An example of a catastrophic illness would be cancer, stroke, or a life-threatening auto accident. Catastrophic leave sharing programs enhance team spirit by giving employees the opportunity to voluntarily donate accrued vacation leave in support of colleagues who have exhausted their paid leave balances due to their catastrophic illness or injury or in caring for a seriously ill eligible family member. This leave sharing program is available for all eligible staff and academic personnel across campus-based fund sources, regardless of division and department's affiliation. Individual catastrophic leave accounts will not be credited with vacation credits that exceed the amount needed to ensure continuation of the employee's regular salary during the employee's approved catastrophic leave. For the purpose of simplicity and audibility of records, accrued vacation credits shall be transferred hour for hour, regardless of differing pay scales.
All donations are voluntary and confidential.
If, due to incapacitation, an employee is unable to make this request, an authorized family member may make the request on their behalf. The employee or their representative shall be informed that limited information about the medical condition may be shared with those employees considering donating leave credits. In order to receive donated leave credits, the employee must provide appropriate medical verification of the illness or injury to the department. The total amount of leave donated may not exceed an amount sufficient to ensure the continuance of regular compensation. Department Chairperson or Department Head reviews and approves or denies the request and forwards it to the Employee and Labor Relations Consultant.