Article 14: Leave Of Absence

14.1 Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)

14.1.1

Employees with more than twelve (12) months of employment with the College will be granted up to twelve (12) weeks unpaid leave from their duties in accordance with the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

14.1.2

The College will grant such leave for eligible employees for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a spouse or an immediate family member with a serious health condition, or when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.

14.1.3

Any requests for leave must be in writing with at least thirty (30) days notice, if possible, and must specifically state that the request is for Family and Medical purposes. If required by the Human Resources Consultant, all supporting documentation, including physician's statements must be attached. Employees granted leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act shall have guaranteed return rights to an equivalent position for a period up to twelve (12) weeks.

14.1.4

Upon completion of the leave period, the employee will be eligible for reinstatement to the same or equivalent job the employee held before going on leave.

14.1.5

The provisions of this section are not subject, to the grievance procedure.

14.1.6

An employee may be required to utilize all paid leave benefits before using leave without pay under the provisions of the FMLA. Such leave taken shall count as part of the twelve (12) weeks. The employee is required to provide a Doctor's certification as required by the College.

14.2 Leave Without Pay

14.2.1

The College may grant employees leave without pay for a period not to exceed one (1) year. Such requests for leave must be in writing and with no less than five (5) work days written notice in advance of the requested leave period, except in an emergency situation, and must indicate the reason(s) for the leave, the duration of the leave requested and the dates of departure and return.

14.2.2

The supervisor will also attempt to respond in writing to the employee's request at least three (3) working days prior to the employee's requested leave.

14.2.3

Employees on leave without pay shall not accrue annual, personal or sick leave for those hours on leave without pay.

14.2.4

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. Emergency shall mean a situation beyond the control of the employee which prohibits the submission of the request within the five (5) working days time period.

14.2.4.1

In the event an emergency situation occurs. the employee should notify the immediate supervisor or departmental manager, director or designee as soon as possible.