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Leaves of Absence

Policy

Northwestern University offers a variety of leaves of absence for eligible staff members. Faculty should review the Faculty Leave webpage for more information. Each leave of absence varies in its provisions with respect to availability, duration, holding the position, benefits available, and contributions for those benefits, as well as documentation and approvals.

A leave of absence allows an individual to temporarily leave a University position with an intention to return to that position. During the leave the individual maintains a relationship with the University that provides access to certain benefits and does not break service. 

Manager and administrator resources

Types of leaves of absence

The following pages describe the provisions for 10 kinds of leaves of absence available from the University, and provide guidance to staff members wishing to pursue leave.