HR 003 - Voluntary Time Off

Seton Hill University currently offers a Voluntary Time Off (VTO) Program. This Program is designed to provide a cost savings to Seton Hill University and at the same time provide employees the opportunity to take time off unpaid on a voluntary basis while retaining their benefits.

Participation in the Program is completely voluntary and is subject to approval. Each request for VTO will be evaluated on an individual basis and every consideration will be given to approve the request. This Program may not be appropriate to all areas of the University. Reasons for denial may include but are not limited to the following: require replacement or overtime to be paid to other employees in order to facilitate the time off request; cause a disruption in the conduct of academic courses being delivered to students; result in a loss of revenue to the University; result in critical services not being delivered as determined by the employee’s management; be detrimental to the operation of their particular area of responsibility, as determined by employee’s management. VTO cannot be requested to replace or extend FMLA/sick leave. A VTO Request Form must be completed by the employee and must be approved by the appropriate immediate, second level and executive level supervisors. Once the form is approved or denied, it should be forwarded to Human Resources. Faculty are excluded from this Program. In addition, employees on H1‐B Visas are excluded due to their Visa status.

A maximum of 40 days per fiscal year can be requested in VTO. Requests for VTO must be in whole days. Employees are not permitted to do any type of Seton Hill University work when they are taking VTO.

VTO will not reduce an employee’s sick days, vacation days, and or holidays. The employee will continue to be eligible and enrolled in any benefits they were previously eligible and enrolled in prior to taking VTO. The employee will be responsible for all employee premiums during approved VTO and will need to make arrangements with Human Resources to cover these premiums.