Taking Public Service Leave
University of Montana employees who are elected or appointed to public office in a Montana city, county, or state government are entitled to take time away from work to fulfill those duties. This leave is unpaid and is available as a right rather than at the supervisor's discretion.
Who This Applies To
Faculty | Staff | Contracts
Public service leave applies to employees elected or appointed to a public office within the State of Montana. This includes positions such as city or county commissioner, state legislator, school board member, or other local or state government roles.
Entitlement
An employee elected or appointed to public office in a city, county, or the State of Montana is entitled to a leave of absence without pay not to exceed 180 days per year while performing the duties of that public office. This leave is an entitlement under Montana state law and does not require supervisor approval to be granted, though you should notify your supervisor as early as possible so your department can plan for your absence.
Process
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As soon as you know you will need public service leave, notify your supervisor and contact HRS. Providing advance notice allows your department to plan for your absence and ensures your leave is properly documented. Include the anticipated start date, expected duration, and the nature of the public service.
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Public service leave is unpaid. The same provisions that apply to discretionary leave without pay apply to public service leave including the potential impact on benefits coverage. Contact the HRS Benefits Team before your leave begins to understand your options for maintaining health insurance coverage during the leave period. Visit the Discretionary Leave of Absence Without Pay page for more information on leave without pay provisions.
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Public service leave must be reported on your time records for each pay period during the leave.
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You must return to work within ten days following the completion of the public service for which the leave was granted. Contact your supervisor and HRS in advance of your return so your department can arrange your return to active employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The leave itself is an entitlement under Montana state law and does not require supervisor approval to be granted. However you should notify your supervisor as early as possible so your department can plan for your absence. The leave must be properly documented through HRS.
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No. Public service leave is unpaid. You may receive compensation from the public office you serve but your University salary does not continue during the leave.
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Contact HRS to discuss whether using accrued annual leave alongside public service leave is appropriate in your situation. Unlike discretionary leave without pay, public service leave does not require you to exhaust paid leave first.
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Since public service leave is unpaid, you may be responsible for paying the full cost of your health insurance premiums to maintain coverage. Contact the HRS Benefits Team before your leave begins to understand your options. Visit the Discretionary Leave of Absence Without Pay page for more information on how unpaid leave affects benefits.
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Contact HRS. If your public service obligation will exceed 180 days in a year the provisions of public service leave may no longer apply for the additional time. HRS will advise on the appropriate approach for your situation.
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Contact HRS for guidance specific to your situation. As with other authorized leaves, service with the University is generally not considered interrupted by authorized leave.
Contact this Team
For questions, please submit a ticket through AskHR, email askhr@umontana.edu, or call 406-243-6760.