Purpose

To continue to support the achievement of excellence in the University's workforce by supporting the academic aspirations of employees.

Eligibility

All Faculty, Executive, Administrative/Managerial, and Professional Staff on regular appointments are eligible to apply for Study Leave.

General Provisions

Eligible employees may apply for Leave Without Pay for purposes of pursuing higher education goals that are consistent with the programs and functions carried out by the University, and where such pursuits will result in the ability to contribute toward the University's goals and objectives.

Application & Approval

Requests for Study Leave must be submitted in writing to the Department Head and then the Component Head. The Component Head reviews the request and forwards his or her recommendation to the President. The President gives final approval to all Study Leave requests. Requests should be made one (1) year in advance of the date leave is to commence.

Duration of Leave

Study Leave is approved for one year at a time, and is usually limited to a two year duration. The employee must apply for an extension each year. Non-Faculty employees requesting extensions should do so at least six (6) months prior to the date that their leave is to expire. The University reserves the right to require substantiation to support requests for extensions of Study Leave beyond the initial two year period.

Reinstatement

The University will seek to appoint individuals returning from Study Leave to available positions for which they are qualified and that are commensurate with the education, knowledge, and skills of the individual. Employees who would have been terminated due to layoff or downsizing will not be reinstated. Taking of leave will not result in any loss of benefits or conditions of employment accrued prior to the beginning of the leave period. Employees returning from study leave will be reinstated at least the same grade and step that they left, however, they will not accrue any merit increases for the time period during which they were absent. Employees will be awarded any merit increases for which they were recommended if merit increases were awarded to University employees during the period of their absence. The attainment of a higher academic degree does not automatically entitle an employee to a salary increase.

Annual Leave Payout

Employees going on approved Study Leave may opt to draw down a portion or all of their accrued annual leave in a lump sum payment. Employees may also opt to receive the payout in the form of regular paychecks until leave is exhausted. A written request should be filed with the Human Resources Department at least four (4) weeks prior to the effective date of the Study Leave. Annual Leave payout may not exceed the number of months of approved leave.

Continuation of Benefits

Employees on approved Study Leave may continue to participate in the University's group insurance programs, however, they must pay the entire premium cost, including both the employer and employee portions. Payments are due at the beginning of each month. Failure to make timely premium payments may result in loss in insurance coverage.

The employee should contact the Human Resources Office at least four (4) weeks prior to their departure to make arrangements for continuation of group health and life coverage.

Reinstatement of Coverage

An employee who opts to discontinue participation in the University's group insurance programs while on Study Leave may be reinstated upon resumption of active duty subject to the rules and regulations imposed by the insurance carrier. A medical certification may be required and the employee and his or her dependents may be refused coverage by the carrier. The University is not responsible for any costs associated with the certification of insurability, or incurred as a result of the employee's ineligibility to be reinstated.