Vacation

Vacation is paid leave provided by Bethel to benefit eligible staff employees at the rates indicated below.

Benefit eligible staff employees who work less than 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, receive the vacation accruals listed below on a prorated basis. Vacation is accrued monthly. Use of earned vacation must be approved in advance by the supervisor, and must be taken at times which will not interfere with the operational needs of the department. Pay in lieu of vacation is prohibited.

Non-Exempt Benefits Eligible Staff

Years of Benefits-Eligible Service

Vacation  

Max accrual cap

First 5 years

10 days per year (79.92 hours)

120 hours

After completion of 5 years

15 days per year (120.00 hours)

160 hours

After completion of 10 years 

20 days per year (159.96 hours)

200 hours

Exempt Benefits Eligible Staff

Years of Benefits-Eligible Service

Vacation  

Max accrual cap

First 5 years

15 days per year (120.00 hours)

160 hours

After completion of 5 years 

20 days per year (159.96 hours)

200 hours

Part-time Staff Not Benefits Eligible              

Vacation - 10 days per year (80 hours)
This will be the basis for proration as indicated above.

All employees accrue vacation on a monthly basis beginning from the date of hire. Employees may use vacation time as long as it has been accrued in their balance. Vacation time will accrue up to the maximum amount determined for each position based on employment status, normal work week, and number of months worked per year. The maximum vacation balance is based on these factors and the point at which no additional time will accrue until the balance drops below the maximum. Monthly accruals will be forfeited until balance drops below maximum balance.


Procedures 

If you terminate your employment or if you are terminated, you will not be paid for unused vacation, sick and safe, and/or personal time.

Because vacation is meant to provide rest and relaxation for Bethel employees and is not meant to serve as a bridge to new employment, Bethel limits the amount of vacation that you can take once it is known that you are leaving the University.  Once it is known that you are leaving the University, you may take a maximum of 5 vacation days within the last 30 days of employment. If you do use vacation after it is known that you are leaving, none of the days may be taken during the final week of employment.

This policy is effective May 31, 2023.