CIRES HR is pleased to inform you of significant changes to CU Boulder’s leave policy in response to recent legislative updates in Colorado. These updates, effective as of August 2023, provide employees with expanded options for utilizing their accrued personal sick leave. We believe these changes will better support our community during challenging times and personal emergencies.
Here are the key highlights of the revised leave policy:
1. Supporting Family Members: Employees can now use their accrued personal sick leave to care for a family member when their school or place of care is closed due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, power outages, heating, water issues, or any other unexpected events leading to the closure of the family member’s school or care facility.
2. Bereavement and Funeral Services: Sick leave can be used by employees to grieve, attend funeral services or memorials, or manage financial and legal matters that arise after the passing of a family member. This type of leave is available after an employee has utilized their bereavement leave.
3. Evacuation Situations: In cases where an employee’s residence needs to be evacuated due to unforeseen circumstances like inclement weather or utility issues, accrued sick leave can be used to address this immediate need.
4. Health Needs: Accrued sick leave can also be used for the health needs of the employee, the employee’s family member, or someone whose association with the employee is akin to family. It’s essential to note that “health needs” encompass not only physical health but also mental health, and it may not always necessitate medical attention.
Important Reminders for Supervisors:
- While employees are required to inform their supervisors when taking sick leave, we emphasize that supervisors should refrain from requesting detailed information about the purpose of the sick leave.
- In cases where there is a recurring pattern of absences that pose concerns, supervisors are encouraged to reach out to CIRES HR for guidance and assistance.
- If an employee anticipates the need for an extended period of sick leave or has an ongoing medical issue, CIRES HR should be notified to explore the possibility of Family Medical Leave.
For further details and comprehensive information about this leave expansion, please visit the CU HR website.
We believe these changes will provide our community with enhanced flexibility and support during challenging times. We encourage all employees and supervisors to familiarize themselves with these updates and reach out to CIRES HR for any questions or clarifications.
Thank you for your attention, and we remain committed to providing a supportive work environment for all members of our campus community.
