Proposed Leave Program for University Staff

As part of HR Restructuring, employee recommendations about enhancing the existing leave program led the University to consider simplifying the current system for the new University Staff Plan. The proposed University Staff Leave Program would include enhanced accrual and carry-over of leave time and a yearly cash-out benefit for some unused time.

As you may recall, we did not have a detailed proposal of a new, simplified leave program ready for the general policy comment period we held earlier this summer. Therefore, we are doing a second comment period on just the proposed leave program.

The proposed program consolidates the three most commonly used types – annual leave, family/personal leave, and sick leave – into one combined program. Time off for special events such as community service, jury or court duty, military leave, interviews, bone marrow leave, etc., would remain the same under this proposal. These special leave types are not included in University combined balance since they are not accrued leave types and are only used on an “as-needed” basis. In addition, holidays remain separate in the leave proposal.

The use of combined leave programs such as this one has been increasing over the past several years. One of the biggest advantages is encouraging employees to schedule time off and giving them more control in how they use it. Also, being able to use accumulated leave balances for vacation days rewards employees who rarely take time off due to illness.

The comment period for the proposed leave program will run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 21. No changes will be implemented in the leave program until January 2010. Employees (current University Staff as well as Classified Staff and A+P Faculty who elect to enroll in the new University Staff Plan) would continue to accrue leave in the same manner they do now for calendar year 2009.

I hope you will take advantage of the comment period to read and provide suggestions on the proposed plan. Just follow the link on the left side of the page!

Sincerely,