After having taught for the Institute for two years, a teacher shall be eligible for leave of absence without pay for study or other purposes subject to the following conditions:
Application for leave shall be made to the President or his/her designate not later than March 31 of the Institute year prior to the Institute year in which leave is to be taken and must include a statement outlining the purpose of the leave.
Leave of Absence may be granted for a period not to exceed one (1) year. Applications for extension of leave may be considered based on the type of leave granted and the purpose of the extension.
The Institute shall guarantee to a teacher granted leave the same or comparable position on return from leave.
Leave of Absence shall not constitute a break in tenure but shall not count as a year of experience for salary schedule purposes.