This section also applies to the following Other Academic Staff on 12-month appointments who are paid through sponsored research funds: Senior Research Scientists/ Engineers/ Associates and Postdoctoral Associates/ Senior Postdoctoral Associates.

Vacation Tracking Method
SRS staff members access Vacation Tracker through SAPWeb Self Service to record vacation time taken. The system directly updates the information in MIT's payroll and financial systems (SAP), and facilitates timely and accurate vacation credits to research cost objects. Vacation Tracker also provides tools for DLC vacation administrators to monitor vacation records for SRS staff members in their areas on the SAPWeb Employee tab.

• One Current Balance - You have a single vacation balance that reflects the total number of days currently available to you.
• Monthly Accrual - You accrue vacation on a monthly basis on your anniversary date.
• Upper Limit & Borrowing - You may accrue a vacation balance up to 40 full-time days, not including 5th week vacation, and borrow up to 5 days of unearned vacation.

FAQs
On what date do I accrue my vacation each month?
This is based on your Leave Accrual Rate Date. In most cases, the Leave Accrual Rate Date is the date you started employment. For example, if you started as an MIT employee on 11/26/01, you will receive vacation on the 25th of each month.

Am I able to make a vacation request through SAP?
No. SAP does not replace local procedures for vacation approval. Prior to requesting vacation leave, you should check to determine your current balance. Supervisors have responsibility for coordinating and approving vacation schedules of their employees, following employees' preferences whenever work requirements in the department permit. The amount of vacation to be taken in any one period of time should be discussed well in advance with the supervisor, to allow adequate time to plan for work coverage.

Are there any training materials on how to use the new system?
Yes. Quick cards for both SRS staff and vacation administrators are available on the VPF Payroll website.

I still have questions that aren't covered by anything I've read here. What do I do?
Feel free to contact your Human Resources Officer for assistance, or e-mail hrpolicies@mit.edu. If you are unable to access the online system, please contact the IS&T Help Desk.