Leave of Absence

A faculty member may apply for a leave of absence for either personal or professional reasons. Leaves of one year or less are routinely approved so long as the faculty member's absence does not cause real dislocation within the program. However, some schools and departments within the university have more stringent requirements than others.

A period of approved leave of absence does not break the continuity of appointment, but time spent on leave of absence does not count toward eligibility for sabbatical leave and retirement. More information on requesting a leave of absence can be found on the Unclassified Personnel Services' website under Leave of Absence.

Insurance benefits are not provided to members of the faculty on leave of absence unless special arrangements are made before the leave commences or the leave does not put them below .50 FTE. Contact the Human Resources benefits office to determine whether your coverage can be maintained.

When a faculty member is successful in winning grant support for a period of research leave, it is sometimes possible to channel the grant funds through the university, and thereby continue paid appointment, rather than taking the funds directly from the granting agency or foundation and spending the time on leave without pay. Check with the staff in the research office (346-5131) to see if your grant award would be eligible for this treatment.

Winning certain prestigious but low-paying fellowships may qualify faculty for a university subsidy of up to 30 percent of annual salary and for a continuation of fringe benefits while on leave. More information about the this program can be found on the Unclassified Personnel Services' website under Policy and Procedure to Request Institutional Compensation on Faculty Fellowships(Awards).