January 15, 2021
Last year, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was enacted by Congress to provide employees with additional benefits to navigate the responsibilities of work and life during the global pandemic. The federal legislation focused on two areas: emergency paid sick leave and emergency family and medical leave. The Act, which became effective April 1, 2020, expired December 31, 2020. We were hopeful that Congress would act to extend the FFCRA prior to its expiration, but that did not occur.
As a result, it is important to note that the paid sick leave provisions under the FFCRA were only valid through December 31, 2020. Emergency paid sick leave hours are documented and reported on the Leave and Pay Exception Report with the following codes: ELH (emergency paid sick leave for OPS hourly employees) and ELS (emergency paid sick leave for all other employees).
December 31, 2020, which is under the pay period ending January 7, 2021, was the last day to use emergency paid sick leave hours or emergency family and medical leave hours. Please speak to your department payroll processor for more information.
Florida law prohibits the university from paying OPS employees for hours not worked or offering paid sick leave to OPS employees, unless such leave is otherwise required by law, such as the FFCRA. Since that federal law expired, the university is no longer able to offer any paid leave benefit to OPS employees. I am writing to provide you with additional information and resources that may be helpful to you.
Student Care Services
Student Care Services (SCS) offers guidance, resources and referrals to UCF students who are experiencing a distressing situation that significantly impacts academic or personal success. If you have financial concerns, I encourage you to reach out to Student Care Services as soon as possible.
Students who have exhausted all options with Student Financial Assistance can request support by contacting Student Care Services at caremanager@ucf.edu or 407-823-5607.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free high-quality and culturally competent clinical and outreach services to UCF students. You can contact Counseling and Psychological Services at any time for free assistance. The office can be reached at 407-823-2811.
Wellness and Health Promotion Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) coaching is available to students. Students can connect with a wellness coach for one-on-one assistance in understanding the application process. Please contact 407-823-5841 to be connected with a wellness coach to set up a virtual appointment. For more information, visit the Wellness and Health Promotion Services website.
Knights Helping Knights Pantry
The Knights Helping Knights Pantry is committed to serving UCF students by providing basic needs, including food, clothing and personal hygiene items to foster continued academic success and increase retention for students in need. Curbside pantry pick up and in-pantry shopping are available for those interested. Visit the Knights Helping Knights Pantry website for more information.
The COVID-19 pandemic has without a doubt impacted us all, introducing uncertainty and disrupting our ordinary way of life, but what remains constant is that in challenging times we Charge On. We must remain vigilant about COVID-19 and take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us, no matter where we are.
We will face the challenges ahead with the same courage, positivity and devotion that we have demonstrated this past year. Thank you for all you do to support our university as an employee.
Armor Up, Knights, and Charge On!
Maureen Binder
Associate Vice President
Chief Human Resources Officer