​The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with leave (with or without pay), certain benefits protection, and job restoration for qualifying events. It is an important right and we encourage you to apply for FMLA if you ever need it. Here is a general description of the FMLA. If this policy conflicts with the FMLA, employees will get the rights required by law. Key employees may be excluded from certain FMLA protections and will be notified of their “key employee” status if they request FMLA leave; however, Department Heads are deemed Key employees. If we reasonably believe that an employee has taken FMLA leave for a fraudulent reason, we may discipline the employee.

If the need for leave is foreseeable, you have to notify your department at least 30 days prior to taking FMLA leave. If the need for FMLA arises unexpectedly, notify your department as soon as possible. If you don’t, it may delay the start of the leave.