Lenoir-Rhyne University is sensitive to faculty and staff needs outside the workplace. Leave policies are designed to permit you to take your accrued leave time as needed for vacation, personal business, family demands, bereavement, and illness. At the same time our leaves must comply with the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). For this reason as well as responsible management there are some reporting requirements for both you and your supervisor.
If you are a faculty member on a 9-, 10-, or 11-month contract, you do not earn vacation or sick leave. Your leaves are according to the terms of the academic handbook.
If you are a 12 month employee you earn vacation, sick, and holiday leaves. Your rate of accrual for vacation leave is determined by a combination of your length of service and your management level. All 12 month employees earn the same rate of sick and holiday leaves. See the nonacademic handbook for details.
You should apply for approval of any planned leave. Please note restrictions stated in the policy handbook regarding absences before and after paid holidays. In the event of emergencies or unplanned absences you have a responsibility to keep your supervisor abreast of your situation and plans to return to work. The University reserves the right to require documentation of absences due to illness.
If you need to be absent for a matter that meets FMLA definitions, you have a responsibility to alert your supervisor and the Human Resources Director to your need. You must use your accrued sick and vacation leaves first, and FMLA leave will run concurrently with paid leave.
If you need a leave of absence that does not meet FMLA definitions, you should discuss your need first with your supervisor and then with the Director of Human Resources. The University may be able to work with you in your special need.
Generally your job may be held for you and your benefits continued for up to 12 weeks. Please note that such leave approval is subject to compliance with college policy, FMLA, and the demands of your particular job.