Faculty Handbook
- Introduction
- Governance
- Legal and/or Contractual Policies
- Leaves and Benefits
- Academic Policies
- Resources / Facilities
- Student Services
- Policies and Information
- Appendix
LEAVES AND BENEFITS
405 LEAVES AND BENEFITS
410 UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE
415 UNPAID ACADEMIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE
405 LEAVES AND BENEFITS
Columbia College offers a comprehensive benefits plan including health, dental, live and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), medical leave, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, the Columbia College Pension Plan is fully funded by the College for those eligible. A tax deferred savings program, flexible spending accounts, and a tuition remission program are options that are available to all tenure-track and tenured faculty, Artists-in-Residence, and Lecturers.
The Faculty and Staff Benefits Book (the "Green Book") explains the above benefits in an easy to read format. A copy of this book is given to all full-time employees.
Any questions you may have about leaves (including jury duty) and benefits should be directed to the Office of Human Resources.
410 UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Unpaid leaves of absence not related to FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) are granted at the discretion of the College. Normally, such leave is limited to one year. Valid reasons to request an unpaid leave of absence may include, but are not limited to, an offer to teach for a limited period of time (e.g. a semester or year) at another institution of higher learning; an offer to engage in service to an arts organization, social organization, government, industry, or other organization; for the purpose of writing or completing a work of art or scholarship. There is not limitation on gainful employment during an unpaid leave of absence. Chairperson, tenure-track and tenured faculty, Artists-in-Residence, and Lecturers are eligible to apply.
Unpaid leaves of absence due to a serious illness or injury to oneself or to care for a close family member or dependent are available under the FMLA and are fully explained in the Faculty and Staff Benefits Book (the "Green Book").
415 UNPAID ACADEMIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Application for Academic Leaves of Absence should be made in writing to the department chairperson and simultaneously to the Academic Dean at least four months before the intended leave. The application should state the purpose of the leave, its expected duration, and any special circumstances affecting the faculty member or the College. Chairpersons should apply directly to the Academic Dean. Chairperson leaves must be approved by the Provost/Executive Vice President of the College.
During an unpaid leave of absence, salary increases are suspended. However all your enrolled benefits and, where appropriate, the right to an Elected Representatives of the College (ERC) hearing in cases of dismissal will continue during the unpaid leave. Faculty members will not be subject to evaluation during an unpaid leave that extends for a full academic year.
An unpaid leave may be extended beyond the agreed-upon time at the sole discretion of the College. Written application to the department chairperson and simultaneously to the Academic Dean must be submitted at least four months prior to the expiration of the agreed- upon leave, to be considered exception extraordinary cases. For chairs, written application must be made to the Academic Dean and Provost/Executive Vice President under the same terms. Failure to notify the Chair and the Dean prior to the four months deadline may result in termination of employment.
In each instance, an individual's letter of agreement will be negotiated with faculty member or Chairs requesting unpaid leave, specifying date of inception and completion of leave.
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