9.2 Non-professional development leaves

Leave without pay may be granted for a period of up to one year. There must be an expectation of return to Waterloo at the end of the requested unpaid leave. Leaves in excess of four calendar months must also be approved by the appropriate senior administrative officer (i.e., the University Librarian). In all cases, copies of written approvals must be given to Human Resources.

Duration: Maximum of 1 year

Documentation and process: Librarian/Archivist submits a written request to their manager, detailing the impact on the department and effective level of service. Requests for leave without pay are considered individually on their merits and recommended for approval by the Department Head/Manager, in consultation with Human Resources. Final approval is sought from the University Librarian. 

Important links:

• Policy 39 - Leaves of Absence for Staff Members, see section 2, ‘Unpaid leaves of absence

• Human Resources - Types of absences and leaves, see unpaid leave

Approved unpaid leaves of six months to one year may be self-funded through a deferred salary leave agreement signed with Waterloo. 

Duration: Maximum 1 year

Documentation and Process: Must be requested 3 years in advance. Librarian/Archivist submits a written request to their manager, detailing the impact on the department and effective level of service. Requests for self-funded leaves are considered individually on their merits and recommended for approval by the Department Head/Manager, in consultation with Human Resources. Final approval is sought from the University Librarian.

Important links:

• Policy 39 - Leaves of Absence for Staff Members, see section 3, ‘Self-funded leaves’

• Human Resources - Types of absences and leaves, see self-funded leave

A regularly scheduled and approved ongoing arrangement initiated by the staff member whereby they work from home for a maximum of two (2) days per week. A work from home agreement is a signed contract between the individual, their manager, and HR that align with Waterloo’s Work from Home Guidelines. 

Under a Work from Home Agreement, a Librarian/Archivist is engaging in their regular job duties from home.

Example: You have a difficult commute and would like to work from home two days a week to help. You perform your regular duties at home.

Duration: Maximum of 2 days per week

Documentation and process: Librarian/Archivist discusses with their manager, and fills in the Work from Home Agreement form.

Librarians/Archivists may take work-from-home days on an ad-hoc basis in consultation with their manager. During an ad-hoc work-from-home individuals participate in their regular duties.

Examples: 

1. You have a medical appointment near your home in the afternoon. You ask your manager to work from home so that you can work before and after your appointment to reduce the amount of travel time.
2. The weather is bad and you don’t feel it’s safe to drive to work, but Waterloo is still open. You ask your manager to work from home.

Duration: Normally a single day. 

Documentation and process:  Librarian/Archivist discusses with their manager. 

• Policy 39 - Leaves of Absence for Staff Members, see section 3, ‘Self-funded leaves’

• Human Resources - Types of absences and leaves, see self-funded leave