In the event that the illness turns out to be long-term and disability retirement becomes necessary, STRS will not consider disability retirement until paid sick leave has been exhausted. Professional reasons include the opportunity to take a temporary paid position outside the University that will enhance professional development and increase the faculty member's value to the academic unit on his or her return. In instances where an LOA for a departing faculty member is not appropriate in light of the above guidelines but a department and college wish, nonetheless, to facilitate that individual's return to Ohio State, the chair and dean may request approval from the Office of Academic Affairs, within two years of departure, to rehire the faculty member into a vacant position without a national search. A leave of absence is granted for no more than one year at a time and may not exceed two consecutive years. An unpaid leave of absence does not automatically stop the tenure clock for probationary tenure track faculty.
Supplemental compensation is inapplicable when there is no base pay.
The faculty member writes a letter to the TIU head, or regional campus dean if applicable, explaining the reason for the request, the timing of the leave, and suggested arrangements for covering his or her teaching responsibilities. If the reason for the request includes the opportunity to take a temporary paid position outside the University that will enhance professional development, the faculty member must attach to the request a copy of the letter of offer setting forth the terms and goals of the temporary appointment. When faculty members are granted leaves by the department or college without OAA or Board approval, these are not legitimate leaves and put the institution at risk. Changes require Board of Trustees approval. No special form is required to change or cancel an LOA but the request must be in writing.