Can I use vacation or sick days instead of furlough so that I can still get paid?

No. The purpose of a furlough is to reduce costs through a temporary unpaid leave of absence.  Using vacation or sick days would defeat that purpose.

Does furlough mean I’ll get paid later for those days, or do I completely lose that income?

You completely lose that income. Furlough days are unpaid, and employees will not recover funds or be reimbursed for those days.

How do we submit a furlough day through the system?

Furlough days will be submitted through Employee Self Service.

Go to Form Smart  > Select Furlough (without pay)

How much notice do I need to give my supervisor when planning a furlough day?

Please provide at least 2 days notice to your supervisor before taking a furlough day.

Do we have to take furlough days one at a time, or can we take them all at once?

You may take furlough days either one at a time or consecutively. Please coordinate your schedule with your manager to ensure coverage and operational needs are met.

Does reporting to SURS mean that they will not deduct a contribution on days that we are furloughed?

Yes. Since furlough days are unpaid, no contributions will be deducted for those days. Your SURS (State Universities Retirement System) contributions are based on paid earnings, so furlough days will not count toward contributions.

Will furlough days affect my health insurance or other benefits?

No. Your health insurance and other benefits remain active during furloughs, as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements. Premiums will still be deducted from your paycheck when you receive pay.

Do furlough days affect my seniority or years of service?

No. Furlough days do not reduce your seniority or service credit. They are treated as temporary unpaid leave and do not reset your employment status.

Can furlough days be scheduled during winter break?

Yes. Furlough days may be taken on days that are not paid holidays. Furlough days can be taken on the following days during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters.

11/18/25 - 11/21/25

11/24/25 & 11/25/25

12/1/25 - 12/5/25

12/8/25 - 12/12/25

12/22/25 & 12/23/25

12/26/25

12/29/25 & 12/30

1/2/26 - 1/31/26

What happens if I don’t schedule my furlough days?

Furlough days are required, and employees must coordinate with their supervisors to ensure they are taken. If furlough days are not submitted by the employee, they will be scheduled by the supervisor and automatically deducted from earnings.