Bereavement Policy
SPP 704–05: Bereavement Leave Benefits states, "Bereavement leave may be used if an employee must be absent because of the death of a parent, parent-in-law, brother, sister, spouse, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and any person who was a member of the employee’s established household, as well as a relative of a member of the employee’s established household. For the death of a relative not covered under this policy, refer to SPP 701–01, “Sick Leave Benefits.” I don't understand why aunts and uncles are not included in this policy, and I'd like it to be looked into, please. While I know that employees can use sick time for the death of an aunt or an uncle, it just doesn't make any justifiable sense to me as to why they were left off this policy. It especially makes no sense that in-laws (brother-in-law, sister-in-law, etc.) are written into the bereavement policy over those who could be blood relatives (aunts and uncles) who many people are oftentimes very close to. If you could please look into this and provide an explanation or get the policy changed, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you for your time.
Resolution/Notes
Thank you for your feedback. The university’s definition of immediate family / established household follows the standard practice for bereavement leave and supports the current ABOR definition. With that said, your recommendation will be forwarded to our Total Rewards team for review this coming year.