Date: February, 2012 (replaces all preceding policies)
Contact: Office of Human Resources, x4181
Purpose: When a death occurs, family and loved ones of the deceased need time to be with one another to provide solace and comfort. The University recognizes the need and normally grants time off with or without pay, depending upon the circumstances.
Policy covers: Employees in a full-time, benefit status position are eligible for bereavement leave if the leave is needed during the employee’s scheduled work time. Paid bereavement leave may be used only on days an employee is scheduled to work.
Employees must always advise their immediate supervisor of the need for bereavement leave.
Employees will receive compensation for bereavement leave based on their normal hours worked in their assigned schedule.
Employees will be granted an absence of three (3) scheduled workdays with pay following the death of a member of their immediate family to facilitate arrangements and attend the funeral. “Immediate family” refers to the employee’s:
Spouse Parent Brother Sister Child
These designations include relationships by blood, marriage (in-law relationship), legal adoption or those in a “step” or legal guardianship relationship.
There may be circumstances under which an employee is ultimately responsible for funeral arrangements for a person not specifically listed above but is a very close relationship (i.e., domestic partners, other familial relationships), or in which other mitigating circumstances, such as international travel, may be a consideration. When such circumstances arise, the employee will need to present a specific request for additional paid bereavement leave and documentation to support the unique circumstances to the supervisor who, in consultation with the Office of Human Resources, may grant a limited number of days with pay to facilitate arrangements and attend the funeral.
Employees will be granted an absence of one (1) scheduled workday with pay following the death of a close relative. “Close relative” refers to the employee's: Grandparent Grandchild Aunt Uncle Nephew Niece These designations include relationships by blood, marriage, legal adoption or those in a "step" or legal guardianship relationship.
When the death of a fellow employee occurs, employees may be granted an absence of up to four (4) hours with pay to attend the funeral service at the discretion of the supervisor.
When the death of an individual not otherwise outlined in this policy occurs, the supervisor has the discretion to grant an employee up to two (2) hours with pay to attend the funeral service.
Employees who desire more time off than outlined in this policy may request vacation time , personal time (for non-exempt employees) or unpaid time (under the parameters outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act) with the approval of the supervisor.