HR #16, 2013 – 2014
| Date: | January 7, 2014 |
| To: | Senior Research Associates and Research Associates (Limited Term); Principals, Deans, Academic Directors & Chairs; Professional & Managerial Staff |
| From: | Angela Hildyard, Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity |
| Cc: | HR Divisional Offices |
| Re: | Personal Leave Guidelines and Vacation Entitlement for Research Associates (Limited Term) and Senior Research Associates |
At a recent meeting of the Research Associates Advisory Committee, it was brought to my attention that there is some inconsistency across Divisions with respect to individual work schedules and personal leave provisions.
The Policies for Senior Research Associate and Research Associates (Limited Term), specify that Research Associates (RAs) and Senior Research Associates (SRAs) are expected to schedule their work to meet the requirements of their position and to arrange their work schedules to accommodate both their obligations to the University and their family care responsibilities, health care appointments, religious observances, bereavement leave and other personal needs. Staff members are expected to consult with their supervisors regarding individual work schedules, as appropriate.
The University also has Personal Leave Guidelines for Senior Research Associates and Research Associates (Limited Term) to supplement the Policies. The Guidelines provide information regarding managing work schedules and different types of leaves. You may find it helpful to review these Guidelines. I encourage managers to use reasonable discretion in providing flexibility to Research Associates and Senior Research Associates in work / personal life matters. Your Divisional HR Office can provide support and advice, both in general and in specific circumstances
As part of our ongoing (approved) plan to ensure that the policies for SRAs and RAs are more comparable to those in place for Professional and Managerial Staff, effective January 1, 2014, the standard hours of work for SRAs and RAs will be revised to 36.25 hours per week. This change will be reflected on the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). There are no implications in terms of salary or benefits.
I do encourage all RAs and SRAs to utilize the vacation time to which they are entitled on an annual basis. Obviously scheduling vacation should take account of research responsibilities – however, it is important that everyone takes time to re-energize!
My best wishes for a healthy and happy 2014.
– See more at: http://hr.webservices.utoronto.ca/about-hr-equity/news/22m/plgavefraltasra.htm#sthash.gkis4WGV.dpuf