The Board of Trustees may grant a leave of absence without pay to full-time and continuing part-time employees. Such leave may be granted for professional development or special personal reasons and may not exceed twelve (12) months.

An employee desiring a leave of absence should make written application at least three (3) months prior to the effective date of the leave.

For leaves of more than four (4) months duration, the employee shall notify the President of his/her interest in returning at least ninety (90) days prior to leave termination. An employee's failure to notify the President of his/her intended return shall imply that no return is planned.

Unless stipulated in writing when the Board approves a request for leave, the College in granting a leave of absence implies that the employee will be returned to a position which the College determines is the same or similar to that in which the employee formerly served, provided a vacancy exists and provided the employee is qualified.

Employees do not accrue sick leave while on a leave of absence without pay. Upon return to employment, accumulated sick leave days and seniority towards vacation benefits will be restored to the employee.

An employee on a leave of absence without pay may continue his/her participation in the group insurance program at his/her own expense to the extent provided by such insurance policies except when he/she enters other paid employment during the leave.