A centralized University leave team and our new leave management partner, Unum, have made applying for and managing the leave process easier for employees and their supervisors. The effort was part of a series of long-term, collaborative strategies and solutions implemented to improve the quality and effectiveness of services, policies and procedures on campus and across the UM System. These efforts create greater consistency across our system and also reduce costs for the universities.
Learn more about leave and how our partnership with Unum is improving the work experience for our faculty and staff.
- Why a vendor partner
- Benefits of Unum
- For those on FMLA prior to Unum transition
- Applying for FMLA on or Unum transition
- Training
- FAQs
Why a vendor partner
In 2018, University staff completed an Administrative Review that identified areas of opportunity in key functional areas. Based on the results of the review, the Office of Human Resources is shifting transactional, repetitive and high-volume work to a shared services or self-service model to reduce risk for the University and its employees; free up capacity in departments and academic resources; and reduce HR rework.
About Unum
A partnership with Unum helps our University streamline the leave process, which means time and resources can be redistributed to other core, mission-driven functions. A central University leave team and our Unum partners have standardized and improved the leave experience. That means employees who need to take a leave of absence have a consistent experience regardless of their role or where they work systemwide. In addition, Unum makes applying for leave more seamless for employees and managing leave easier for supervisors. As a vendor partner, Unum provides a confidential, secure way to manage claims and even provides self-service web capabilities and claim management through the Unum Customer Service app.
Applying for FMLA on or after Unum transition
Learn more about how to apply for FMLA through Unum or learn more about the Family and Medical Leave Act in general on the HR-407 Family and Medical Leave Act webpage.
Training
Training for supervisors, managers and timekeepers is currently being conducted. Training covers an FMLA refresher, changes to the FMLA process and working with our new vendor partner, Unum. If you'd like to review information from the training session, access our FMLA Transition Process Handout or the additional FMLA Resources Handout.
Additional information and registration can be found below.
Training for supervisors, managers and timekeepers
MU, UM System
| Date | Time | Location | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 | 3 - 4:30 p.m. | Remote - attend from any location | Enroll now in myLearn |
MU Health Care
| Date | Time | Location | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11 | 9 - 10:30 a.m. | Remote - attend from any location | Enroll now in Saba |
| May 14 | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Remote - attend from any location | Enroll now in Saba |
UMKC
| Date | Time | Location | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Remote - attend from any location | Enroll now in myLearn |
Missouri S&T
Training sessions complete
UMSL
Training sessions complete
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m currently on approved continuous FMLA. Do I need to contact Unum?
No, you do not need to contact Unum. If you are returning to work after May 10, 2020, Unum will reach out to you via a telephone call to confirm your return-to-work date and will also send a follow-up email to your supervisor, manager, or director.
I’m currently on approved intermittent FMLA. Do I need to contact Unum?
On or after May 1, 2020, you will need to notify Unum to report your absences. All intermittent absences must be reported to Unum within 5 calendar days; otherwise, your absence may not be protected under the FMLA.
How do I report my intermittent leave time?
- Contact your supervisor. Employees must continue to comply with normal call-in procedures for their department/unit.
- Notify Unum. You will also need to notify Unum to report the absence. All intermittent absences must be reported to Unum within 5 calendar days; otherwise, your absence may not be protected under the FMLA.
- Complete your timesheet. Finally, you need to record your absence on your timesheet with appropriate FMLA reporting codes; otherwise, the absence may not be paid.
Do I need to re-certify with Unum after May 1?
No, you do not need to re-certify your current FMLA approved leave with Unum. However, if your circumstances change, Unum may require a new certification.
How do I check my leave entitlement?
FMLA entitlement balances may be reviewed by contacting Unum directly, visiting the Unum website (www.unum.com), or downloading the Unum mobile application for your Apple or Android device.
Am I required to set up an account with Unum?
No, you are not required to set up an account with Unum, however if you would like to check your leave balance via the Unum website, you will need to set up an account online by securely registering at www.unum.com. You can also use Unum’s mobile application for Apple and Android devices.
How do I review notifications I received from Unum about my leave?
You may contact Unum, visit the Unum website, or use Unum’s mobile application for your Apple or Android device.
How will my paid time off be applied during my leave?
For information about paid time off during Expanded FMLA Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, see HR-700 Enhanced HR Policies for Employees in Response to COVID-19.
For all other FMLA leave see below:
Unless otherwise requested, administrative, service and support staff and certain non-regular academic employees’ paid time off will be applied in the following order:
- Sick leave
- Vacation leave
- Personal leave
- Other as available (comp time, winter break leave)
- Once paid time off is exhausted, FMLA leaves are without pay.
If you would like your paid time off to be applied in a different order, please make your request to the UM System Leave Team at umleaveadmin@umsystem.edu as soon as possible. Faculty will receive paid FMLA leave as defined in CRR 340.070. The following order will be submitted for paid leave, with no exceptions:
- The available balance of paid FMLA leave will be paid first;
- Once FMLA leave is exhausted per CRR 340.070, faculty must use the four (4) weeks of annual leave (defined as 20 days each year) per CRR 320.070.
- Once all paid leave is exhausted, FMLA leaves are without pay.
How do I know if I am eligible for FMLA?
Call Unum’s Leave Management Center or review HR-407 Family and Medical Leave Act on the UM System Human Resource’s website.
What do I need to provide to return to work after my leave?
Leave for your own health condition will require you to present a Fit for Duty certificate to your supervisor, manager or director as a condition of being restored to employment.
Can I return to work early after using FMLA?
If your physician determines you are able to return to work sooner than your original estimated return to work date, notify Unum’s Leave Management Center at least two business days before the date you intend to report for work. Leave for your own health condition will require you to present a Fit for Duty certificate to your supervisor, manager, or director from your physician upon your return.
What if I need to extend my leave beyond the period that was originally approved?
Notify your manager of your need and call Unum’s Leave Management Center as soon as possible. You will be required to provide additional certification of the health condition.
If accommodations are needed to navigate Unum resources, please contact your campus Benefit/Retirement Specialist (HR Generalist).
Reviewed 2020-06-04