Personal Observance Leave

On Monday, June 6, 2022, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 262 (“Employee Leave to Recognize a Day of Cultural, Religious, or Personal Significance”). President Hans has authorized UNC System institutions to provide this paid Personal Observance Leave to all leave-earning staff and faculty, effective immediately.

The Banner Leave System is being updated to reflect these new categories and more  information about how to record the leave will be shared soon.

Key policy provisions include:

  • The leave can be used for any single day of personal significance, which includes, but is  not limited to days of cultural or religious importance;
  • The leave must be used in one work shift, hours can not be split to use on different days;
  • Eight hours of paid leave is available to employees (SHRA and EHRA non-faculty staff) annually on a calendar-year basis. The leave is prorated for part-time employees;
  • Probationary, time-limited, and permanent employees are eligible for this leave; however, temporary employees are not eligible;
  • New employees hired after the date of implementation of this policy are also eligible;
  • Consistent with other types of leave, supervisory approval is needed before employees may use the leave; supervisors are encouraged to accommodate employees;
  • This leave is not paid out upon separation;
  • If this leave is not used, it expires at the end of the calendar year and is not paid out.

See the policy and FAQs for more detailed information:

NC Office of State Human Resources Policy

Frequently Asked Questions