Leaves of Absence

Short-Term Disability (STD) Medical Leave

When an employee is absent for longer than 5 working days because of their own medical condition (not work-related injury).  See  University Policy 423 and Short-Term Disability for more information.

An employee's absence for their own serious heath condition is also covered under FMLA. See Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for additional Information.

Process and/or Forms Required:

1. STD claims are now initiated directly to Unum by the employee.  Claims can be initiated by phone 888-857-0157 or reported on the web www.unum.com/claims.
2. Preview Unum Short Term Disability Telephonic Brochure (Rice Telephonic Brochure.pdf)

Workers Compensation Medical Leave

When an employee is injured on the job, and is subsequently absent from work for more than 5 working days.  See  University Policy 407 for more information.

An employee's absence for an injury on the job is also covered under FMLA. See Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for additional Information.

Process and/or Forms Required:

1. Report injury to Risk Manager, submitting  First Report of Injury.
2. Submit a Leave of Absence form with doctor’s note attached (first 5 days are benefit time, then the leave becomes unpaid, and employee receives compensation directly from insurance company) *
3. When employee returns to work, submit a  Personnel Action Form (check Return from Leave of  Absence at the top) with a medical release attached.

*If leave is extended, submit a revised LOA form with new doctor’s note.

Family Leave and Military Family Leave Entitlements

When an employee’s spouse, child, or parent has a serious health condition and in need of the employee’s care. 

Military Family Leave entitlements are also covered.  See  University Policy 417 for more information. 

Both family leave and Military Family leave are unpaid, unless covered by benefit time.

See Family Medical and Leave Act and

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/finalrule/FMLAPoster.pdf for additional information. 

Process and/or Forms Required:

1.  Submit a Leave of Absence form with brief explanation of need for leave.  Human Resources will mail the employee the appropriate    Certification of Health Care Provider Form that will need to be completed.  Certification forms are also listed below:

•  Certification of Health Care Provider-Employee
•  Certification of Health Care Provider-Family Member
•  Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military
•  Certification of Serious Injury or Illness for covered service member for Military

2.  Personnel Action Form to return employee to work and restart pay.

Personal, Professional/ Educational, or Sabbatical Leaves

Personal leaves are unpaid and may be granted, at manager’s discretion, for up to one year. See