Dear Patriots,
As you work hard to respond to the variety of challenges and needs the pandemic creates, we thought it would be helpful to share an overview of the available COVID-19 related leave options and answer some of the main leave-related questions we’ve received.
The COVID-19 Leave Guidance Chart details the applicable leave options for different scenarios you may be experiencing. As a reminder:
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides up to 80 hours of Emergency Paid Sick Leave and expanded Family Medical Leave (FML) to faculty, classified and wage employees. For more information, please review the FFCRA guidelines.
- Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) provides up to 160 hours of paid leave (pro-rated for part-time employees). For more information, please review:
We wanted to answer the most pressing and common questions we’ve received from our employees and supervisors. The full list of FAQs is available in the FFCRA Guidelines.
If I used PHEL, can I use the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave?
Yes. The federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave is in addition to PHEL, which is a Commonwealth of Virginia policy. If you used some or all of the PHEL leave you were eligible for and experience one of the FFCRA qualifying events listed above, you may apply for Emergency Paid Sick Leave.
How do I apply for Emergency Paid Sick Leave?
You must complete the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Form. Once you submit this dynamic form, your manager will receive a notification to review your request. After your manager reviews the request, it is submitted to HR & Payroll for approval. You must submit documentation supporting your request for Emergency Paid Sick Leave to benefits@gmu.edu. You may also upload documentation when submitting your dynamic form. After reviewing the documentation, HR & Payroll will notify you if the leave is authorized as Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL). HR & Payroll will request additional documentation, if needed.
How does FFCRA Expanded Family Medical Leave differ from FMLA?
Faculty, classified and non-benefitted part-time employees who have been on the Mason’s payroll for 30 calendar days are eligible for FFCRA FML if they are unable to work or telework/work remotely and they are caring for a child whose school or child care facility has been closed or the childcare provider is unavailable due to COVID-19. FFCRA FML is available to employees who cannot work or telework. Under Family and Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA), employees must have one year of continuous service and have worked 1,250 hours in the past 12 months to qualify. FMLA is used for illness for self or family, birth/adoption of a child, etc.
Can I use FFCRA FML with PHEL?
PHEL can be used to seek child care. FFCRA FML can be used to care for your own children if telework is not available.
How do I Apply for FFCRA FML?
You must complete the FFCRA Family Medical Leave (FML) Form. Once you submit this dynamic form, your manager will receive a notification to review your request. After your manager reviews the request, it is submitted to HR & Payroll for approval. You must submit documentation supporting your reason for FFCRA Expanded FML to benefits@gmu.edu. You may also upload documentation when submitting your dynamic form. After reviewing the documentation, HR & Payroll will notify you if the leave is authorized as FFCRA Expanded FML. HR & Payroll will request additional documentation, if needed.
We continue to update the HR & Payroll COVID-19 Employee Resource page and the Mason Faculty and Staff FAQ page with the latest information on employee guidance and resources. If you have questions, please reach out to our Benefits team at benefits@gmu.edu.
Lester L. Arnold, Sr.
CHRO | Vice President for Human Resources and Payroll
George Mason University
Alan and Sally Merten Hall, Office 4100
(703) 993-2600 | hr@gmu.edu