Awarding Discretionary Time Off is an opportunity to recognize people for exceptional work above normal duties.
To recommend a Discretionary Time Off award
The supervisor should send an email to Pediatrics HR (pedshr@uw.edu) and includes:
- A brief description (just two to three sentences) of the employee’s noteworthy achievements that have contributed to the unit's mission, goals and/or objectives.
- The number of days of discretionary time off are you recommending.
To Qualify for Discretionary Time Off
- Employee must be professional staff. Classified staff cannot be awarded discretionary leave.
- Employees must have less than 280 hours of vacation time off accrued in their time off balance.
Employees must have a favorable performance evaluation.
Note: A maximum of 5 days can be awarded per calendar year per departmental guidance.
Qualification on # of days awarded and tenure
| Tenure at UW | Maximum number of days qualified for |
| 0 – 3 months | 1 – 2 days max |
| 3 – 6 months | 2 – 3 days max |
| 6 – 9 months | 3 – 4 days max |
| 9 – 12 months | 4 – 5 days max |
| 12+ months | 5 days max |
Additional Information
- Recommendations for discretionary time off may be submitted at any time of the year.
- Discretionary time off should be used soon after it is awarded and must be used before vacation time off.
- Awards must be used by March 31 in the year following the award.
- If there is inconsistency of days awarded by employee on the same team (other than tenure reasoning) a reason needs to be provided. It is highly encouraged to award the same number of days within teams, if the justification is similar or the same.
- Days awarded will be prorated based on the employees FTE%.