5.5 REINSTATEMENT FROM LEAVE OF ABSENCE

You may return to your former position or to a comparable position, as determined by the Vice President of Human Resources, if and when an appropriate position is available. If your absence was for a Family and Medical Leave, your reinstatement will be guided by the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act. (Note: See Military Leave above for additional exception regarding guaranteed reinstatement rights.) You must submit your request to return to work in writing to your supervisor with a copy to the Vice President of Human Resources. You may request a return to work at any time during the leave, but your actual return date will be based upon the availability of an open position.

If a comparable position is offered and you refuse the position, you will be considered to have resigned. If you fail to maintain contact with your supervisor or the Vice President of Human Resources, you will be considered to have resigned. Accrued benefits will be canceled at the expiration of the leave. Your employment ends if you do not return to work at the end of the approved leave of absence period.