Family and Medical Leave: Employee Information

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:

  • 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave in a 12-month period
  • The University must continue your health insurance coverage if you continue to pay your portion of the premiums. 
  • The University must restore you to your previous position or an equivalent one.
  • Your supervisor cannot retaliate against you for exercising your right to FML.
  • Your supervisor cannot interfere with your leave (e.g., cannot require you to work from home).

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.

Qualifying Reasons & Eligibility

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.

How to Request FML

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.

More on Pay and Benefits

Your Responsibilities While on FML

There are several ways to ensure that your leave goes smoothly.

Learn more about your Responsibilities

Links to Policies & Additional Resources

Do you need more assistance? 

Connect with Leaves Administration
Phone: 520-621-3360
Email: leaves@arizona.edu