UW–Madison provides a variety of potential leave options to employees when they are unable to work or telework for reasons related to COVID-19. (Telework is defined as work you perform while you are at home or at a location other than your normal workplace.) These leave options apply to employees in the following employment categories: Faculty, Academic Staff, Limited Appointees, or University Staff.
The leave options that you may qualify for are based on a number of factors. The information on this page is designed to help you understand the various leave options and determine which, if any, may apply to your individual circumstances.
Help is available in determining which leave programs you qualify for. You do not need to navigate these leave options on your own.
Employee Guidance
Leave Options for Leave Related to COVID-19: An Overview for Employees (PDF)
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact your supervisor or the local human resources contact where you work.
Language assistance is available from Cultural Linguistic Services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of leave is available if I am unable to work my full shift, including telework, due to COVID-19?
UW–Madison provides a variety of potential leave options to employees when they are unable to work or telework1 for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These leave options apply to employees in the following employment categories: Faculty, Academic Staff, Limited Appointees, or University Staff.
The leave options that you may qualify for are based on a number of factors, including:
- The eligibility requirements for each leave program
- Your employment category (Faculty, Academic Staff, Limited Appointees or University Staff)
- The pay basis of your appointment (annual-basis or academic year-basis)
- The reason you are unable to work and are requesting leave
- Prior leave you have used or taken
- Staffing needs of your operational area
- Approval of your work unit/supervisor
Please refer to Leave Options for Leave Related to COVID-19: An Overview for Employees. This document is designed to help you understand the various leave options and determine which, if any, may apply to your individual circumstances.
Updated December 18, 2020
How will I know which leave program(s) I quality for?
Your Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) will use the information you provide in your request for leave to determine which leave program(s) you qualify for. If you qualify for more than one leave program, your DDR will choose the leave program that gives you the greatest benefit. If you have any questions, please contact your local human resources contact or your DDR.
If I use up all of the leave I am entitled to, and still need to take more leave, what are my options?
You can use your accrued paid leave for any portion of your leave that is not paid. You can also choose to take a partial leave without pay for any portion of your leave that is not paid. To request leave without pay, you must complete the Leave Without Pay Request Form. Please be aware that choosing to take leave without pay may affect your benefits, including health insurance and allocation of paid leave. Your local HR contact can help you identify your options.
I have accrued paid leave that I do not plan to use. Can I donate this paid leave to another UW–Madison employee for use due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
No. At this time, there is no way to donate any form of accrued leave to another employee for use as emergency leave due to the COVID-19 pandemic.