Faculty Handbook & Constitution - Lee University

_________________LEE UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOK & CONSTITUTION_________________active duty to arrange reinstatement. Upon return from military leave, the employee willbe reinstated to the same or an equivalent position.Personal LeavesThree personal days are allowed per year and may be taken at the discretion of theemployee provided approval has been obtained through the supervisor.Adoption Assistance PolicyLee University recognizes the challenges faced by employees from many differentbackgrounds. For this reason, the university has decided to provide a unique benefit forfamilies adopting a child. An employee meeting eligibility and wishing to legally adopt anon-family member may apply for reimbursement of eligible adoption-related expenses.An eligible employee is one who has been continually employed full-time for 12months or more at the time the child is placed in the home. The child being adoptedmust be under the age of 18 and may not be a relative, step-child, or step-grandchild ofthe employee or the spouse of the employee. This benefit is not available in the case ofeither parent being a natural parent or if the adoption is for legal guardianship.Domestic adoption-related expenses will be reimbursed to a maximum of $2,500 peradopted child. An international adoption or adoption of a special needs child with apermanent mental or physical disability will qualify for an additional $1,000reimbursement per child. The additional benefit is offered for either international orspecial needs; not both. (Documentation from the placement organization of internationaland special needs will be required.) Most expenses directly related to the adoption arereimbursable. In the case where both parents are employees of the university, thebenefit is applicable to only one parent.These expenses may include but are not limited to:• Home studies• Agency and placement fees• Legal fees and court costs• Temporary foster care costs• Medical expenses of the child, not covered by insurance• Immigration, immunization and translation fees• Transportation and lodgingReimbursed adoption benefits will be reported in Boxes 3, 5, and 12 of theemployee’s W-2 form. Though federal and state income taxes will not be withheld, FICAand FUTA taxes will be withheld consistent with federal and state regulations. Theemployee is responsible for accurately reporting Adoption Assistance reimbursements tofederal, state, and local tax authorities. For further information on federal income taxprovisions for adoption expenses, visit www.irs.gov or call (800) 829-3676.To apply for this benefit, the employee may make a request in writing to the Directorof Human Resources. The request must include the date of the placement of the child,the date of the completed adoption, and a detailed accounting of the expenses incurred6 - 3 Benefits of Faculty Service