In the event that an employee has a need to remain away from work and all his applicable accrued leave have been exhausted, the employee may request approval for an unpaid leave of absence. Approval is at the discretion of the Department Director except for leave covered by the Family/Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Approval

Except for accommodation request under the ADA, an employee must submit a written request for a leave of absence to his Department Director. The Department Director may approve or deny the request based on criteria that is unbiased and in the best interest of the Department. This process will apply to all employees and departments unless otherwise specified in a collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits While on Unpaid Leave

Sick and vacation leave accruals and retirement contributions will cease during the period that an employee is on an authorized leave of absence without pay. Continuation of other benefits will be based on the terms of the contract in place for each benefit and any applicable continuation rights. Suspended benefits will be reinstated once an employee returns to work. 

Return to Work

An employee should notify their Department Director if they intend to return to work or are released to return to work prior to the expiration of their approved leave of absence for scheduling purposes. If an employee has a release to return to full duty, but does not return to work at the end of the approved leave, the employee will be considered to have voluntarily terminated employment. If an employee is not released to full duty based on medical restrictions, but is offered an accommodation to continue employment at the end of an approved leave of absence (either in his current job or in another position), and refuses such offer, the employee will be considered to have voluntarily terminated employment.