Carnegie Mellon University

Military Service

If you must miss work in order to serve in the Uniformed Services, your rights and benefits are protected under the university's Military Leave Policy. If you need to take a leave of absence due to a family member's military service, eligible employees may take Military Family Leave. View the Staff Handbook [pdf] for details on Military Leaves of Absence.

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Military Leave

  • Provide notice of the need for military leave to your supervisor and Leaves Management as far in advance of the anticipated leave as reasonably possible.
  • The Military Leave Policy details the protections you are guaranteed and the steps you should take to initiate military leave.
  • Your rights and benefits depend on the length of your leave.
  • To initiate a Military Leave, you must submit notice to Leaves Management, along with copies of any relevant military orders.

Military Family Leave

  • Military Family Leave provides eligible employees unpaid leave of 26 work weeks in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member injured in the line of duty on active duty with the Armed Forces.
  • It also provides eligible employees with up to 12 work weeks of leave during any 12-month period because of a qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the spouse, child or parent of the eligible employee is on covered active duty. Qualifying exigencies may include attending certain military events, arranging for alternative child care, addressing certain financial and legal arrangements, attending certain counseling sessions, and attending post-deployment reintegration briefings.
  • Your rights and obligations regarding Military Family Leave are governed by the university's FMLA Policy.
  • Apply for FMLA leave through the Office of Human Resources.

Benefits Considerations

  • During a Military Leave, you will continue to accrue service for any seniority-based benefits, including but not limited to vesting of retirement plans and eligibility for PTO, vacation and sick leave.
  • Benefits coverage depends on the length of the leave. You may continue your healthcare benefits by paying the applicable COBRA premiums.
  • Life and Family Status Changes — Military Leave may qualify as an opportunity to change your benefits, depending on the length of the leave. Changes may be made by contacting Leaves Management within 30 days of the start of the Military Leave. Changes can be made again within 30 days of return from Military Leave.

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