EFFECTIVE DATE: April 7, 2004

REASON FOR THE POLICY

The following policy, which has been approved by the State of Civil Service Commission, will apply to classified employees of the University of New Orleans. This policy is being adopted to encourage responsible use of leave. Responsible leave usage will improve efficient service to our clients and will also improve the morale of the department by reducing the negative consequences of absenteeism on co-workers.

RULE BASIS FOR THE POLICY

The policy is based on Civil Service Rule 12.6(a)2, which reads as follows:

12.6 Non-disciplinary Removals

The provisions of this rule shall be made generally available to all employees. An employee may be non-disciplinarily removed under the following circumstances. When an employee is removed under this rule, the adverse consequences of Rules 6.5(c); 7.5(a)7; 8.9(d); 8.13(a)7; 8.15(d); 8.18(d) and (e); 11.18(b) and 17.25(e)4 shall not apply. Subsection (a) is subject to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

(a) Absence from Work

An employee may be removed under the following circumstances:

2. When, after the employee has been given written notice that his attendance requires improvement and copy of this rule, an employee has seven or more unscheduled absences during any consecutive twenty-six week period. The employee shall also be given written notice each time he incurs a sixth unscheduled absence during a consecutive twenty-six week period. An unscheduled absence occurs when an employee is absent from work without having obtained approval leave prior to the absence. Approval of leave, after the fact, to cover an unscheduled absence shall not prevent the absence from being considered unscheduled. A continuous absence for the same reason is one unscheduled absence, regardless of its duration.
   

POLICY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

The department shall apply Rule 12.6(a)2, subject to the following:

EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THIS POLICY

This policy shall be University wide, applying to all classified employees who have been given written supervisory notice regarding his or her absenteeism. Such a written notice must have the concurrence of the appointing authority. No absence will count for the purpose of this rule until the employee has been given such a notice. The business reason for this policy is as follows:

This method of applying Civil Service Rule 12.6(a)2 will address those individuals whose absenteeism has caused problems for the department. Furthermore, this method will help ensure that the affected employee is given every chance to improve his or her attendance through the supervisor's personal attention and clear communication of expectations.

NOTIFICATION TO EMPLOYEE

The supervisor shall ensure that the employee is notified each time an absence is counted as an "unscheduled" absence, and shall maintain sufficient documentation of the notices.

DEFINITION OF UNSCHEDULED ABSENCE

For all employees who have been given written supervisory notices regarding their absenteeism, an unscheduled absence shall be one for which the employee did not obtain verbal or written approval by close of business on the employee's regularly scheduled workday prior to the absence. A supervisor may request an exception(s) from this provision from the appointing authority for rational business reasons.

DOCUMENTATION OF ABSENCES

Each supervisor may apply any record-keeping method which fits his needs. Supervisors should be aware that no action will be taken under this policy unless sufficient documentation is maintained.

APPROVAL OF LEAVE AFTER THE FACT

Approval of leave, after the fact, to cover an unscheduled absence shall not prevent the absence from being considered unscheduled.

LEAVE WITHOUT PAY

Although the rule allows the approval of leave after the fact, the department retains the right to place an employee on unauthorized leave without pay for any unscheduled absence for which the supervisor will not grant approval. This includes the denial of requests for annual leave.

SICK LEAVE VERIFICATION

The supervisor may require doctors' statement or some other proof acceptable to the department to verify the legitimacy of sick leave, whether it is scheduled or unscheduled.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Use of this policy does not prohibit the department from taking appropriate disciplinary action for unauthorized absences if such action is deemed appropriate.

EXCEPTIONS

FMLA and ADA
Leave that is approved for use under the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and leave granted for purposes of an accommodation under the ADA (American with Disabilities Act), will not count as unscheduled absences. However, employees are expected to comply with agency policies and practices regarding notice to supervisory personnel when absences are necessary.

Exceptional circumstances
The Appointing Authority may grant exceptions to the normal provisions of this policy for rational business reasons.