Does a Fellow earn vacation or sick leave during the appointment?
Fellows are not employees; therefore, there are no employment-related benefits such as paid vacations, sick leave, or unemployment compensation. With the approval of the NPP Advisor and the NPP Center Representative, however, a Fellow may be excused from participation for brief periods due to illness, personal emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. A Fellow may be excused for personal leave for a brief period of time without cessation of his or her stipend, provided the leave and the continuation of the stipend are pre-approved by the Advisor and NPP Center Representative at least two weeks in advance. The NPP Center Representative must notify ORAU of the approved time away from the Center and the continuation of the stipend prior to the start date of the personal leave. NASA will grant maternity leave approved by the Advisor and NPP Center Representative, but the stipend will be suspended during this time. Also, the Fellow must pay the full insurance premium while on maternit
