Disaster Service Leave
Disaster Service Leave is a special type of paid leave available to University System of Maryland (USM) employees. This leave supports employees who provide approved volunteer services during officially recognized disaster events.
Eligibility
An employee may be eligible for Disaster Service Leave with pay if they meet one of the following criteria:
- The employee is certified by the American Red Cross as a disaster service volunteer, and:
- The American Red Cross requests the employee’s services
- The disaster is designated at Level II or above under National Red Cross regulations
- The employee is a member of one of the following organizations:
- Civil Air Patrol
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Voluntary Reservist
- Maryland voluntary organization active in a disaster
- Volunteer emergency medical services department
- Volunteer fire department
- Volunteer rescue company or rescue squad
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Leave Available
| Type of Leave | Maximum Allowed |
|---|---|
| Disaster Service Leave | Up to 30 paid days in any 12-month period |
Important:
- Leave may be used only after approval from the employee’s appointing authority.
- The appointing authority may deny the request if it would negatively impact the operational needs of the institution.
- This leave does not reduce your sick or annual leave balance.
How to Request Disaster Service Leave
Complete the Disaster Service Leave Request Form
- Submit your request:
- Submit Online
- or Email to umdleave@umd.edu
- Include supporting documentation with your request:
- Proof of Disaster Service Participation
- Proof the disaster was declared Level II emergency
- State anticipated duration of leave
If documentation is not available at the time of request, you have 15 days to provide it.
Policy & Additional Information
Disaster Service Leave Policy – USM Bylaws, Section VII-7.26