Massachusetts Reviewing Sick, Vacation Time Policies At Colleges

BOSTON (AP) — The Department of Higher Education has launched a review of decades-old leave policies for top officials.

Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago said Thursday that he's asking his staff to recommend changes to existing policies, including those related to accruing sick leave and vacation time and documenting leave time.

Santiago said the review will also look at travel policies at all community colleges and state universities.

The review comes after the former president of Bridgewater State University Dana Mohler-Faria faced criticism for cashing in his unused sick and vacation time for a one-time payment.

Mohler-Faria had also negotiated a lucrative annual consulting contract with the university, but Santiago said Thursday that Mohler-Faria has agreed to volunteer his time instead.

The commissioner said he wants the review completed in 30 days.

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