Welcome to the University of Iowa's Leave of Absence information page. Here, you will find details about the various types of leave of absences available to our employees, including both compensated and uncompensated leaves. Whether you need time off for personal reasons, professional development, or health-related matters, our policies are designed to support you during your absence and ensure a smooth transition back to work.
Please review the guidelines and procedures outlined below to understand your options and the impact on your benefits. For further assistance, contact your department administrator or Human Resources Representative.
Leave of Absence (LOA)
A leave of absence (LOA) is a period during which an employee is absent from their job. In some situations, applicable sick or vacation benefits may apply. Leaves are intended to be used for a specific purpose for a specific time period. Rules covering leaves are available under Leaves of Absence, University Policy Manual, III-21.2.
When feasible, requests for leave should be authorized in advance by the supervisor or designated department administrator and Human Resources Representative.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a leave of absence, employees must meet specific criteria outlined by the University. Generally, eligibility depends on factors such as employment status, length of service, and the reason for the leave. Detailed eligibility requirements for each type of leave are outlined in the University Policy Manual, Section III-21.2. Employees are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with their supervisor or Human Resources Representative to ensure they meet the necessary conditions before applying for leave.
Types of Leave
The University of Iowa offers various leave options to meet the needs of our employees. This section outlines the different types of leave, including both compensated and uncompensated options, along with the specific conditions applicable to each. Whether for personal, professional, or health reasons, you'll find the necessary guidelines and procedures here. Review the options to determine which type of leave suits your situation.
Leave of Absence Without Compensation
LOA without compensation may be granted to staff members if it is in the best interest of the University. They are only granted when it is possible to operate effectively in the absence of the staff member requesting leave. Leave periods are granted in continuous increments of time for up to one year, and return to pay status requires a return to work duties.
Leave of Absence Without Compensation
If an employee is not in paid status on the last day of their hire month, their benefit eligibility date is delayed until the first of the month following their return to paid status.
Benefit Information
Benefits are impacted if an employee is in unpaid status for an entire calendar month. When this occurs, active employee benefits are terminated on the last day of the respective month, and the employee is sent a letter with an enrollment form to complete if they wish to continue their benefits while in unpaid status. Employees on approved FMLA leave continue to receive the University’s normal contribution toward the cost of health and dental insurance. Premiums for benefits continued during unpaid leave are billed to the employee’s U-Bill.
Returning to Work + Benefits
Upon returning to work, employees are eligible for coverage starting the first of the month following their return to paid status. Employees should contact Benefits at 319-335-2676 or by email at benefits@uiowa.edu as soon as they return to work to begin the re-enrollment process.
Leave of Absence With Compensation
The University may grant leaves with full or partial compensation to faculty and staff to undertake approved programs of study, research, or other professional activity that will contribute to the improvement of the institution. These leaves are granted with the requirement that the staff member return to the University at the end of the leave or compensate the University for any benefit received. Questions regarding this type of leave should be directed to the appropriate department administrator or Human Resources Representative.
Benefits are not impacted during a leave of absence, with full compensation provided.
ABOUT OUR SITE:
The information on this webpage describes only the highlights of the leave programs here at the University of Iowa. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official policies, the policy manual will govern.