Non-Medical Leaves of Absence

Bereavement

Upon request, an eligible employee shall be granted, without loss of pay, bereavement leave of up to three work days. Such leave may be used to attend the funeral or memorial service, for related travel and/or for bereavement time upon the death of a member of the immediate family or household. For these purposes, the immediate family is defined as spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, grandchild, and corresponding in-laws, and the immediate family of the domestic partner, as defined above. Household includes anyone maintaining a family relationship living in an employee's home. One work day shall be granted upon request, without loss of pay, due to the death of a relative outside the immediate family or household or to serve as a pallbearer at a funeral. For these purposes, a relative is defined as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and corresponding in-laws.

Employees represented by a union agreement will follow the guidelines set forth in the respective agreement.
 

Jury Duty

Employees called for jury duty or subpoenaed by any legislative, judicial or administrative tribunal will be granted a leave with pay. During the period the employee is actually serving on a jury or is required by a court or other tribunal to be present as a witness, the employee will continue to receive their normal compensation. At other times when the court or other tribunal is not in session, the employee is expected to be at work. Employees who are required to appear in court as defendants or plaintiffs in civil or criminal actions do not qualify for this type of leave.
 

Military Service

It shall be the policy of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to act in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws pertaining to military leave for public employees. 
 

Participation in Disaster Relief Services

With appropriate proper notification and approval, up to twenty (20) days absence with pay may be granted during any 12-month period to an employee who is participating in specialized disaster relief services as a certified disaster service volunteer of the American Red Cross. Such leave shall be granted only for services related to a disaster occurring within the state of Illinois.
 

Victims' Economic Security and Safety Leave Act (VESSA)

An eligible employee who has complied with notification requirements will be granted, upon request, an unpaid job protected leave for up to 12 weeks in a 12 month period if the employee or a member of the employee's family or household is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault. Family and household are defined as a spouse, parent, son, daughter and persons jointly residing in the same household. Leave is needed to address the issue(s) by getting the appropriate medical, psychological, safety, and/or legal services needed. Sick or vacation time can be used; otherwise, the leave will be without pay.

An employee returning from VESSA leave will be restored to his/her former position. See VESSA Policy for more details.

Voting in Elections

Employees will be excused, without pay, to vote in a general election not exceeding 2 hours provided the said employees are scheduled to work more than 4 hours during the hours the polls are open.

Mutual Benefit

A leave without pay, for reasons other than disability, which represents a proposal of mutual benefit to the employee and the university, may be approved by the employee's fiscal officer with the concurrence of Human Resources. The duration of a nondisability leave is determined by the department head, Human Resources, and the employee.