Office of Human Resources - HR Advisor
Leaves and Absences
Extended Leave of Absence
QUESTIONS?TEMPE/POLYTECHNIC WEST |
| POLICIES SPP 701-01: Sick Leave General Policy SPP 702-01: Vacation Leave General Policy SPP 702-04: Compassionate Transfer of Leave SPP 705-01: Extended Leave SPP 705-02: Family Leave |
Regular Classified, Service Professional and Administrative employees may request Extended Leave according to SPP 705-01. This policy contains information on:
- approval
- applicability
- benefits status
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Must a supervisor grant Extended Leave to an employee?
If the request is for medical reasons and is accompanied by a physician's statement, the leave may be granted on a case-by-case basis. If the Extended Leave is for personal reasons, it is at the supervisor's discretion.
Where do responsibilities fall when an employee requests Extended Leave?
An employee submits a Request for Leave of Absence Form to the supervisor. If the leave is for medical reasons, a physician's letter with the time frame must be submitted. If the leave is for personal reasons, the employee must submit a written request that states the reason for the leave along with the dates.
At least two weeks prior to returning to work, the employee is responsible for contacting the supervisor with notification of the return date.
What is the duration of extended leave?
Extended leave, when taken as an extention of Family Leave for continuing medical reasons, may be taken up to an additional three months. If more time is needed after the additional three months is exhausted, contact your HR Consultant for guidance.
If the employee is not eligible for FMLA, the medical leave may be granted for the period of time covered by the physician's statement.
If the extended leave is taken for personal reasons other than medical, it may be taken for up to 12 months.
Any combination of leaves may not extend longer than 12-months.
Is extended leave paid leave?
If the employee has exhausted all of their accrued vacation, sick and compensatory time in conjunction with the leave period, the extended leave will be unpaid—unless Compassionate Leave is used.
If the employee does not have accrued leave, are there any options for them to continue in a pay (rather than unpaid) status while on extended leave?
Compassionate Transfer of Leave (SPP 702-04) may be available in the event of "catastrophic illness or injury" to the employee, immediate family, established household or someone for whom they have primary responsibility.
What happens to the employee's benefits if they are in an unpaid leave status?
The employee will receive a statement from ASU Human Resources requesting the employer and employee portion for any elected benefits to continue coverage.
What if an employee does not want to continue benefits while on leave?
An employee may elect to stop coverage. The request is completed by submitting a Benefits Declaration for Change form. The benefits may be reinstated within 31 days upon returning from leave.
If the benefits are cancelled due to non-payment of premiums, benefits may only be reinstated during the next open enrollment period. For detailed information, contact a HR Benefits Representative in the HR Customer Service Center at 480.965.2701.
Can an employee keep some benefits active while inactivating others?
Yes, it is important that the employee make benefits selections when completing the Benefits Declaration for Change form.
Will an employee continue to accrue vacation and sick time while in a leave without pay status on Extended Leave? Will retirement contributions be effected?
An employee will not accrue vacation or sick leave. Retirement contributions will not be paid by the university during leave without pay.