The university recognizes that during your career, circumstances may arise that require you to take a prolonged or intermittent absence from work for family or medical reasons. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take job-protected leave for certain qualifying medical and family reasons. FMLA also ensures that health insurance coverage will continue during the leave under the same terms and conditions as if the leave had not been taken.
Your Rights Under the FMLA
The FMLA seeks to enable employees to balance their work and family lives in a manner that accommodates the legitimate interests of employers. It minimizes the potential for employment discrimination based on gender while promoting equal employment opportunities for men and women.
The following is a list of rights and benefits available to an eligible FMLA employee:
If you believe your supervisor or department is interfering with your right to take FML or retaliating against you, contact Cathy Grogan, Assistant Director, Benefits, at 520-621-7525 or cgrogan@arizona.edu.
Qualifying Reasons & Eligibility for FML
If you are eligible, you can take time off of work for health reasons, for a new baby, or to care for a seriously ill family member. All employees, including student workers and graduate assistants/associates, may be eligible for FML.
Requesting FML
If you are an eligible employee taking leave for an FMLA-qualifying reason, you must apply for FML. Give your supervisor at least 30 days' notice if your leave is foreseeable. If it is not, give your supervisor a verbal notice as soon as possible.
Pay, Benefits and Time Tracking While on FML
FML is unpaid, but if you have available paid time off, you must use it during your leave. Your benefits coverage will continue while your portion of the premiums is paid through payroll deduction, or if you are unpaid, by direct bill.
Your Responsibilities While on FML
There are several ways to ensure that your leave goes smoothly.
Caregiving Resources for Employees
Adult & Elder Care Consultations
Consultations include a comprehensive review of your loved one's needs and a customized care plan.
Back-Up Care Program
Back-up care services are available when there is an unexpected interruption in your regularly scheduled care for children, adults, and/or elders.
Caregiving Workshops
LIfe & Work Connections offers a variety of Adult & Elder care workshops from Creating a Care Plan to Medical Advance Directives to support you and your loved ones.
Links to Policies & Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor Fact Sheet #28
- Family and Medical Leave Act Employee Guide
- Department of Labor
- Downloadable FML Posters: English, Spanish