Massachusetts Society of Professors

Faculty and librarians are automatically enrolled in the MSP Sick Leave Bank, and can draw on the bank for paid leave in case of their own illness or illness of an immediate family member.

Faculty and librarians with UMass benefits are eligible for the Sick Leave Bank (SLB), effective one month after date of hire. After the exhaustion of personal sick leave, the Sick Leave Bank can be used for any bona fide illness or disability.  

A member is entitled to ninety days of sick leave from the bank unless a majority of the Sick Leave Bank Committee votes to deny the request or to authorize a lesser amount. The number of days authorized by the Committee may be extended if a majority of the Sick Leave Bank Committee, acting on a request from the member, votes to extend.

A department chairperson/head or the Sick Leave Bank Committee may request at any time that any member who is drawing sick leave from a Sick Leave Bank submit a physician's statement certifying the medical ground for sick leave.

To apply to the SLB

1. Submit a written request to your department head/chair that you wish to draw from the SLB. Your request should include the dates for which you are requesting leave and the date you intend to return to work. If requesting an intermittent leave, include the work schedule you propose. (Your supervisor may require a different schedule.  For example, rather than release from teaching responsibilities, the supervisor may release you from non-teaching duties.)

2. Submit an MSP Sick Leave Bank request to your Human Resources representative in the Dean's Office in person or via secure OneDrive link. Please do not send medical information via email. Your request should include: the dates you are requesting, the reason for leave and supporting documentation. If requesting an intermittent leave, also include the work schedule you have agreed upon with your supervisor and physician. If the request is due to the MSP member's own health condition, the required supporting document is the Certification of Health Care Provider Form for an Employee's Serious Health Condition. If the request is due to the MSP member's need to care for a family member, the required supporting document is the Certification of Health Care Provider Form for a Family Member's Serious Health Condition.