Dear Faculty and Staff,
Due to circumstances associated with COVID-19, employees may be unable to use all of their available accrued annual leave, resulting in potential loss of this leave under existing policy. In recognition of the unique circumstances and challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents approved a temporary exception to the 400 hours of accrued annual leave that regular nonexempt and exempt employees are ordinarily able to carry into a new calendar year.
Under this temporary exception, employees will be permitted to carry a maximum of 480 hours of accrued annual leave into the new calendar year. These hours will be pro-rated for leave-eligible part-time employees. This exception will remain in place through the final pay period of calendar year 2022. A link to the USM guidance around this exception, including provisions related to employees who separate or transfer from the USM during this time period, can be found here.
While we may have had travel plans cancelled or have the unexpected role of caregiver and/or educator to our school-aged children, research shows that taking time away from our jobs can have both physical and psychological health benefits. We encourage you to work with your supervisor to schedule some well-deserved time off.
Valerie A. Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer
Valerie A. Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer
