13.1. A staff member shall submit in advance a completed respective leave form or a letter requesting for an approval. The leave shall be taken only after the leave has been approved from the respective highest authority. Exception is allowed in case of emergency, or that a staff member is unable at his/her fullest attempt to notify his/her supervisor. In such a case, a staff member shall request for an approval of the leave taken immediately upon the first possible opportunity.
13.2. If a prior approval is not obtained, the absence shall be considered as leave without pay. In a case of an obvious violation, a staff member shall be subject to disciplinary action.