Eligible employees have an annual opportunity to bank unused vacation. University Staff also have the option to receive a cash payout or a combination of banking and a cash payout.
Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited Appointees with a 12-month appointment can bank unused vacation after completing ten or more fiscal years (July 1 through June 30) of continuous service. The deadline to bank unused vacation is September 30, 2025.
How Much Vacation Can Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited Appointees with a 12-month Appointment Bank?
| Years of Continuous Service | Hours That Can be Banked * |
| 1 – 10 Years | 0 |
| 10+ to 25 Years | 40 |
| 25 Years + | 80 |
* The amount of vacation that can be banked is prorated for part-time employees.
University Staff can bank unused vacation, receive a cash payout, or a combination of both starting with service of at least five years for some employees and ten or more years of service for most. Please visit UW System Administrative Policy 1210 (formerly BN 1) Vacation, Paid Leave Banks, and Vacation Cash Payouts, section 6.E.I to review the years of service requirements and assess payout options..
As previously communicated the leave schedule for University Staff, including craft workers and trades employees, will transition to a fiscal year schedule from a calendar year schedule starting in January 2025. This means that University Staff can bank or request a leave payout starting in July 2025. The deadline to make this request is September 30, 2025.
When Can I Bank My Vacation?
Vacation and carryover balance hours that are eligible to be banked may be viewed beginning July 7, 2025 once we have transitioned to Workday. More information will be available shortly after July 7, 2025 on how to bank vacation in Workday.
How Much Can I Bank into my Paid Leave Bank?
There is no limit to the total number of hours (balance) that can be retained in your Banked Leave account. Once vacation is banked the hours do not expire.
When Can Banked Leave Be Used?
With your supervisor’s approval, banked leave hours may be used whenever you are allowed to use paid leave.
When are Banked Leave and Cash Payouts Processed?
Banked leave and cash payments are processed based on the date you enter your request and when the biweekly payroll is processed.
Employees cannot bank or receive payout for Personal and Legal holidays.
What If I Terminate Employment?
Unused banked leave hours will be paid to you at your wage rate at termination.
Resources
The following sick leave policies are available to reference:
If you have questions after reviewing the available information, reach out to your Payroll/Leave Administrator.