Leave Benefits

The University provides a variety of leave programs to meet the needs of its faculty and staff — from paid vacation and sick leave to community service and military leave. 

Vacation and Sick Leave

SHRA Employees

Permanent employees regularly scheduled to work at least 20 or more hours per week, and who are in pay status for at least one-half of the days in a month, are eligible to earn leave. Permanent full-time employees (40 hours per week) earn vacation and sick leave according to the chart below. Employees who work less than 40 hours per week earn leave on a pro-rated basis according to the number of scheduled work hours each week. See the SHRA vacation and sick leave policies.

Years of Service
Vacation Leave
Annual Accrual
Sick Leave
Annual Accruals
 0-5
112 hours
96 hours
5-10
136 hours
96 hours
10-15
160 hours
96 hours
15-20
184 hours
96 hours
20+
208 hours
96 hours

EHRA Non-Faculty Employees

EHRA Non-Faculty employees (SAAO Tier II and IRIT classifications) are entitled to 24 days of vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per calendar year. The amount of annual leave is adjusted proportionately for part-time employees in covered positions who work half-time or more. Leave shall be earned on a monthly basis. The monthly earnings amount is equal to one-twelfth of the annual leave accrual rate for each month the employee works or is on an approved leave with pay at least half the working days of the month.

EHRA Non-Faculty Tier 1 Senior Academic and Administrative Officers are entitled to 26 days of vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per calendar year.

Faculty

Twelve-month faculty are entitled to 24 days of vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per calendar year. The amount of annual leave is adjusted proportionately for part-time faculty members in covered positions who work half-time or more. Leave is earned on a monthly basis. The monthly earnings amount is equal to one-twelfth of the annual leave accrual rate for each month the faculty member works or is on an approved least with pay at least half the working days of the month.

Nine-month faculty members do not earn either vacation or sick leave. They are eligible for paid serious illness and parental leave.

Disclaimer

If transferring between UNC System constituent institutions, acceptance of leave from one institution to another varies by individual institutional policies as does leave payout.

Holidays, Bonus Leave, and Leave Offsetting

Civil and Community Service Leave

Administrative Leave Programs

Medical Leave / ADA Programs

Paid Parental Leave

Other Leave Programs

EHRA-Specific Leave Programs

To find a certain policy, go to the UNC Policy Manual and search for the bold number shown with each policy title. Most personnel policies are included in Chapter 300 of the manual.

Benefits at a Glance

New Employee?

Watch a video that outlines your various benefit choices.

Thinking about Retiring?

Check out the UNC Retirement Planning Guide.

Did you Know?

The UNC System offers hundreds of online degree programs. 

Need Confidential Help?

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for free and confidential consultation about work or personal/family issues.