1. Sabbatical Leaves are requested by the faculty member and granted by the University on recommendation of the Dean. They are a privilege for faculty renewal that will enhance the long-run quality of the School and the University's academic programs. When a Sabbatical Leave occurs in close proximity to a tenure or promotion decision, that reflects a careful assessment of the faculty member's research activity, teaching ability and service to the School, the dean will normally recommend approval of a well-conceived Sabbatical Leave. The request for a Sabbatical Leave should be made at least nine (9) months prior to the leave's intended starting date.

2. When a tenured faculty member seeks a Sabbatical Leave, but has not been reviewed within the past six (6) years, the Dean will appoint a committee to conduct a Pre-Sabbatical Leave Review. This review is intended to provide an independent assessment of the faculty member's ability to make a continued contribution to the research and teaching mission of the School. In this regard, the Dean will provide any guidance deemed necessary to restructuring the Sabbatical Leave to assure the future value of the faculty member to the School and the University.

3. The Pre-Sabbatical Leave Review should be conducted in accordance with the guidelines for a tenure decision except:

a. The research papers need not be evaluated by an outside panel of experts.

b. The Pre-Sabbatical Leave Review Committee will be composed of two (2) members at an equal or higher rank. One, but not both of the members, should be in the candidate's field or a closely related field.

c. No outside student/peer letters will be requested.

d. The decision to recommend will be made by the Dean, without the need for further consultation with the faculty.

e. The Pre-Sabbatical Leave Review should be conducted so that a final decision is reached by January 1st for Sabbatical Leaves beginning July 1st and by July 1st for Sabbatical Leaves beginning January 1st.

4. The following materials and information should be provided to the Dean once a candidate has requested a Sabbatical Leave:

a. A statement detailing what the faculty member expects to accomplish during the sabbatical as well as the sabbatical's future value to the School and the University; and

b. Current Vita/Resume and selected papers and syllabi.

5. Negative decisions by the Dean can be appealed using the School's Grievance Procedures (see Chapter One, Section X).

Last Modified: January 23, 2007