It is recommended that the MTU Administration adopt a policy that would provide the opportunity for eligible professional staff to take extended leave from the University to enhance their education and/or work skills in ways that would increase their effectiveness as University employees.
This proposal would provide for benefits to continue at no addtional cost to the person on a professional development leave. Current policies at Michigan Tech allow for unpaid leaves of absence for up to one year, with benefits paid for by the person on leave.
Proposal Background
There is a need among many
University professional staff members for a program that would allow them to
leave the University for an extended period to explore new developments and
acquire new knowledge in their areas of professional expertise or to do research
in work related to their function at the University. Few training and
development opportunities are available locally to Michigan Tech's professional
staff. Other distinguished universities provide such opportunities for their
professional staff.
Professional Development Leave would improve the ability of professional staff to achieve success in their careers. This would increase their value to the University and improve morale.
Other benefits to the University could include:
1. Incorporation and
implementation of best practices
2. Improved retention rate among faculty
and staff
3. Improved faculty and staff recruitment
4. Increased
fund-raising and research opportunities through increased MTU exposure by
sending personnel to other institutions
1Non-faculty, non-represented, exempt, more than one echelon below the vice president
Adopted by Senate: October 13, 1999
Approved by Administration with minor changes: 8 March 2000