Qualifying Reasons and Eligibility for FML

Qualifying Reasons for FML

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave:

• For the birth and care of your newborn child;
• For the placement and care of a child following adoption or foster care assignment;
• If you have a serious health condition;
• If you need to care for your spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition;
• If you have a “qualifying exigency,” because your spouse, child, or parent is a military member on covered active duty.

You may qualify for up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave if your spouse, child, or parent is a covered service member with a serious injury or illness, and you need to provide care.

FML may involve continuous leave, intermittent leave, or a reduced work schedule.

Eligibility

All University Staff, Appointed Personnel, Classified Staff, Student Workers, and Graduate assistants/Associates are eligible if they meet these criteria:

1. Have been employed by the University for at least 12* months; and
2. Have worked at least 1,250 hours (paid and unpaid absences or leaves do not count. Only the hours you actually worked are counted.) during the 12-month period immediately preceding the start of the FML; and
3. Have not used their full FML allotment in the previous 12 months.

*The 12 months do not need to be consecutive. Prior employment periods separated by a break in service of less than 7 years will be considered. However, if your break in service was due to National Guard or Reserve military service obligations, your military service does not count as a break in employment.