Bridging of Service Periods
410.1 DEFINITION: UNIVERSITY SERVICE
University service is the length of time, beginning with hire date that an individual has been continuously employed by the University on a regular full-time basis or limited service basis, including periods of authorized leaves of absence. University
service ends with termination of employment.
For questions regarding service credit, contact Human Resources at 215-898-7372 or benefits@hr.upenn.edu.
Service credit for faculty members who have had breaks in service is subject
to review by the Provost's Staff Conference upon the recommendation of the appropriate dean.
410.2 BRIDGING OF SERVICE
Periods of University service may be joined together (or "bridged") under the following conditions with the corresponding results:
- An individual with one or more years of regular full-time service terminates University employment and then returns to service in a regular full-time position within 90 calendar days. Credit for periods of service prior to the termination will be given after rehire.
- An individual with one or more years of regular full-time service terminates University employment and then returns to service in a regular full-time position after 90 calendar days. Credit for periods of service prior to the termination will be given upon completion of one additional year of continuous regular full-time service.
410.3 PAID TIME OFF (PTO)
Prior service credit is recognized for the calculation of the appropriate Paid Time Off accrual rate for staff members.
410.4 TUITION
Prior service credit is recognized for eligibility to participate in tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents consistent with the University policies for tuition assistance (See policies 406, 407, 408, 409).
410.5 OTHER BENEFITS
Bridging of service credit under this policy only affects an employee's years of service for the benefits specifically stated in this policy. Staff members affected by Position Discontinuation and Staff Transition PDST (Policy 628) will have their years of service counted from their last date of hire.
410.6 UNIVERSITY STAFF WHO ARE COVERED BY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
University staff covered by collective bargaining agreements should refer to the appropriate article in their contract.
Policy Number: 410
Effective Date: 07/25/2007
Last Reviewed Date: 03/21/2019
Revised Date: 01/11/2024
Supersedes Policy Number(s): 410 (07/16/1999, 06/22/1998)
Applicability: All Faculty & regular
full-time staff and limited service staff
Cross-reference: Policy 411,
Policy 607, Policy 618,
Policy 628