Use the resources on this page to help navigate the changes to vacation leave benefits that begin taking effect July 1, 2026. For more information regarding Lehigh's non-medical benefits review and the work of the Benefits Review Working Group, follow this link.
Resources for Everyone
Frequently Asked Questions
Lehigh is narrowing the gap of vacation accrual benefits between exempt and nonexempt staff in early and mid-career by increasing the rate for nonexempt staff in years 0 through 9 to align more closely with the exempt vacation accrual rate.
The new rate of vacation accrual for nonexempt employees as of July 1, 2026 will be:
0-4 Years: 14 days (previously 10 days)
5-9 Years: 16 days (previously 15 days)
10-14 Years: 20 days
15+ Years: 25 days
No. The increase in accrual rates for nonexempt employees with less than 10 years of service is the only change being made to vacation leave accrual rates.
As in years past, you may carry over up to the equivalent of one year's vacation leave accrual.
Effective July 1, 2026, the maximum payout of unused vacation leave is the equivalent of 12 days.
Effective July 1, 2027, the maximum carryover of unused vacation leave is the equivalent of 12 days.
Due to insurance policy practices, employees must actively work the last two weeks of their employment at Lehigh. It is recommended that you consider extending your retirement date to two weeks later and utilize your leave prior to the final two weeks of your time at the university.