§18B-7-3 Effect of leave of absence on academic tenure, rank, etc.
§18B-7-3. Effect of leave of absence on academic tenure, rank, etc.
Any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding any tenured professional at any state institution of higher education who shall, with the consent of the president or other administrative head of the state institution by which the professional is employed, be absent from duties at such institution to accept employment in any nonelected governmental capacity shall be afforded such benefits of academic tenure, rank and position as if such person had remained continuously in the position retained and held at such institutions of higher education immediately preceding any such absence: Provided, That such leave of absence shall not exceed two years: Provided, however, That tenure and rank may be retained during an absence of more than two years if the president of the institution from which such person is on leave of absence submits in writing during each of such years a request for such retention to the appropriate governing board, and such board approves the request for each such year: Provided further, That any individual who remains in governmental employment with leave granted in accordance with this section shall forfeit all rights to academic tenure, rank and position formerly held at such institution after the eighth year of such employment.