In following the recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control regarding flu outbreaks this fall, the HR Department has   revised UPP 4-06 Attendance Non-Faculty Employees and UPP 4-08 Sick Leave.

The CDC recommendation is that employees with flu-like symptoms “should stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone and avoid contact with other people.”  Because most persons with the flu will recover in three to five days without seeing a medical provider, the university is suspending the physician’s release requirement in UPP 4-06 and UPP 4-08 through the end of the 2010 spring semester to better accommodate an employee’s return to work following recovery from the flu.

Employees should call a health care provider if they cannot take care of themselves or a loved one at home, or if they or a family member have a high fever with shaking chills, coughing that produces thick mucous, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, worsening of an existing medical condition or any underlying medical condition such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.

UPP 4-08 will be revised to allow employees who have available sick leave to use sick time to care for a flu-stricken immediate family member. This revision will be in effect through the end of the 2010 semester. The university’s attendance policy will remain in place, and employees would still be subject to our existing attendance standards with regard to the use of sick time.

What is the Sick Leave Policy?

Eligible employees may use available sick hours to recuperate and recover from illness for scheduled working days in accordance with specific provisions of the university policy.  All sick time taken must be properly recorded by the employee via the appropriate timekeeping mechanism and approved by the supervisor.  An employee who is absent due to illness must provide adequate notice of the absence to his/her supervisor. Such notice should take the form of a phone call or phone message to the supervisor at least one hour in advance of the start of the employee’s work schedule.  Employees are subject to the university’s attendance policy with regard to the use of sick time. 

If someone in my family has the flu, should I still report to work?

Yes.  Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with the flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health for the development of symptoms and take typical precautions to prevent the spread of germs.  If you have an underlying medical condition, you should contact your health care provider for specific instructions regarding your medical condition.

Can I use sick time to care for my immediate family member with flu symptoms or to take my child to the doctor?

UPP 4-08 Sick Leave Policy has been modified for the flu season through the end of the 2010 spring semester.  This allows employees who accumulate sick time to use earned and available sick hours to care for a flu-stricken family member.  All sick time taken must be properly recorded by the employee via the appropriate timekeeping mechanism and approved by the supervisor.  A new payroll code, “sick family,” has been added and must be used to record time used to care for an immediate family member.  An employee who is absent due to illness must provide adequate notice of the absence to his/her supervisor. Such notice should take the form of a phone call or phone message to the supervisor at least one hour in advance of the start of the employee’s work schedule.  The university’s attendance policy will remain in place, and employees are still subject to our existing attendance standards with regard to the use of sick time. 

How is immediate family defined in this policy?

Immediate family includes children, spouse or parent.

If I stay home to care for an immediate family member, how should I record this on my timesheet?

 

All sick time taken must be properly recorded by the employee via the appropriate timekeeping mechanism and approved by the supervisor.  A new payroll code, “sick family,” has been added and must be used to record time used to care for an immediate family member.

 

Does staying home with a sick family member subject the employee to UPP 4-06 Attendance Policy?

 

Yes, the university’s attendance policy will remain in place, and employees are still subject to our existing attendance standards with regard to the use of sick time.

What if my child’s school or daycare closes due to an H1N1 outbreak?

In the event an employee needs to be absent from work due to school dismissals or childcare closures, earned and available vacation time may be used.  Sick hours cannot be used for this purpose.

How does this apply to Exempt/Administrative employees?

An employee who is absent due to illness must provide adequate notice of the absence to his/her supervisor. Such notice should take the form of a phone call or phone message to the supervisor at least one hour in advance of the start of the employee’s work schedule.  Sick time use should be monitored by the supervisor.  Exempt/Administrative employees are subject to the university’s attendance standards as outlined in UPP 4-06 Attendance Policy. 

Where can I find UPP 4-06 Attendance Non-Faculty Employees and UPP 4-08 Sick Leave Policy?

http://www.marquette.edu/upp/

Where can I get updated information about the H1N1 flu?

Keep yourself informed by reviewing the Marquette Student Health Service Web Site: http://www.marquette.edu/shs/clinical/swineflu.shtml.  As the H1N1 flu situation continues to develop, the university will post updates or communicate with campus as needed.

How can I prevent the flu?

While the flu may not be entirely prevented, there are important measures that can be taken to minimize its impact. 

• Get vaccinated against seasonal flu.
  Take advantage of the seasonal flu immunization that is very effective in preventing this annual strain of influenza. Seasonal flu shots will be available for employees at Employee Benefit Information and Wellness Day, Oct. 26. Additional flu shot dates include, September 22 & September 23 from 8am - 1pm at the Alumni Memorial Union Room 252.
• Take preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your shirt sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Frequently clean surfaces such as doorknobs and computer keyboards.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from work and campus activities, if sick with a flu-like illness, until the fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.  A flu-like illness is defined as a combination of fever with either cough or sore throat, often accompanied by body aches and fatigue. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.