Note: This document is still being revised and should not be considered authoritative. You may use it as a guide to policies past and present. Sections that have been updated and revised will always include a reference to the authoritative document for the relevant policies.

400 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 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 Dean of the appropriate School 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 Dean of the appropriate School. Chairperson leaves must be approved by the Provost.

    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 Dean of the appropriate School 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 Dean of the appropriate School and Provost 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.