Leaves of Absence
There is a variety of leaves of absence that are available to Civil Service employees. All leaves of absence are subject to departmental approval. Special leaves are also subject to approval by Staff Human Resources. Information about these leaves is presented below:
- Disability Leave
The State Universities Retirement System (SURS) provides disability benefits for eligible University employees. More information.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
This leave is available to an employee for the birth or adoption of a child; for the care of a child, spouse, or parent who has a serious health condition; or when unable to perform the function of his or her position due to a serious health condition. Information about applying for FMLA is available here.
- Military Leave
A leave of absence shall be granted to an eligible employee who is a member of any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or of any reserve component of the Illinois State Militia for any period actively spent in military service, in accordance with state and federal law. More information about military leave is available here.
- Parental Leave
Two weeks of paid parental leave will be available to eligible Civil Service employees immediately following the birth or adoption of their child. Parental leave will be counted as part of the twelve-week FMLA entitlement and may be used in conjunction with other paid or unpaid leaves for which the individual is eligible. More information about parental leave is available here.
- Pregnancy Leave/Non-Occupational Disability Leave
Employees shall be eligible for pregnancy leave of absence based upon disability or incompatibility between an employee’s pregnant state and the regularly required duties of her position. Depending upon individual circumstances, pregnancy leave may be counted as part of the twelve-week FMLA entitlement. More information about pregnancy leave/non-occupational disability leave is available here.
- Special Leave
Special leave without pay may be granted for the purpose of continuing the employee status of an individual whose performance record warrants it and who requests such leave for sufficient cause; for example, (a) an employee who wants to accompany a spouse who is on sabbatical leave, (b) an employee who has exhausted sick and disability benefits and family and medical leave and who is still unable to return to work, or (c) an employee engaged in public interest work or in furthering his or her education. More information about special leave is available here.
- University Family Medical Leave (UFML) for Registered Same-Sex Domestic Partners
University Family Medical Leave (UFML) is designed to help employees balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of families and to promote stability and economic security of families by offering leave to care for a registered same-sex domestic partner. More information about this type of leave can be found here.
- Victims of Economic Safety and Security Act (VESSA) Leave
In accordance with the Illinois Victims Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) of 2003, leave shall be granted to an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence or who has a family or household member who is a victim. More information about VESSA leave is available here.