A Leave of Absence is approved time off from work for reasons which can include, but are not limited to: medical leaves, maternity leaves and family leave. The information below is to provide you with the steps involved to access the leave benefits you are entitled to for an approved absence, as well as to ensure an efficient process based on your employee role. We recommend that you reach out to the HR Benefits team at HR.Benefits@usnh.edu or call 603-862-0504 for a review of paid time off benefits available for you.
A Leave of Absence is broken into 2 categories
Category 1: What type of Leave you are on.
It is best to schedule an appointment with the HR Benefits team to discuss the type of leave that applies to your request. You may find that you are on more than one type of leave at the same time. Your Leave of Absence (LOA) will be designated based on your eligibility. Here are the different types of LOA's: Medical, Military, Paternity, Maternity, Parental, Family Military, Jury Duty or Witness, Personal, Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Disability, Family Care, Workers' Compensation. Not all employees are eligible for all types.
Category 2: How you are paid during your Leave.
USNH has paid time off benefits and whether you are paid or not during your leave depends on the paid time off benefits that are available to you.
Leave of Absence: Steps for employees under UTime
(For all benefits eligible staff, and non-union faculty)
- Step One: Complete the Request Leave of Absence - UTime Form 30 days in advance of your leave request begin date and submit to your direct supervisor / chair for review and processing. Your direct supervisor / chair must provide the Request Leave of Absence - UTime Form to HR Benefits which will allow for your benefits to be researched. You will be notified of your leave benefits and any additional information that is needed. It is understood this advance notice may not be possible for unforeseen leaves and/or emergencies. It is your responsibility to ensure that HR Benefits receives this information.
- Step Two: Contact Sun Life to initiate your leave request. Sunlife Instructions and Contact Information
- Step Three: Stay in touch! The HR Benefits team and Sun Life will communicate with you in writing to verify your leave status and to notify you of any additional documentation needed. Your HR Partner and Direct Chair / Supervisor will be copied in each letter from HR Benefits only, to keep them informed.
For employees with a Collective Bargaining Agreement, please reach out to your Campus HR Office for LOA information.
