- How would you define your information need?
"Uncovering the rules about how leave can be taken under Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In particular, the issues of using all sick leave and vacation before being able to take leave without pay."
- How did you see yourself as stopped in your search process?
"I assumed it would be the same as last time. In conversations with [others] who had taken FMLA leave recently, it came up that things had changed. I needed to find out what the new policy was."
- Tell me about the steps you used in your search?
"I assumed the Library's HR and University HR would be a dead end. But I emailed University HR a general question anyway, about FMLA and leave without pay policies and whether taking the leave part as one and part another was allowed. She flatly said, 'no'."
- How did you feel throughout the search process?
"Beginning was frustrated and determined to find an answer. Then as I search around for information, I felt frustrated and defeated, like possibly I wouldn't find the answer I wanted. But when I finally did, I had mixed feelings. I'm glad, because it benefits me, but it's too bad that others will have to suffer the same frustration in getting this information because the answer was just talked through. Its not written down in the policy anywhere."
- Describe what questions or confusions you encountered.
"I wondered why the policy was different. Why wasn't there written information any where on opting out of FMLA designation for leave? The various leave policies in place didn't seem to work together, it was confusing to understand."
- What would help?
"Something on the University's HR website, within the FAQ about FMLA that would say something about "opt out" and the ramifications if you opt out. Basically, just more information."
- What strategies did you prefer (and use) for getting your answers? -- Prompt: Why?
"I prefer to be able to search a resource in writing. I feel this is the most reliable."
- How did you determine what was helpful or not?
"It was not helpful looking at the FMLA itself from the Government website because you have to have a lawyer to interpret it. University's HR provides some information, but its not terribly clear, especially whether you can opt out of FMLA. It wasn't until someone took a personal interest in it, that I got good answers.
- Who/what assisted you in this stage?
"Talking to others who had gone through this."
- What successes were had at arriving at answers?
"Found a good advocate who thought that FMLA should not be something that punishes. She saw the need from my situational context and understood it. She talked to [another Assistant Dean], who approved it."
- What barriers existed for arriving answers?
"Lack of clearly written information and conflicting information."
- How are you going to use this information?
"Basically arranged a internal work-around for taking part of the leave as voluntary leave without pay without exhausting all my paid leave. I will not declare part of the leave as FMLA."
" I suppose I could serve as a resource for others, by telling them my experience."
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