DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP
POLICY & PROCEDURE

Benefits for Domestic Partners
Definition of Domestic Partner
Policy
Procedure

POLICY
As defined by the core mission of the University Cluster of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is committed to diversification of the student body, and the faculty and staff, as well as serving the needs of those diverse groups. Given this commitment, it is critical that all members of the student body, and faculty and staff, are accorded equal benefits to the extent allowable under University of Wisconsin System regulations. Therefore, Domestic Partners of students, faculty and staff will receive all benefits given to spouses of such groups as allowed by the University of Wisconsin System. Such benefits include, but are not limited to: use of the Campus Child Care Center; borrowing privileges at Murphy Library; use of the Employee Assistance Program; donor recognition, family memberships and use privileges for the Cleary Center; and use of recreation facilities at Mitchell Hall. The University of Wisconsin System regulations preclude the extension of health insurance benefits to Domestic Partners.

Approved by Chancellor Kuipers on May 18, 1998.

Domestic Partners are defined as two individuals who, together, each meet all of the following criteria set forth in the Domestic Partner Affidavit, UWS-50:
    1. Are 18 years of age or older.
    2. Are competent to enter into a contract.
    3. Are not legally married to, nor the domestic partner of, any other person.
    4. Are not related by marriage.
    5. Are not related by blood closer than permitted under marriage laws of the State of Wisconsin.
    6. Have entered into the domestic partner relationship voluntarily, willingly, and without reservation.
    7. Have entered into a relationship which is the functional equivalent of a marriage, and which includes all of the following:
            a. living together as a couple;
            b. mutual support of each other;
            c. mutual caring and commitment to each other;
            d. mutual fidelity;
            e. mutual responsibility for each other's welfare; and
            f. joint responsibility for the necessities in life.
    8. Have been living together as a couple for at least six (6) months prior to registration with the Subscriber's employer.
    9. Intend to continue the domestic partner relationship indefinitely, while understanding that the relationship is terminable at the will of either partner.

PROCEDURE
Employees who wish to initiate the process for receiving domestic partner benefits should complete an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership (UWS-50). The original will be filed with the Office of Staff Benefits & Payroll Policy at UW-System Administration, with a copy kept locally in UW-L Human Resources. Employees will also be provided with two copies of the form, one for each partner.

The original form will be kept on file with UW-System Administration until the employee:
    1. changes the partner designation with UW-System Administration by completing a new form;
    2. requests removal of the document by completing an Affidavit of Termination of Domestic Partnership (UWS-51) (any benefit coverage for the domestic partner and his or her dependent children terminates at the end of the month in which the relationship ended); or
    3. terminates employment with UW-L, unless the employee is transferring to another campus within the UW-System.

Employees and their domestic partners can use their copy of the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership to receive benefits on campus. For information on registration, call Human Resources at 785-8013. For more information about the benefits available to domestic partners, contact Affirmative Action at 785-8541.