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Absences & Leaves

Nonpaid Professional Leaves (Defined Benefit Plan Only) 
Under certain conditions as defined in State Teachers Retirement Board Rule 3307:1-3-05, members employed by colleges, universities and technical schools may complete retirement contributions and obtain credit for periods of absence other than for personal injury or illness. (Credit for periods of absence due to illness or injury is obtainable under Section 3307.77, Revised Code.)

Eligibility requirements

1. An annual contract for an STRS Ohio-covered position must have been issued for the period of absence.
   
2. A leave must have been granted by the employer for the purpose of accepting an assignment during the period of absence. Such leaves will not be recognized for a period greater than an accumulated total of two years.
   
3. Assignments that will be considered for retirement credit are those related to professional duties and responsibilities of members or activities which may be expected to improve the service rendered upon return to employment.
   
4. Within 12 months following the termination of the leave, the member must resume contributing service with:

• State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio,
  
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, or
  
• School Employees Retirement System of Ohio.

5. The employer granting the leave must agree to make payment of the corresponding employer contribution without reimbursement from the member.
   
6. The Retirement Board must grant approval for the member to make retirement contributions covering the period of absence.

Procedural requirements
Following the end of the leave and after contributing service is resumed, the member must file with STRS Ohio:

1. A written request to the Retirement Board for approval to make member contributions covering the leave period.
   
2. A statement explaining the nature and purpose of the assignment during the leave.
   
3. The following certifications of the employer:
   

   a) The contract salary in effect for the leave period.
   b) The beginning and ending dates of the approved leave.
   c) Agreement to pay the employer contributions for the leave period without reimbursement.
   d) The date the member returned to contributing service after termination of the leave.

   A Certification for Nonpaid Professional Leave of Absence From a College or University form can be used to provide the required information. Each leave period must be completed on a separate form. For example, if a two-year leave was granted, the dates of the leave would be listed on one form. However, if two one-year leaves were granted, each leave would be listed on a separate form.

If the member’s request to complete contributions is approved by the Retirement Board, the difference between the contributions deducted from salary payments during the years of absence, if any, and the contributions due, based upon the contract salary in effect, must be paid by the member within 60 days of written notification.

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Related Links Defined Benefit Plan Defined Contribution Plan Combined Plan Partially Paid Absence or Leave Current Absence or Leave Past Absence or Leave Payment of Employer Contributions

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