LEAVES OF ABSENCE

General information about leaves: The University will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the implementation of leaves of absences. Employees will be required to use available accrued vacation and paid sick leave prior to taking unpaid time off to the extent permitted by federal, state, or local law.

Employees are not permitted to hold other employment or perform work of any kind, including self-employment or contract work, while on any leave of absence.

Termination of health care benefits: Employees who are on an approved leave of absence and using medical benefits provided to them through the University-sponsored ERISA qualified group health care plan are advised that these benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. Therefore, health care benefits may terminate after the period of leave mandated under state or federal law, if any. In such cases, the Employee may elect COBRA coverage to continue receiving benefits. An Employee electing to continue coverage under COBRA will be financially responsible for 100% of the premium payments and, additionally, may be responsible for an administrative fee. This Policy applies to leaves of absence, including, but not limited to, pregnancy, disability, workers’ compensation, or any family or medical leave of absence, and regardless of whether or not it is a paid, unpaid, or work-related leave of absence. For further details regarding termination of health care plan benefits, Employees may contact Human Resources.