If an employee requires and requests additional time, the supervisor and the employee should make new arrangements. When a request for use of official time is denied, the supervisor should explain the reasons for denying the request in writing. The decision should be based upon a verifiable work situation and a copy provided to the EEO Manager. In the event that an employee has filed an EEO action in federal court and had requested time to prepare and present his or her case in court, a supervisor may only approve annual leave or leave without pay. Supervisors and employees often mistake administrative leave for official time.
Administrative leave is an authorized absence from duty with pay and without charge to leave.
Official time, however, is to be used during normal working hours when employees are in a duty status.