1. Scope
1.1 This policy applies to all regular non-unionized non-academic staff, with the exception of University Executives (“E”).
1.2 For the purposes of this policy, “regular” shall refer to an employee who has successfully completed their probationary period.
2. Policy
2.1 In cases not provided for by other leave policies, an employee who, for a valid reason, wishes to obtain an unpaid leave of absence should submit a written request to the Dean or Senior Administrative Head for approval. The University will not refuse such a leave without valid grounds.
2.2 With the exception of the Parental leaves policy, the duration of an unpaid leave of absence shall not generally exceed twelve (12) months.
2.3 An employee shall be considered to have submitted his/her resignation on the date on which the leave commenced:
1. If he/she uses the leave of absence for reasons other than those for which the leave was granted; or
2. If he/she does not return to work at the end of the leave, unless an authorization to extend the leave has been received or unless he/she is prevented from returning by forces beyond his/her control.
2.4 Upon return to work, the University will reinstate the employee in his/her previous position. An employee who is employment secured whose position no longer exists will be covered by the provision of the Employment Security Policy. An employee who so requests in writing may only be reinstated before the end of the unpaid leave of absence upon reaching agreement with their immediate supervisor.
2.5 All benefit plans shall be discontinued in respect of the employee for the duration of the unpaid leave unless the employee shall have agreed, in writing, before commencing the leave, to pay the total cost of any benefits to be continued.
2.6 An employee will not receive credit for service while on an unpaid leave of absence for the purposes of the Employment Security Policy and the Vacation Policy; however, such unpaid leave shall not constitute a break in continuity of service.
Effective October 1, 1998.
Last revised June 1, 2014
