COVID-19 Related FMLA Expansion

In accordance with SYS 1200-Interim 03, FMLA Expansion, additional paid family and medical leave for a qualifying need related to a public health emergency is provided.  It also expands the eligibility criteria for this specific type of Emergency Family and Medical Leave in compliance with the provision of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020.

Employees who have worked in the 30 days prior to claiming leave and have a qualifying need related to a public health emergency are eligible for this expanded FMLA.  A qualifying need related to a public health emergency means the employee is unable to work (or telework) due to a need for leave to care for their son or daughter under 18 years of age if the school or place of care has been closed, or the childcare provider is unavailable due to a public health emergency.

Employees with a qualifying need related to a public health emergency may take up to twelve (12) weeks of Public Health Emergency Leave subject to supervisory approval and the following provisions: 

    • The first ten (10) days of leave are unpaid
      • If the employee has sufficient accrued vacation, personal or sick leave, then the employee may elect to utilize any of these paid leave options to remain in paid status during these initial ten days.  An employee may also elect to use COVID-19 leave during this period, pursuant to SYS 1200-Iterim 02, COVID-19 Leave Policy.
    • After the first ten (10) days, the remainder of the leave is paid at 2/3 (66.67%) of the employee’s normal pay, or $200/day, whichever is less.
      • An employee may use any available paid leave during this period to remain at 100% of the employee’s normal pay.
  1. The expanded FMLA is not provided in addition to current FMLA provisions. The total time available to an employee for any combination of FMLA leave and Public Health Emergency Leave is twelve (12) week.  In order to be in compliance with the expanded FMLA provisions, the Office of Human Resources is requesting that all employees who are unable to work (or telework) due to childcare reasons related to COVID-19 reach out directly to hr@uwgb.edu or 920-465-2390.

Please see the COVID-19 Leave & FMLA Expansion – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.