New Jersey City University Faculty Handbook
PERSONNEL POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICE
In accordance with the 1993 Family Medical Leave Act, New Jersey City University allows you to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave from your job for a serious illness, the serious illness of a family member, or for the birth or adoption of a child. During this time your job and health benefits will be protected. The 12 weeks are per calendar year, and do not have to be taken consecutively.
A FMLA leave of absence must have the supervisor’s recommendation and approval of the Department Head/Dean and approval of the Vice President. Those seeking a leave of absence must contact the Human Resources Department for counseling in preparation of the application and to review the policy, use of sick and vacation time, and continuation of benefits.
Eligibility
Requirements
To be eligible for an FMLA leave an employee must:
• Be employed at the University for at least 12 months
• Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months
What Qualifies
as an FMLA leave?
An FMLA leave can be granted for
- The birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child.
- A serious health condition that prevents the employee from doing the essential functions of his or her job.
- To care for a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition.
NJCU’S
Application Process
Employees must give 30 days notice of intent to take leave when it is known in advance; for unforeseen reasons employees are to give as much notice possible. The Leave of Absence request form must be completed and returned to the Human Resources department. A physician’s certification must be submitted for all FMLA leaves including extension of leaves. The physician’s certification must include prognosis, duration and an expected return to work date.
FMLA will be applied to all leave time (sick, vacation, administrative) used for serious health conditions that exceeds five (5) consecutive days in duration up to and including the allowed 12 weeks. Once an employee’s sick time is exhausted, he/she is eligible for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI). Human Resources will notify the employee when he/she will be eligible to apply for TDI as well as supply the employee with the necessary forms to apply. Please note that TDI is a benefit offered to employees by the State of New Jersey, not New Jersey City University, therefore they are operated as separate entities.
FMLA leave will begin on the first date of the employee’s approved leave, paid or unpaid. If the employee is unable to return to work on the approved date, he/she must notify Human Resources two weeks in advance. An extension of leave must be approved by the Department Head/Dean and the Vice President. Additional medical verification must be submitted. Upon return to work the employee must report to the Human Resources Department to ensure the processing of all return from leave forms.
* Remember it is imperative that employees have a consultation with the Human Resources Department regarding leave of absence, so that all policies can be explained in full detail. If an employee is unable to take care of this due to his/her own unforeseen serious illness, he/she should authorize someone to do this on his/her behalf.