Colleagues,

This email provides information on several Human Resources (HR) policy revisions impacting employee leave time, some of which involve policies that had been temporarily adjusted in response to the pandemic.

But first, I am happy to announce that we will again observe half-day Summer Fridays as a token of the University’s appreciation for your hard work and dedication to Drexel, beginning June 17 and running through September 9. It is still critical for us to take some time for rest, relaxation and self-care. Special arrangements for time off should be made for faculty and professional staff whose responsibilities may not permit them to take a half day on Friday. Academic units with instructional needs and significant externally sponsored research commitments may also make special arrangements as needed. In addition, all student offices should remain open with a reduced staff for normal operating hours. More details can be found on the HR website. Professional staff affiliated with a collective bargaining unit should refer to their bargaining agreement for applicability.

Vacation Leave and Floating Holiday/Personal Time Policy Adjustments

In 2020, the University temporarily adjusted Vacation Leave (HR-31), increasing the maximum number of vacation hours that could be accrued from 280 to 320. Effective May 1, 2022, the maximum accrual amount of 320 hours has become a permanent part of the vacation policy.

For one additional fiscal year, Drexel will temporarily allow any unused floating holiday/ personal leave time to roll over to the next fiscal year on July 1, 2022. The floating/personal time that rolls over will need to be used by June 30, 2023. Beginning July 1, 2023, the University’s floating holiday/personal time allowance as described in the Holiday Policy (HR-30) will be reinstated, with no additional temporary roll-over allowances.

Sick Time – Temporary Policy Adjustment Ends, Negative Balances Restored

In May 2020, the University temporarily adjusted Sick Leave (HR-32), allowing employees to use future sick accruals to ensure they could receive paid time off for absences related to COVID-19. This temporary policy adjustment will end effective June 30, 2022, and any negative sick time balances will be rolled to zero on July 1, 2022.

City of Philadelphia Paid COVID-19 Leave Ordinance

Effective May 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023, Drexel University will comply with the City of Philadelphia’s Paid COVID-19 Leave Ordinance.

All full-time and part-time benefit-eligible employees will be provided up to 40 hours (or one work week) of COVID paid leave that will now be reflected in DrexelOne as a separate leave code, C19. Employees will be able to use the COVID paid leave when they are unable to work for any of the following reasons:

• Care for self or family member showing symptoms of COVID-19.
• Care for self or family member exposed to COVID-19, in order to self-isolate.
• Childcare or school closure.
• Need to receive a COVID-19 test, vaccine, or recover from injury, disability or illness related to vaccination.

There is no waiting period to use the leave time. Employees must submit a self-certified statement via email to loa@drexel.edu, reflecting the reason for the leave. If the absence will span more than the COVID leave hours provided, the employee must use available paid time off per Drexel’s time-off policies. Please email loa@drexel.edu with any questions.

Faculty members are also eligible for the COVID paid leave and should contact Human Resources for additional information. If you have any questions regarding the above policy changes, please contact your HR Business Partner.

Sincerely,

Megan Weyler
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer