Employee Leave

The following is an overview of the types of leaves employees may use for themselves.

Leaves of Absences for Employees

A leave of absence, not work-related, due to an employee’s own health condition is considered a non-occupational medical leave. Reasons to take this type of leave include an absence of more than one work week due to accident, injury, illness or a pregnancy-related disability.

This leave may be taken for a set period of time (e.g., six weeks), as a reduced schedule (e.g., only working 28 hours per week) or intermittently (sporadic absences).

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A leave of absence due to pregnancy is considered a non-occupational medical leave of absence and should follow the same policy and procedures for a non-occupational medical leave.

This leave may be taken for a set period of time (e.g., six weeks), as a reduced schedule (e.g., only working 28 hours per week) or intermittently (sporadic absences).

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An occupational leave, also known as Workers’ Compensation, is leave of absence is a medical leave of absence due to workplace incident, accident or occupational illness (job-related).

This leave may be taken for a set period of time (e.g. six weeks), as a reduced schedule (e.g. only working 28 hours per week) or intermittently (sporadic absences).

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A personal leave is an unpaid leave of absence for personal reasons and is generally used in situations not covered by other types of University or federal/state/local laws or additional time provided beyond federal/state/local laws. Typical reasons for granting personal leave include: illness in the family, education or other compelling personal need. 

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A long-term disability (LTD) leave of absence is available for Officers following a medical leave of six months or longer and requires an application process through the University’s LTD insurance provider.

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A military/uniformed service leave of absence is for employees who need time off for military service. 

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Important Notice

Important Notice

The Leaves of Absence section is intended only to provide information and guidance to departments for processing leaves for Columbia University Officers, staff and union employees. The writers of the content have exercised their best efforts to ensure accuracy of the information, but accuracy is not guaranteed. If there are any discrepancies between the information on the website, verbal representations and the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) or applicable University policies, the CBAs and applicable policies will always govern. The information is subject to change from time to time. The information contained on the website is intended to provide examples and does not replace the CBAs or University policies.