Family Medical Leave (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to twelve (12) weeks of unpaid leave per designated 12-month period for an approved qualifying event.

In accordance with federal law, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), provides job-protected Family and Medical Leave (FML) to eligible faculty and staff who are unable to work because of their own serious health condition or because of the need to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition. FML allows for up to 12 work weeks (480 hours for 100% FTE) of leave during a 12-month period based on certain qualifying events.

FML is unpaid leave; however, available paid time off balances (e.g. sick, vacation, parental) can be used, during FML, to receive pay while you are off work. Employees and their supervisors should follow the "How to Report Time Off" instructions below. FML will also run concurrently with disability benefits (e.g., workers’ compensation, short-term disability, long-term disability, etc.).

FML Process Overview

  1. To begin the Family and Medical Leave process, complete the Request for Medical and Family Leave form. You will get a confirmation email when it's submitted.
  2. Once eligibility is determined, you will get an email with a Health Certification packet. Have your physician complete it and send it back to FMLABenefits@kent.edu.
  3. If approved, you will get an email: Designation Notice - Approval. This will include information you need to complete a Request for Leave of Absence form.
  4. Complete the Request for Leave of Absence form (PDF) with the FML information and submit to your supervisor.

FML Details