Approved Extended Leave

A Leave of Absence without pay may be granted for a period of up to one calendar year at the discretion of the employee's department head, dean, the appropriate vice president, and the President. Approval is based on the department's operational needs and the specific needs of the employee's position.

Eligibility

• All Appointed Personnel

Procedure

• The employee submits a letter to his or her department head indicating the reason for the leave and the leave schedule.
• Department heads forward their recommendations through the appropriate dean and vice president to the Provost for written approval.
• The Provost’s decision is based on the merit of the request and on certification by the department head and dean involved that the employee’s absence will not jeopardize normal operations.
• The department forwards the Personnel Action Form (PAF) and approval letters to the Human Resources Leave Management team.

What Happens to Your Benefits?

• As long as the you are on paid status (e.g., vacation time), deductions will be taken from your paycheck.
• Upon non-pay status, University benefit policies and procedures provide for continuation of health benefits for otherwise eligible employees according to terms specific to the nature of the leave.

Following the unpaid leave start date, you will receive a packet in the mail from the Human Resources Leave Management team that includes:

• A form to waive, change or continue the existing benefits;
• A bill with the itemized employee benefit cost and payment schedule; and
• Other helpful information
Continuation of coverage upon completing the University specified leave periods is available through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Links to Policies

• University Handbook for Appointed Personnel, Policy 8.04.01
• Arizona Board of Regents Policy Manual, Policy 6-805

Forms

• Leave of Absence Unpaid: Employee Request to Department Head (Appointed Personnel - Faculty, Professional, Continuing and Year-to-Year Employees)
• Leave of Absence Unpaid: Department Head Request to the Provost (Appointed Personnel - Faculty, Professional, Continuing and Year-to-Year Employees)
• Leave of Absence Unpaid: Department Head Approval/Denial of Employee Request (Appointed Personnel - Faculty, Professional, Continuing and Year-to-Year Employees)

FAQs

Q: Am I eligible to use my Qualified Tuition Reduction waiver during my Unpaid Leave of Absence?

A: Yes. If you are benefits-eligible, you are eligible to participate in the Qualified Tuition Reduction program.

Q: Will I continue to receive service credits?

A: No. You will not continue to receive service credit during the period of your Unpaid Leave of Absence. Members of the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) may elect to purchase service credit (up to 12 months) for the period of the Unpaid Leave. Requests to purchase service credits may be made after return to active status by contacting ASRS at (520) 239-3100.

Q: Will I continue to earn vacation and/or sick time?

A: No. You will not receive vacation and/or sick leave accruals during the period of your Unpaid Leave of Absence.

Q: What happens to my Deferred Compensation and/or my Tax Sheltered Annuities during my Unpaid Leave of Absence?

A: Your Deferred Compensation and/or Tax Sheltered Annuities suspend during unpaid leave. Deductions start again upon your return to work. You will need to contact your agent to find out if you qualify for the catch-up provision.