The University Senate of Michigan Technological University


SUPERSEDED

PROPOSAL 1-95

CHANGES TO THE UNIVERSITY SABBATICAL LEAVE POLICY

1. Philosophy of sabbatical leaves

Sabbatical leaves are not a fringe benefit and are not automatically granted. The purpose of sabbatical leaves is to give faculty a rest from their normal duties and encourage them to explore professional avenues which performance of their normal duties would prevent. Faculty are encouraged to leave the Houghton area, develop contacts with other academic institutions, research institutes, businesses, or government agencies as part of the sabbatical. These encouragements are in keeping with the philosophy underlying sabbatical leaves. They are, however, not required.

2. Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a sabbatical leave, a faculty member must have (1) been granted tenure at the University and (2) served for at least six years as a faculty member at the University. Eligibility for subsequent sabbatical leaves requires a minimum of six years to pass since the completion of the previous sabbatical leave.

3. Guidelines

In order to be considered for a sabbatical, faculty must prepare a sabbatical leave proposal, using the guide shown in Appendix N [Note: the old handbook placed this form as "N" in the appendix. The form, which did not change, is not included in this proposal].

Sabbaticals will not be granted if (1) the sabbatical proposal includes the performance of any substantive duties at MTU, (2) the proposed sabbatical is for less than one full quarter, (3) the faculty member does not agree to return to MTU after the leave, (4) the faculty member does not agree to provide a written report at the end of the sabbatical leave to the University Sabbatical Leave Committee, or (5) the faculty member did not provide a written report for a previous sabbatical leave.

4. Compensation

Compensation for sabbaticals will be based on the following formula:
         L = {[1 - (0.25)*(Q-1)]*(S)}

Where:
     L = the salary for the academic year in which the sabbatical leave is taken
     Q = the requested sabbatical leave time in quarters (Q must be at least 1, but no more than 3). Except in special circumstances, Q will  be a whole number
     S = the nine-month academic year salary of the faculty member

In table form, this formula is shown below:

          Duration of Leave          Salary in Sabbatical Leave Year
             1 Quarter                    100% of Academic Year Salary
             2 Quarters                   85% of Academic Year Salary
             3 Quarters                   70% of Academic Year Salary

Note: Most faculty are on nine-month appointments. For those who are not on nine-month appointments, academic year salary is what their salary would be if they were on normal, nine-month appointments. Pay for administrative duties is not part of a normal, nine-month faculty salary.

5. Fringe Benefits

During the period when a faculty member is on sabbatical leave:

6. Procedure

7. Appeals

See the University's grievance procedures.

8. Timing

Everyone involved in the sabbatical leave approval process should act in a timely manner. Even though plans for sabbatical leaves sometimes do not solidify until rather late in the academic year, applicants should begin the process as early as possible. Applications received after March 15 will not be considered.

9. Changes in Approved Sabbatical Leaves

Once a sabbatical leave has been approved, any substantive changes in the faculty member's sabbatical plans must be approved by the faculty member's supervisor, the University Sabbatical Leave Committee, and the Provost/President.

 

 

Proposal Approved by Senate: November 30, 1994
Approved by President: March 15, 1995
Submission to BOC delayed at Senate's Request: March 22, 1995 until completion of Faculty Survey
See Proposal 9-05