Human Resources: Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers for BGSU Faculty and Staff Regarding Military Leave (October 2001)
In light of the tragedy on September 11, 2001, the Office of Human Resources has developed frequently asked questions to provide guidance to those employees (faculty, administrative, and classified staff), called to active military duty. The University's procedures abide by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the Ohio Revised Code, and the Ohio Administrative Code.

The following questions and answers are not intended to be all-inclusive, but general guidelines. Any additional questions or concerns that you, as a faculty or staff member, may have may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, Rebecca Ferguson, at
372-2259, or fergusb@bgsu.edu .  

What should I do if I am called up to active duty?
What should I do if I supervise an employee that is called up to active duty?
Is my Military Leave a paid or an unpaid leave?
Do I continue to have health care coverage (medical, dental, and prescription drug) while I am on military leave? Does this coverage continue for my dependent family members?
Will my dependents continue to have access to the education fee waiver benefit during my absence?
What about State Retirement Retirement (OPERS/STRS) service credit during my absence?
What if I am enrolled in an Alternative Retirement Program (ARP) instead of the State Retirement System?
Will my life insurance and dependent life insurance continue during my absence?
Once I am released from active duty, is there a time limit that I must follow in order to return to work?
What if I am injured or incur a disability during my military duty? Will the time limits for reinstatement of employment still apply?
Will I have a job when I return from active duty?
Will I be eligible for pay increases that occurred at BGSU during my absence for military service?

  Q. What should I do if I am called up to active duty?
A.  Inform your supervisor (Manager, Director, Chair, Dean, Vice-President). 
Provide a copy of your orders or other documentation to your supervisor. 
Submit the appropriate request for leave form or other paper work. 
Your supervisor will notify the Office of Human Resources. 
Call the Office of Human Resources, 372-2259, if you have any questions

  Q. What should I do if I supervise an employee that is called up to active duty?
A.  Obtain a copy of the employee's orders or other documentation and forward them to the Office of Human Resources.
 Forward the appropriate from or paper work for the military leave to the Payroll Office.
 Call the Office of Human Resources, 372-2259, if you have any questions.

  Q. Is my Military Leave a paid or an unpaid leave?
A.  USERRA does not require BGSU to pay you for your Military Leave. At the same time, individuals who are members of the uniformed services, such as the Ohio National Guard, the Ohio Military Reserve, and the Ohio Naval Militia, or who are members of other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States are entitled, for periods not to exceed 31 calendar days in any calendar year, for such time as they are in the military service on field training or active duty.  22 calendar days of the 31 days may be considered paid military leave. Any military leave exceeding 31 days is considered unpaid. If applicable, and you would like to, you may discuss using vacation and/or compensatory time with your supervisor. These leave types are subject to regular approval processes and must be in increments that would cover your normal work schedule.

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Q. Do I continue to have health care coverage (medical, dental, and prescription drug) while I am on military leave? Does this coverage continue for my dependent family members?
A.  If you currently have health care coverage with BGSU and you are on military leave for 31 days or less you may continue your current University health care coverage at the normal rate for such coverage. 
If you currently have health care coverage with BGSU and your military leave extends beyond 31 days, you will have the right to elect continuation of your health care coverage, but will have to pay 100% of the full premium for the coverage selected. Your coverage may be extended for up to 18 months.
Upon receipt of a copy of your documentation/orders and if your leave is to extend beyond 31 days, the Office of Human Resources will contact you to see if you wish to continue your health coverage.

  Q. Will my dependents continue to have access to the education fee waiver benefit during my absence?
A. If you are currently eligible to receive the educational fee waiver benefit, this benefit continues while you are on military leave. Also, if you become eligible while you are on military leave, your dependent(s) may access the benefit during your absence.

  Q. What about State Retirement Retirement (OPERS/STRS) service credit during my absence?
A. As long as you have been contributing to the defined benefit plan of OPERS or STRS for at least one year prior to your military leave, both plans have procedures to have your military leave time granted to you as service credit when you return to work. You will be required to return to an active pay status with BGSU for one year and will be required to provide a copy of your honorable discharge or separation notice to OPERS or STRS.

  Q. What if I am enrolled in an Alternative Retirement Program (ARP) instead of the State Retirement System?
A. The ARP is a defined contribution plan. If you are in an unpaid status, contributions to the ARP cease.

  Q. Will my life insurance and dependent life insurance continue during my absence?
A. Our plan does not allow for the continuation of this benefit.

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  Q. Once I am released from active duty, is there a time limit that I must follow in order to return to work?
A. Yes. Time limits for return to work depend on the duration of your orders. If your leave exceeds 31 days, you must apply for reinstatement of employment. The time limits are: 
Service of 31 to 180 days: application for reinstatement must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources not later than 14 days after completion of military duty. 
Service of 181 or more days: application for reinstatement must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources not later than 90 days after completion of military duty.

  Q. What if I am injured or incur a disability during my military duty? Will the time limits for reinstatement of employment still apply?
A. The time limit for reinstatement may be extended for up to two years if you are convalescing due to a disability incurred or aggravated during military service. We are required to make reasonable accommodations for the impairment.

  Q. Will I have a job when I return from active duty?
A. Yes. Upon release from military service and upon application after receipt of a honorable discharge, certificate or other evidence showing satisfactory completion of service, you are entitled to be reinstated in a position. 
Service of 1 to 90 days in length: you are placed in the job you would have held had you been continuously employed, as long as you are still qualified or can become qualified after reasonable efforts. 
Service of 90 days or longer: you are placed in the job you would have held had you been continuously employed, or in a job of like seniority, status and pay, as long as you are qualified or can become qualified.

  Q. Will I be eligible for pay increases that occurred at BGSU during my absence for military service?
A. Upon your reinstatement with BGSU, your rate of pay or annual salary will be calculated as if you had not been absent.

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