If you need extended time off--for personal reasons--you may be able to take an unpaid leave of absence. The duration of this leave should be determined in discussion with your PI, the Directorof the FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and the Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs for your Division/SEAS.Vacation, personal days, and holidays can be used for shorter absences. You must also discuss unpaid leave with your department administrator, and the terms of your leave must be documented in writing.

If you are granted an unpaid leave, and you are benefits-eligible, the main benefits implications are:

• Your medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage automatically continue while you are on leave, unless you choose to cancel a specific coverage.

• You have 30 days from the start of your leave to stop coverage or change plans.

• You will be billed monthly for continued coverage by Benefit Strategies, LLC (BSL) at your active employee rate. You pay BSL directly.

• If you are moving out of your health plan service area, you must cancel coverage or change health plans.

• If you cancel coverage while on leave, you can reenroll within 30 days after you return from leave by contacting Benefits, or at the next annual open enrollment.