The Company understands the need for continuing education. Full-time employees and part-time employees with benefits who have worked for one continuous year are eligible for up to four (4) months unpaid education leave of absence to attend a program approved by the Company. Requests for unpaid education leave must be made in writing no less than three (3) months prior to the date the leave is to begin and must specify the period for which the leave is requested. Education leave will be granted by the Company only if it determines, in its sole discretion, such leave will not interfere with operations.

During the period of leave, the employee will retain his/her previously earned seniority, vacation and sick time, but no additional benefits shall accrue.

Employees shall be informed in writing of the date the employee is expected to return to work. An employee who fails to return to work when scheduled shall be considered to have resigned his/her employment with the Company. To the extent practicable, we will hold your job for you for a maximum of sixty (60) days, after which time, you will only be entitled to be reinstated to the first available similar position.