XVII.D.2   Caregivers Leaves

As delineated by federal and state laws concerning family and medical leaves, a member of the faculty may take an unpaid leave of absence to care for a seriously ill spouse, parent (natural, foster, adoptive, stepparent, or legal guardian), or child (natural, adopted, foster, stepchild, or legal ward) who is under 18 years of age or, if older, is unable to care for him or herself because of serious illness for up to sixteen weeks in year one and twelve weeks in year two in any two-year period. Except in cases of emergency, two-weeks notice is required, and all requests must be accompanied by written notice from a physician or other licensed health care provider verifying the need for a leave and the probable duration. Serious illness is considered to be a disabling physical or mental condition that requires in-patient care in a hospital or licensed nursing facility or continuing outpatient care requiring treatment by a licensed health care provider. During the period of this leave, the University will continue to pay its share of health and any noncontributory insurance premiums for the caregiver on leave. An employee who has authorized payroll deductions for benefits must make arrangements with the Benefits Office to make those payments in order to continue coverage. The time available for a Caregiver's Leave is reduced by the amount of time during that same two-year period when the faculty member has been on a Child Rearing Leave or has been relieved from teaching under the policies governing maternity and short-term medical disability.