updated 11/12/2020 (UC EPAL extended through June 30, 2021)
updated 1/4/21 (Sick Leave for COVID-Related Child Care removed - provision expired 12/31/20)
updated 1/8/21 (FFCRA leaves removed; expired 12/31/20 - EPSL and EFML are no longer available)
updated 4/1/21 (2021 EPSL information added)
updated 7/12/21 (UC Expanded Paid Administrative Leave (EPAL) removed; expired 6/30/21)
updated 9/17/21 (time to use 2021 EPSL extended through June 30, 2022)
updated 10/7/21 (additional details on Extended EPSL)
updated 2/23/22 (new Extended EPSL22)

The following information applies to Professional Research, Specialist, and Project (e.g. Scientist) series.

Researchers who are unable to continue with their assigned duties, either temporarily or for an extended time, should notify their supervisor and immediately contact their divisional academic personnel coordinator. The academic personnel coordinator will help determine the most appropriate leave type(s) and provide information and guidance to the employee and supervisor.

By UC policy, Extended EPSL is available to all eligible employees, regardless of funding source. For current information from extramural funders, refer to UCOP’s Research and Innovation Office, Research Policy Analysis and Coordination webpage and the recent communication from VCR Brandt. Questions may be directed to the campus Office of Research.

Visiting Researchers

Visiting appointees to any of the academic research titles are eligible to the same extent that non-visiting appointees are eligible. 

Extended Emergency Paid Sick Leave (Extended EPSL)

Academic Researchers may be eligible for Extended EPSL, prorated based on their percentage of time, for any EPSL qualifying reason. Please refer to the COVID-Related Leave for Academic Employees webpage for more information.

• Extended EPSL will not be granted beyond the end date of the term appointment unless there is a subsequent academic appointment.  

Additional COVID-Related Provisions

Sick Leave

In accordance with Article 25, Academic Researchers are eligible to use sick leave for the reasons listed in Article 25, including to care for their own illness, to care for a sick family member. 

Vacation

In accordance with Article 32, Academic Researchers may use accrued vacation for any of the approved COVID circumstances listed above.