University Human Resources

Leave of Absence

When to request a leave of absence.

 

A leave of absence is an unpaid employment status. Employees may choose to use accrued time off to continue pay while on leave. Time off must be requested concurrently with a paid leave of absence. Employees may also be eligible to apply for state benefits. 

For absences longer than five business days, a leave of absence request must be submitted through Workday. This rule does not apply to pre-approved vacation time off, per diem employees, or periods overlapping with an employee’s inactive period.

Supporting documentation is required for the formal approval of all leave of absence requests. Employees must submit their supporting documentation to the UHR Office of Leave and Accommodations via fax at 401-863-2830 or via email at Leave_Admin@Health.Brown.edu.

 

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Employees may request Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave (RIPFML) – RI state law similar to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) that offers 13 weeks of protection and runs concurrent with FMLA – for their own serious medical condition, a covered family member’s serious medical condition, or parental leave (e.g., birth of a child, adoption, fostering and bonding). FMLA leave provides job protection and benefits continuation up to 12 weeks for employees with at least one year of service and work at least 1250 hours per year.

Employees who are not eligible for leave under the FMLA may submit a request for medical leave as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information about requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit Employee Accommodation Services.

Brown Policy: FMLA

Parental Leave

Brown University provides eligible employees up to six weeks of paid time off to care for a newly born infant or adopted child. Regular benefit-eligible staff working more than 50% FTE are eligible for this paid time off benefit. The benefit can be split into one week minimum increments and can be taken any time within one year after the date of birth or placement for adoption.

Personal Leave

Employees may request personal leave when the need to be out of work is for personal reasons not covered under the FMLA, ADA, your Collective Bargaining Agreement, or any other state or federal law. Personal leave is approved at the department level and may impact your benefits.

The maximum leave duration for personal leave is 26 weeks.

Administrative Leave

Administrative leave may only be initiated by the UHR Office of Employee Relations.

Special Assignment

Employees may request special assignment leave for up to three months at full pay or six months at half pay. Special leave may only be granted when the assignment will be of value to Brown.

Temporary Disability / Caregiver Insurance

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) are state programs that provide weekly payments to Rhode Island tax-paying employees who miss work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Temporary Disability Insurance benefits are not subject to Federal or State income taxes.

Rhode Island TCI offers up to 6 weeks of paid leave to care for a seriously ill loved one or to bond with a new child. You must apply within 30 days of starting your leave.

New York-based employees may be eligible for New York State Disability Insurance and/or Paid Family Leave benefits. California-based employees may qualify for California State Disability Insurance Program benefits.

RI TDI/TCI Information

 

Meet the Leave and Accommodation Team