Regular full-time Employees and regular part-time Employees may be eligible for unpaid leaves of absence for medical reasons in addition to or in lieu of FMLA if not otherwise eligible for FMLA. Such leaves are granted in the College's sole discretion. Medical reasons may include illness, injury, medical and surgical procedures, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Employees may request a leave of absence if they will be unable to work for medical reasons for a period in excess of five consecutive days. Such requests must be accompanied by a statement, acceptable to the College, from the Employee's physician indicating why the Employee is unable to return to work and the estimated length of the leave. The College retains the right to have Employees on a leave of absence examined by a physician of the College's choice. However, in no event may an Employee's total leave of absence exceed four months in any twelve month period. During a medical leave of absence, Employees may keep their insurance benefits in effect by paying the appropriate premiums, subject to policy terms and conditions. Please make arrangements with Human Resources concerning these payments.
Upon the Employee's return from a medical leave of absence, the College will attempt to return the Employee to his or her regular job if it is available. If it is not available, the Employee will be placed in a similar job for which the Employee is qualified, if one is available. Time spent on leaves of absence will not be used for determining benefits such as vacation or holidays.
Employees on leave may be subject to discipline, up to and including immediate termination for:
Failure to return to work at the conclusion of their leave;
Providing false or misleading information or omitting certain information in connection with a leave;
Violation of any of the College's rules and regulations relating to a leave (or any other policy or performance standard; or
Engaging in outside employment during leave.