The University of Iowa's policy on sick leave has been updated to clarify that mental illness qualifies for sick leave in the same way as physical illness.

Updates to the policy include:

• Adding a reference to mental illness to clarify that it qualifies for sick leave in the same way as physical illness
• Adding language to clarify that medical, dental, and optical appointments qualify for sick leave, including preventative care appointments

To help support employees as they care for family members, Family Caregiving Leave now aligns with the new definition of sick leave. This allows employees to utilize Family Caregiving Leave to take family members to medical, dental, and optical appointments, including preventative care.

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, this policy change was implemented in consultation with Staff Council and aligns the UI's definition of sick leave with Iowa Code.

The complete sick leave policy can be found in the UI Policy Manual.

Updating the sick leave policy to encompass mental illness is just one way the university prioritizes the well-being of its employees, as outlined in the strategic plan.

In light of these updates, employees are encouraged to contact their local HR representative if they need to make adjustments to their August time record.