I. Introduction

In order to ensure that leave policies are applied on a consistent basis, and to ensure compliance with Federal and State Family and Medical Leave regulations, the UCSC campus has developed the following guidelines and associated forms for administration of Leaves of Absence. These guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the appropriate policy or collective bargaining articles.

As stated within the regulations, the purpose of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is to allow employees to balance their work and family life by taking reasonable unpaid leave for an eligible employee’s serious health condition, the serious health condition of the employee’s child, spouse, same- or opposite-sex domestic partner, or parent, or to bond with the employee’s newborn, adopted or foster care child in accordance with State and Federal law in effect at the time the leave is granted. Leave granted for bonding purposes shall be concluded within 12 months following the child’s birth or placement for adoption or foster care.

Prior to passage of this Act, University employees already had access to substantial leave benefits; therefore, the passage of FMLA did not significantly expand leave opportunities for UC employees, but did impose requirements for employee notification and documentation of leaves. This document describes in more detail the benefits and administrative requirements of FMLA.