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)

Postdocs who are unable to continue with their assigned duties, either temporarily or for an extended time, should notify their faculty mentor 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 appointee and faculty mentor.

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’s webpage and the recent communication from VCR Brandt. Questions may be directed to the campus Office of Research.

Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct

Postdoctoral Scholars that are paid directly by their sponsor are eligible for all three COVID-19 related leaves. However, if the sponsoring agency does not allow for paid leave, a COVID-19 related paid leave may only be approved if an appropriate funding source is identified.  If an alternate funding source is identified, the scholar must be transferred to a Postdoctoral Scholar--Employee title, and may be subject to tax withholding and other deductions.

Extended Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL)

Postdocs are 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 23, Postdocs are eligible to use sick leave for the reasons listed in Article 23, including to care for their own illness, to care for a sick family member. 

Personal Time Off

In accordance with Article 17, Postdocs are eligible to use personal time off with pay for any of the approved COVID circumstances listed above.