Leaves of Absence Resource Guide

Faculty members must apply for sabbatical, professional development, and personal leaves of absence using procedures established by Academic Affairs, SA 4300, (510) 885-3712.

Generally, full-time or part-time permanent or probationary employees are eligible to request full or partial leaves of absence for up to one year.  Eligibility guidelines are subject to appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), specific policies, applicable legal agreements, and current state and federal legislation.  For represented employees, their respective collective bargaining agreement may supersede some provisions of these guidelines.  The granting or denial of leaves of absence without pay is not subject to collective bargaining grievance procedures.

A leave of absence may be granted for medical and family care, disability, pregnancy, military service, personal and other reasons.  Staff shall apply for such leaves in accordance with the guidelines established by the Office of Human Resources.

An approved leave of absence assures the employee a right to his/her former position, or a position within his/her classification, upon expiration of the leave.  Verification that the conditions of the leave were met may be required.  Refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement regarding the affect an approved leave of absence may have on:

  • Probationary status
  • Salary adjustments
  • State service credit
  • Seniority points
  • CalPERS Service Credit

If an employee fails to return to active employment at the end of the authorized period of leave, the employee may be separated as an unapproved leave of absence (AWOL).

Important Information

An informal leave of absence, that is not applicable under FMLA guidelines may be granted at the departmental level, if the unpaid leave is for 15 calendar days or less.  Payroll must be notified of the informal leave without pay as soon as possible in order to make the appropriate adjustments to the employee’s pay warrant.     

Any leave longer than 15 calendar days must be aut