The University of Oregon is implementing a new paid leave option for employees who may face unexpected absences due to COVID-19. Beginning Sept. 16, all employees may use UO COVID-19 leave for paid time off when they or a dependent living in their home is required to quarantine or isolate due to testing positive for or being exposed to COVID-19.

The leave applies to faculty, officers of administration, classified employees, graduate employees and student employees. Full-time employees will receive 80 hours of COVID-19 leave, and part-time employees receive enough pro-rated, additional leave to cover two weeks of work. The leave may be used from Sep. 16 through June 30, 2022.

The need to quarantine or isolate must be based on the direction of a medical provider, public health authority, UO case management team, or school. Medical documentation is not automatically required, but may be requested by the Office of Human Resources, the Office of the Provost, or an academic unit. The details of the UO COVID-19 leave program are outlined on the HR website.

The new leave option can be applied through the usual unit or department time-reporting process. There is no separate approval process required. For further reporting guidance, employees should contact their supervisor or their unit’s or department’s payroll administrator.

UO COVID-19 leave is in addition to other leave employees may have through existing collective bargaining agreements and university policies. The HR website provides an overview of all available leave options for each employee group. Contact the Benefits Office at HRbenefits@uoregon.edu if you have questions about your leave options or need assistance.