Wake Forest University provides comprehensive disability and leave of absence benefits to support faculty and staff, including short-term and long-term disability coverage, paid parental leave, and protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Below, explore your eligibility, benefit details, and the steps to request a leave in Workday.
Short-Term, Long-Term, and Workers’ Compensation
Wake Forest offers coverage through New York Life to protect against financial hardships due to disability. As it relates to these programs, “disability” is defined as an absence or inability to perform one’s occupation due to illness or injury.
Short-Term Leave
Eligible full-time staff receive salary continuation at 60% of base pay, from the 6th through the 130th work day of illness or injury. Faculty should consult the Absences and Leaves of Absence in the Faculty Handbook.
Once you have determined that you will be out of work beyond five days, immediately:
- Contact Human Resources at 336.758.4700.
- Submit your request for Short-Term Disability in Workday.
Long-Term Leave
Long-term disability begins on the 131st workday of illness or injury for eligible full-time faculty and staff. The benefit equals 60% of pre-disability earnings, up to a $10,000 per month maximum. Partial disability benefits are available.
Long-Term Leave Summary Plan Description
- Contact Human Resources at 336.758.4700 to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Counselor.
Workers’ Compensation
If a compensable on-the-job injury results in a disability lasting more than 21 days, faculty and staff will be paid from the date of the disability.
- If injured at work and need non-emergent medical attention, please visit a preferred treatment facility.
- If you are injured on the job as a result of a work-related compensable accident, as soon as reasonably possible, the employee who has sustained an injury or accident must report it to their supervisor and Human Resources by emailing absence@wfu.edu or by phone at (336)758-4700, press option 3. Supervisors will be provided instructions to complete the First Report of Incident form. After a seven-day waiting period, you may begin drawing weekly workers’ compensation benefits if you require time away from work.
- Provide a written copy of your Doctor’s notice to return to work to Human Resources.
Parental Leave
Wake Forest offers six weeks of base salary continuation for the non-birthing/adoptive parent and up to eight weeks for the birthing parent. The parental leave allows for bonding with the child, a period of family adjustment and healthy recovery of the birthing parent. The leave may occur during the 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child.
How to Request Parental Leave (Staff)
- Provide written notice to your Department Head and Supervisor.
- Log into Workday to submit your Staff Parental/Adoption Leave and Family and Medical Leave requests.
How to Request Parental Leave (Faculty)
Log into Workday to submit your Faculty Parental/Adoption Leave request and contact us with questions.
Family and Medical Leave (FML)
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. This section outlines the duration of available leave and the steps to submit your request in Workday.
12 Weeks
As an eligible faculty or staff member, you may take up to 12 weeks of FML for a variety of reasons related to serious health conditions and qualifying exigencies (for involvement in the Armed Forces or National Guard).
26 Weeks
You may take up to 26 weeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member, including a veteran, when you are the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of the covered service member.
Paid vs. Unpaid
Your individual situation will determine whether the leave is paid or unpaid, as well as the duration.
How to Request Family and Medical Leave
- Provide written notice to your Department Head and Supervisor (at least 30 days notice if the leave is foreseeable by 30 days).
- Log into Workday to submit your Family and Medical Leave request.
- Complete and send the following to Human Resources:
• Certification of Health Care Provider (if caring for yourself) OR
• Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Members (if caring for a family member)
(Complete Section II and provide the form to a medical provider to complete Section III.)
2026 Benefits Guidebook
The 2026 Benefits Guidebook for Faculty and Staff outlines benefits specific to the Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, plan year. The information included in the guidebook is intended as a benefit summary only.
Wake Forest University Human Resources
P.O. Box 7424, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
askHR@wfu.edu | P 336.758.4700 | F 336.758.6127