Faculty and Staff Resources

Academic leaves are intended to enhance the academic quality of the University by providing the faculty member with an opportunity for professional growth over an extended and uninterrupted period. Academic leaves are to be used for cases in which the sabbatical policy does not apply because of eligibility of the faculty member or the type of activity proposed. Compensation is affected by replacement personnel cost. There is a competitive application process for sabbatical leaves. The application process is through the applicant's Dean.

Find it in your Faculty Handbook Section 2.17.5 ACADEMIC LEAVE

Academic leaves are intended to enhance the academic quality of the University by providing the faculty member with an opportunity for professional growth over an extended and uninterrupted period. Academic leaves are to be used for cases in which the sabbatical policy does not apply because of eligibility of the faculty member or the type of activity proposed. Examples of situations in which academic leave would apply might include but not be limited to the following:

• a unique opportunity for professional growth is available and would ordinarily qualify as a sabbatical activity, but the faculty member has not had six years since the last sabbatical;
• a faculty member has the opportunity to participate in a faculty exchange program;
• it is in the best interests of the University to support an educational or professional activity for any regular faculty member, including those on probationary contracts.

Application and Decision

The applicant for academic leave should present to the Dean a detailed plan describing the activity and rationale for how it will improve the quality of service of the faculty member. The application should generally be submitted on or before January 2 for leaves planned during the following academic year. It should be accompanied by statements from the Department Chair [or Program Director] in support or opposition of the leave and detailing the need for replacement personnel.

The Dean will make a recommendation to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs who will make the final decision including terms and conditions of the leave.

Compensation

The salary of the faculty member on academic leave will be the regular salary less the maximum amount necessary to adequately staff the position with replacement personnel.

Appointment Status and Other Conditions

Terms and conditions of the leave will be stated by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in the academic leave agreement.