLA 12-week provision, you should refer to the applicable University policy or union agreement to answer any questions about your absence (length, pay, etc.). FMLA time and absences provided by University policies run concurrently.

FMLA requires that all covered absences are recorded as FMLA. Because the overarching philosophy of the FMLA regulations is that you cannot be disadvantaged due to an absence for an FMLA-qualifying event, these absences must be recorded correctly so that errors are avoided when making decisions about promotion's, merit pay, tenure, etc.

Please contact Absence Management to request FMLA or if you have additional questions at [email protected] or 814-865-1782.

HRG11: Family Medical Leave