Leave Without Pay (LWOP)

Eligibility 

• Employee must hold a regular full-time or regular part-time (50% or more) position. 
• Employee must have completed a total of at least twelve (l2) months of service at the USM institution from which the employee wishes to take leave. 
• Employee must have a satisfactory record of work performance. 
• Employee does not have a record of abuse of accrued leave usage.

Reasons for leave  

• Loan of an employee to another governmental agency, higher education institution or related organization.    
• Outside employment that would lessen the impact of a potential layoff or a layoff.    
• Professional activities related to academic research, advanced study, career development, or other professional activities that are determined by the institution's President or designee to be of benefit to the University System of Maryland or system institution.    
• Anticipated low demand for the employee's services during slow periods in the institution's or unit's operations (seasonal leave).   
• Other activities as determined to be appropriate by the President.

Note

• All benefits, including health care and service credit for retirement and other purposes, shall be suspended for the period of the leave of absence without pay.
• For a period longer than 30 days, the employee may elect to continue health benefits by paying the full monthly premium.
• If health benefits are suspended for more than 30 days, re-enrollment is not possible until the following Open Enrollment period.

Policy and Forms

• Leave of Absence Without Pay Form 
• Policy on Leave of Absence Without Pay for Nonexempt and Exempt Staff