University of Arizona Human Resources

   
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Approved Personal Leave

Definition

The Personal Leave of Absence is an unpaid leave granted to employees whose requests are approved by their department. This leave may be granted for a period up to one calendar year, at the discretion of the employee's responsible administrator.

Eligibility

A regular benefits eligible classified employee is eligible for a personal leave when the following conditions are met:
  • Satisfactory completion of the initial six month probationary period.
  • Employee has exhausted all accrued vacation.
  • Assurance of the employee's intent to return to University employment at the expiration of the leave.
  • Assurance by the employee that the Personal Leave of Absence has not been requested for the purpose of obtaining employment outside the University.
  • Approval of the employee's request by the responsible administrator.

Procedure

  • Employee submits written application to the supervisor for Personal Leave of Absence, including the anticipated leave starting and ending dates.
  • The responsible administrator notifies employee of their decision to approve or disapprove the leave request.
  • If the leave request is approved, the Request for Extended Leave of Absence form is completed, signed by the responsible administrator and the employee, and forwarded to the HR Leave Management team.

What Happens to Your Benefits?

  • You may continue your health benefits for up to six months by paying both the employer and employee cost of any such benefits.
  • Following the starting leave date, you will receive in the mail a packet from the Leave Management Team of the Human Resources including:
    • The form to waive, change or continue the existing benefits;
    • The bill with the itemized employee benefit cost as well as payment schedule;
    • Other helpful information
  • Continuation of coverage after six months is available through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Form

Link to Policy

FAQs

Q: Will there be a break in my service during a Personal Leave of Absence?

A: Yes. Continuous University service does not accrue during a period of Personal Leave of Absence.

Q: Will I continue to accrue vacation and sick time during a Personal Leave of Absence?

A: No. Vacation and sick leave hours do not accrue during the period of unpaid Personal Leave of Absence.

Q: What do I need to do upon return to work (RTW)?

A: Re-enroll in benefits within 31 days of RTW.