The University of Memphis

Leaves of Absence

POLICIES

Unpaid leaves of absence, not to exceed one year, may be granted for justifiable absences under certain circumstances. Factors to be considered include whether (1) there are extraordinary circumstances present that justify keeping a position open or vacant and preserving it for that employee; (2) it is, objectively and from a business standpoint, in the institution's best interest to retain the employee because of demonstrated contributions to the department; or (3) the employee performs a unique service or has unique qualifications that are required for the position. 

An employee who is on an unpaid leave of absence that does not qualify as leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), shall be responsible for paying both the employee and employer portion of insurance premiums during the period of unpaid leave status.

Requests for a leave of absence should be in writing and routed to the approving authority by way of the supervisor and department head. Approval level for periods of leave will be in accordance with the schedule below. A copy of the document with written approval for all leaves of absence must be sent to the Department of Human Resources.

Period of Leave Requested	Approving Authority
1 day - 6 weeks	Dean, Director, Department Chair, or Department Head, as applicable
6 weeks – 6 months	Faculty:  Provost Administrative/Professional Staff: Vice President for division in which employed Clerical/Support Staff: Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
6 months – 1 year	President

Employees on unpaid leaves of absence are not entitled to compensation for official holidays that occur within the unpaid leave period.

Whether an employee is required to utilize available sick/annual leave while on leave of absence depends on the purpose for the leave.

• Personal leave and leave for educational purposes - Employee is not required to use annual leave, but the time the employee is on unpaid leave will not be considered when calculating additional accrual of sick/annual leave hours.
• Leaves due to illness, injury or disability, including non-qualifying FMLA leave - Employee is required to use available sick/annual leave, and the time the employee is on paid leave will be considered when calculating additional accrual of sick/annual leave hours. 
• Workers' Compensation leave - Employee who qualifies for lost time pay is not required to use sick/annual leave, but the time the employee is on unpaid leave will not be considered when calculating additional accrual of sick/annual leave hours.

Tennessee Board of Regents Leaves of Absence

http://www.tbr.edu/policies/default.aspx?id=1418

University Policy on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)