During the semester, is it possible to get time off for weddings or other special events?

Hey guys!

I'm writing a blog post about teaching with EPIK and one of my points is that you DON'T get to use your vacation days during the semester. You can only take time off during the summer and winter vacation periods (besides sick leave of course). Is this correct? You wouldn't be able to take time off to fly back to the States for a wedding or something, right? If you know of exceptions, let me know!