The University does not follow a formula plan of sabbatical leaves, but it attempts to provide at least as much freedom for faculty to enlarge and enhance their scholarly excellence by leaves. An academic leave allows for a concentrated and sustained scholarly effort, which is necessary for the successful pursuit of some types of new knowledge. A leave also enables the faculty member to spend time with a group of scholars different from his or her usual colleagues, thereby providing the stimulus for new ideas. Academic leaves also permit members of the faculty to serve for short terms in important governmental roles. These positions also provide insights into new avenues of research for the faculty member.
Academic leaves are available for tenure-track faculty members only.
A statement of University leave policy, approved by the trustees, set forth the following guidelines for individual leave requests. Each application for leave must be accompanied by a written proposal describing the research and study activities to be followed during the absence. The dean will add his or her own analysis and recommendation and submit them to the provost in a timely fashion, preferably very early in the semester preceding the semester during which the leave is to begin. The purpose of academic leave is to encourage and support the scholarly development of faculty, thereby improving the educational programs of the University. Consequently, academic leaves accompanied by any University support will be awarded only to associate and full professors, except in certain circumstances.