Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Purpose: To comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993.

Policy Statement: The College complies with the FMLA, which provides eligible employees with up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during a designated 12-month period for specific family and medical reasons.

Eligibility: Employees who have worked for at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months preceding the leave request are eligible for FMLA leave.

1. Leave Reasons: Employees may take FMLA leave for the following reasons:
   • The birth of the employee’s child and to care for that child (“parental leave”).
   • Placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care (“parental leave”).
   • To provide care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent with a “serious health condition.”
   • To care for the employee’s own “serious health condition.”
2. Definitions:
   • A “serious health condition” is defined as an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves:
   • Inpatient care or continuing treatment by a health care provider for three or more consecutive days.
   • Any period of incapacity due to pregnancy or prenatal care.
   • Chronic serious conditions that may not require treatment.
   • Leave Duration: Employees are entitled to a maximum of 12 workweeks of FMLA leave in a rolling 12-month period. Leave can be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule when medically necessary.
   • Employee Benefits: Employees will continue to be eligible for benefits during FMLA leave. The College will maintain its portion of the premiums, and the employee is responsible for their share of premiums if in unpaid status.
   • Procedures:
   • Requests for FMLA leave must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the leave start date when foreseeable.
   • A completed “Certification of Health Care Provider” form must be submitted within 15 days for serious health conditions.
   • The employee must provide a “Fitness for Duty” form prior to returning to work for their own serious health condition.

Approved by the Executive Council, August 28, 1998.

Revised on 3/21/2023

Revised on 10/29/2014