The University of Oregon supports faculty, staff, and student employees (including Graduate Employees) in their pursuit of a balanced lifestyle. The university offers programs, policies, referrals and education that support employees at work, school, and home.

University leaders, managers, and supervisors are expected to provide support and flexibility to their employees, while at the same time, ensuring that the unit is able to meet operational needs. Whenever possible, supervisors are strongly encouraged to provide support and flexibility when employees have personal needs that arise outside the workplace or classroom. These needs may include, but are not limited to: death of a loved one; caring for children or other family members; personal physical, mental and emotional wellness; major life changes, such as job loss, birth or adoption of a child, etc.

University leaders, managers, and supervisors have the discretion to establish and implement work-life balance-related practices and are encouraged to give serious consideration to all reasonable requests on a case-by-case basis. Arrangements should be authorized only when it does not create unreasonable challenges for the University.

Within these guidelines, the responsibility for determining the relevance, feasibility, and timing of work-life arrangements rests with the supervisor. Considerations, including but not limited to, operational needs, safety concerns, and avoidance of disruptions to regular activities will always be substantial factors in such determinations.

University leaders, managers, and supervisors must continue to remain in compliance with all related federal and state laws, university and unit-level policies, and collective bargaining agreements.