What’s New

As originally written, the bill would have applied to all Rutgers employees?staff, faculty, and administrators. It would have had a disastrous impact on Rutgers' ability to recruit, retain, and promote highly talented faculty and staff. Our proximity to two major cities in adjacent states has always enhanced our success in attracting top personnel. As a result of aggressive advocacy by the University, the bill was amended to provide a number of safeguards for employees at Rutgers and the other public universities and colleges across the state, and it is the amended version that was signed into law. Nevertheless, many of its provisions will have a direct impact on Rutgers employees.

Please visit the University Human Resources website at http://uhr.rutgers.edu/policies-resources/faqs-2/faq-new-jersey-first-actresidency-law to access a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). You may also send queries regarding how the new law may impact your personal situation by writing to NJ.Residency@rutgers.edu.

Please be aware that new Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) government regulations went into effect on January 16, 2009. The new regulations amend the FMLA to provide leave for a "military caregiver," defined as the spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin of a covered service member who is recovering from a serious illness or injury sustained in the line of duty on active duty. The amended FMLA also provides for leave because of certain "qualifying exigencies" arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on or called to active duty. For more information, visit the FMLA webpage.

With respect to rights and responsibilities of employees and employers under FMLA, various certification and notification forms have been developed by the U.S. Department of Labor. These forms have been adapted by the University for use in administering the FMLA, the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), and University medical leaves. Therefore, please use these forms and discontinue use of any prior versions of letters or certifications. For more information and links to the new forms, visit the FMLA webpage. Forms are also available on the Get A Form webpage under "Family & Medical Leave."