Employee Matters
This column by Employee Compensation and Benefits Services addresses campuswide employment issues. Send your questions to: wisweek@news.wisc.edu.
Am I eligible for vacation?
If you are a full- or part-time, annual (12-month) employee participating in the Wisconsin Retirement System you are eligible. Academic-year (nine-month) appointees are not.
How much vacation do I receive?
You are allocated 176 hours at the beginning of each fiscal year if you hold a 100 percent appointment. Appointments of less than 100 percent receive a pro-rated amount, and vacation option amounts are pro-rated accordingly.
Is approval required to use vacation?
Yes, your supervisor or department chair must approve vacation. Your monthly leave statement reflects the amount of vacation available.
Can I carry over vacation from one year to the next?
Yes. You can carry over up to 176 hours upon approval of your supervisor or department chair. You must use carried-over vacation before the beginning of the next fiscal year or it will be forfeited.
What is the Annual Leave Reserve Account benefit?
This option allows you to bank up to 40 hours of vacation each fiscal year in an Annual Leave Reserve Account. You are eligible for this beginning with the fiscal year following the year in which you complete 10 or more years of WRS service with the university or state government in a position in which you earned vacation. You are notified of this benefit in June the year prior to completing your 10 years. In May of the year you are eligible to bank vacation, you are advised of the amount of vacation you can bank. You can use banked hours at anytime with approval by your supervisor or department chair.
Can I be paid cash for vacation?
Upon completion of 25 years of WRS service, you can opt for a cash payment of up to 40 hours of vacation. You can also bank an additional 40 hours in your ALRA. You are notified when you are eligible for cash payment. Payments are made on July 1 of each year.
What if my appointment changes from annual (12 months) to academic (nine months)?
You can retain all accumulated vacation until all UW–Madison employment is terminated or you can receive a lump-sum payment.
What happens if I terminate employment?
Consult with your supervisor or department chair before your termination date. You may be required to use all vacation before termination, or you may be allowed to extend your termination date or elect a lump sum payment.
What if you transfer within the UW System or to another Wisconsin state agency?
If the new institution or agency will not accept responsibility for your unused vacation account balance and use of your vacation prior to termination is not possible, you will receive a lump sum payment.
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Questions?
Contact a benefit specialist, 263-7556 or 262-5650, employee@bussvc.wisc.edu.