Full- and part-time staff members employed for more than six months may submit a request for a general leave of absence. Employees should contact their Office of People and Culture Business Partner to begin the process.

A general leave of absence will normally be granted for periods not exceeding three months, however, Bethel reserves the right to reduce the amount of general leave time and/or deny general leave in their sole discretion. All paid time (vacation, personal and sick and safe where applicable) must be used before taking unpaid time. Employees will not be allowed to "stack" any general leave of absence following FMLA and/or short-term disability leave. A formal leave may also be granted for education where Bethel will derive direct or indirect benefit upon your return to work and for exceptional reasons.

During a general leave of absence, Bethel contributions to the retirement program and group insurance plans will cease. However, an employee may elect to continue group health and life insurance coverage by paying the full premium in advance. You should note that health insurance coverages are provided through the end of the month in which your last day in pay status occurs. Employees cease to accrue vacation and holiday leave while on a general leave.

Upon return from a general leave of absence, you may be returned to the same or comparable position in your department in Bethel’s sole discretion. A return to employment is not guaranteed.

The time during which you are on an approved general leave of absence will be included as continuous employment for purposes of computing length of service for all benefits with the exception of the retirement program.

Procedure:

The employee should discuss the nature of the request for general leave with their manager and Office of People and Culture Business Partner
If appropriate, the employee will complete the Request for General Leave of Absence form and obtain the approval signatures.
Submit the request to the Office of People and Culture in advance of the requested leave date.

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