Although this program has previously focused only on traditional forms of professional development, the University recognizes the importance of an alternative opportunity that would enable a faculty member to intern with a company, agency, school, or other such entity in order to enhance, reestablish, or re-energize their research, scholarship, or creative activity in their area of professional practice. Thus, faculty may apply either for support for scholarly development or for an applied opportunity. Leave may be requested at full pay for one semester or at one-half pay for two semesters, according to the terms specified in the Faculty Handbook.
Faculty are responsible for their own living expenses.
To be eligible for Professional Development Leave faculty members must be tenured with seven years of prior university service prior to the time at which the leave will begin or have completed seven years of service prior to the time at which the leave will begin since a previous Faculty Professional Development Leave. Time spent on Faculty Professional Development Leave is not considered in compiling minimum service requirements for future leave. A proposal submitted by a faculty member being evaluated for tenure may be recommended by the committee to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Acceptance of the leave is contingent on the granting of tenure. While on professional development leave, a faculty member will continue as a Radford University employee with full fringe benefits in accordance with established State policies.