Personal Leave Policy

Purpose: To provide Postdoctoral Researchers approved leave without pay in exceptional circumstances, such as health, family, and other personal needs.

Personal Leave of Absence Policy

A Postdoctoral Researcher may apply for an unpaid Personal Leave of Absence of between one and 12 consecutive months. A Postdoctoral Researcher on an approved Personal Leave of less than 12 months may request an extension of the leave up to a total of 12 consecutive months.

The decision of whether to grant a Personal Leave of Absence is solely at the discretion of the Designated Dean’s Office Contact. In deciding whether to grant a Personal Leave of Absence request, the Designated Dean’s Office Contact will consult with the supervisor and Leave Administration, taking into account relevant factors such as operational and staffing needs, the availability of replacements, the reason for the Postdoctoral Researcher’s request, and the Postdoctoral Researcher’s job performance and attendance.

During a Personal Leave of Absence, a Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to be reasonably responsive and communicative with their supervisor and department.

Approval of a Personal Leave of Absence does not guarantee reinstatement. If the Postdoctoral Researcher is reinstated, the Postdoctoral Researcher’s service time will be bridged to the original hire date.

The Postdoctoral Researcher’s position may be filled, modified, or eliminated during a Personal Leave of Absence. In the case that the Postdoctoral Researcher’s position is to be filled, modified, or eliminated during a Personal Leave of Absence, the Postdoctoral Researcher will be notified by the supervisor or department as soon as practicable, and within 30 days of the decision.

If a Postdoctoral Researcher is not reinstated or does not return to work when the Personal Leave of Absence ends, employment will be terminated as of the last day of the approved Personal Leave of Absence.

Regarding benefits, during a Personal Leave of Absence,

  • Within the first 31 days of a Personal Leave of Absence, a Postdoctoral Researcher may make changes to their health insurance. If they continue their benefits, the Postdoctoral Researcher will be billed and must make payments for their share of the premiums monthly. The University’s obligations to maintain health benefits cease if an employee fails to pay their share of the premiums. Changes to health insurance may also be made within 31 days of the Postdoctoral Researcher’s return from a Personal Leave of Absence.
  • During an approved Personal Leave of Absence, a Postdoctoral Researcher participating in the retirement plans will not continue to contribute, but their previously credited income will not be affected.
  • While a Postdoctoral Researcher is on Personal Leave of Absence, sick days will neither accrue nor be deducted.

Administration of a Personal Leave of Absence

To request a Personal Leave of Absence, a Postdoctoral Researcher must submit a Leave Request Form to the Designated Dean’s Office Contact at least 30 days in advance, if possible. When 30 days’ written notice is not possible, the Postdoctoral Researcher must provide the notice as soon as is practicable. The form must specify the reason for the request and its expected duration.

An extension of up to 12 months total for a Personal Leave may be applied for by submitting a Leave Request Form detailing the reason for the extension request prior to the Designated Dean’s Office Contact prior to the original leave end date.