The DEO sends the request for unpaid leave to Area Associate Dean, with a recommendation to approve or deny the leave. In making the recommendation, the DEO considers the importance of the leave for the faculty member and the impact on the departmental curriculum, including any arrangements for course coverage that may be necessary.

Special approval by the Area Associate Dean and the Provost is required to extend a leave beyond one academic year. Only in rare and truly exceptional cases will a second year be approved.

If the faculty member takes unpaid leave without fringe benefits, neither the faculty member nor the University can contribute to the TIAA/CREF program, due to federal regulations. The faculty member may choose to pay to continue other benefits (including health care contributions and/or contributions to SRA accounts). They must make appropriate arrangements in advance through the University Benefits Office (335-2680).

Under Iowa law, a faculty member who receives fringe benefits while on unpaid leave must return to the appointment at this University for a period of time specified by the Office of the Provost (at least two semesters for each semester of unpaid leave taken with benefits).

If a probationary faculty member receives permission for an unpaid leave, they may request a discretionary extension to their tenure clock.