Time Off & Leave Policies
Baylor offers a variety of leaves to employees that benefit work life balance as well as unexpected needs. Read this LinkedIn post by Baylor staff member, Alyssa Harrington, on her experience utilizing Baylor's leave offerings.
Bereavement Leave
Effective May 1, 2018, paid time off is available to staff in the event of the death of an immediate family member (time varies by family relationship) to make funeral arrangements, attend the funeral and burial, pay respect to the family at a wake or visitation and to tend to other ancillary matters than an employee must address when a loved one dies. The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
Court Leave
Employees will be granted court leave to appear as a witness, or to serve as a juror in any court of law.
Family and Medical Leave
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) is a federal law to help employees balance work responsibilities with family and medical demands. While on an approved FMLA, faculty or staff members who are benefits eligible will not experience any disruption in their insurance coverage. The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
Health Leave
Baylor University offers eligible staff members a variety of opportunities to help assess, improve and maintain every aspect of physical health, including time to be used when you or a family member is ill. Effective January 1, 2024, Baylor University recognizes Sick Time as Health Leave.
Holidays
Employees will be provided with paid time away from work to observe various national and religious holidays. Visit the Payroll website for the current Holiday Schedule.
Maternity Leave and Primary Caregiver Leave
Baylor University seeks to support faculty and staff members who are adding to their family through birth or adoption. Maternity leave and primary caregiver leave are provided for under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
FACULTY: Maternity Leave & Primary Caregiver Leave Policy
STAFF & NON-CONTRACT: Maternity Leave & Primary Caregiver Leave Policy
Non-Compensated Leaves of Absence
Eligible faculty and staff may receive non-compensated leaves of absence for educational purposes, personal needs, sick leaves, or military leave. While an individual is on an approved non-compensated leave of absence, they may be eligible to continue their benefits. The type of leave will determine benefit eligibility, duration of eligibility, and monthly insurance premiums. The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
Non-Compensated Leave of Absence Policy
Paid Military/Emergency Responder Leave
Baylor University honors and supports our staff members who serve in state or national military branches or as a FEMA emergency responder by providing paid time off for active duty or training. Baylor will provide up to 4 weeks (160 hours) of Paid Military/Emergency Responder Leave per federal fiscal year. The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
Paid Military/Emergency Responder Leave Policy
Paid Caregiver Leave
Baylor University recognizes the need to provide paid time off for staff to care for themselves, their spouse, children or parent who has a serious health condition. This policy will also provide paid time off to staff for exigency leave and military caregiver leave. The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
Paid Parental Leave
Informed by Baylor’s Christian commitment to cultivate a caring community, Baylor University’s Parental Leave Policy gives parents time and flexibility to bond with their new child(ren) and to foster work-life balance that is vital to families’ capacity to flourish. The completion of forms submitted to HR are required to use this leave.
Spiritual Wellbeing Leave
Baylor University recognizes the need to provide paid time off for dedicated space and time for the need and respect for a spiritual retreat. Spiritual wellbeing is one of the five dimensions of Baylor Wellbeing. In August 2023, Baylor University announced the establishment of Spiritual Wellbeing Leave for eligible Baylor staff employees as part of the recommendations from the 2022-2023 Spiritual Wellbeing Taskforce with support of the President's Council.
Baylor Spiritual Wellbeing Leave Guidelines
Vacation Time
Wellbeing involves understanding yourself and the way in which you develop and maintain positive relationships while adapting to a constantly changing environment. To support this area, eligible staff members receive paid vacation time.