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Frequently Asked Questions

You can search the FAQs on our website by keyword or category above. 

A list of the most commonly asked questions.

How do I rescind my leave request after it has been approved by the DOE Medical, Leaves & Records Administration?

To rescind your non-medical leave request that has been approved, you must contact your principal to discuss rescinding your non-medical leave request. Your rescind request must be approved by your principal at least 30 days prior to the start date of your leave request. Failure to provide sufficient notice to rescind your leave may jeopardize your active status.

To rescind your medical leave request that has been approved, you must contact your principal to discuss rescinding your medical leave request and your retention on payroll. Your rescind request must be approved by your principal at least 30 days prior to the start date of your leave request. Failure to provide sufficient notice to rescind your leave may jeopardize your active status.

Once your rescind request is approved by the principal, you must fax the doctor’s fitness notice to the Medical, Leaves & Records Administration (Fax# 718-935-2641) for the DOE physician’s review. Final decision of your rescind request and your return to service is contingent upon the DOE physician’s review.

How do I withdraw my leave application?

You can withdraw your leave application by logging into SOLAS: https://apps.schools.nyc/solas

Once you log in using your DOE/Network ID and password, you can either withdraw your application OR withdraw your application and submit a new application for a different leave. Select one, and then click the “Continue” button. You cannot withdraw your application in this way once your application has been approved/denied.

How will I know that my principal/supervisor has submitted their acknowledgement/approval of my leave application?

You can confirm that your principal has submitted their acknowledgement by logging into SOLAS:
 https://apps.schools.nyc/solas

Once you log in using your DOE/Network ID and password, select “I would like to View the Details of my Leave Application” to view your checklist. The checklist shows the status of the application, including principal/supervisor acknowledgement.

How will I know that my documents I submitted to apply for taking a leave were received?

You can confirm that your documents have been received in the following ways:

Once you log in using your DOE/Network ID and password, select “I would like to View the Details of my Leave Application” to view your Checklist. The Checklist shows the status of the application, including application submission, Principal acknowledgement, and supporting documentation.

How do I check the status of my leave application in SOLAS?

You can view the status of your leave application by logging into SOLAS: https://apps.schools.nyc/solas.
Once you log in using your DOE/Network ID and password, select “I would like to View the Details of my Leave Application” to view your Checklist. The Checklist shows the current status of the application process, including any determinations that have been made.

For more information about using SOLAS, see the SOLAS FAQ page here: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/solas-faq.pdf

What do I do if I forget my password or I have trouble logging into SOLAS?

If you have lost or cannot remember your password for the Self-Service Online Leave Application System, you can use the "Password Recovery and Account Confirmation Tool"  on the NYCDOE website to recover or reset your password.

Here is a link to the password and profile management page on the NYCDOE website: https://idm.nycenet.edu/itim/self/jsp/logon/login.jsp

Here is a helpful link to the Info Hub on the NYCDOE website:
https://infohub.nyced.org/resources/employee-info/diit-helpdesk/change-your-password

For more information about using SOLAS, see the SOLAS FAQ page here: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/solas-faq.pdf

What is the Self-Service Online Leave Application System (SOLAS)?

SOLAS is an online system designed to streamline the leave application process for DOE employees. SOLAS makes it easier to apply for a leave of absence and upload the necessary supporting documentation. The link to access SOLAS online is https://apps.schools.nyc/solas.

For more information about using SOLAS, see the SOLAS FAQ page here: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/solas-faq.pdf

Who can use SOLAS?

Currently, ONLY non-supervisory pedagogical employees will have access to SOLAS. Non-supervisory pedagogical titles include: Teachers, School Psychologists, Guidance Counselors, School Social Workers, Librarians, Attendance Teachers, School Secretarial Staff, and Laboratory Specialists. At a later date, all employees will be able to use SOLAS.

For more information about using SOLAS, see the SOLAS FAQ page here:  https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/solas-faq.pdf

I want to apply for a parental leave, but what if I am unable to give notice of the actual birth date within 10 days of the event?

Unless there are special circumstances, you will not be eligible for a parental leave if you do not submit an application within 10 days of the birth. Late applications will be accepted and subject to review for valid special circumstances, which could relate to, but is not limited to, one of the following: a medical condition of the employee or the employee's family member, a premature birth, a death in the family, or reasonable travel necessary to adopt a child. 

For delivering parents, failure to submit during the proper time frame may result in being placed into a limited version of Traditional Maternity Leave WITHOUT the right to borrow days or to use a grace period. 

Why do I have to indicate in my leave application if I want to take a child care leave after I take a parental leave?

Your parental leave application also serves as an official notice to your school or work office of your intentions of how long you plan to be out so that they can prepare for your absence. You are encouraged to directly discuss your plans with your supervisor as well. You are able to amend your application and leave plans later if your intentions change.