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Academic Administration

Sabbatical Leave Proposal Instructions

Sabbatical leaves as a form of professional development allow faculty members a concentrated period of time to conduct research, engage in creative endeavors, or participate in activities that enhance their teaching. Proposed projects need to have a focused purpose, and faculty applicants should have done preliminary research to assess scope and feasibility and include a fleshed-out plan of execution in the proposal. Complete sabbatical leave requests are generally submitted a year before the leave commences. However, under unusual circumstances when a research opportunity arises, a leave request may be submitted within a year before the leave begins.

The application must include the following information (single-spaced):

  • Date of application
  • Faculty name
  • Faculty unit
  • Project title
  • Semester(s) affected

In addition, please answer the following in your proposal:

  1. Please describe in one to two pages (single-spaced):
    1. the title and purpose of your project
    2. methodology of your research
    3. details (abstract or project outline) on your intended outcomes of the leave
    4. prospective venue(s) of display or publication
    5. literature review and working bibliography when applicable
    6. dean's support letter
  2. How does your project work in concert with your faculty development plan?
  3. How will your project benefit students, your program/faculty unit, and yourself?
  4. Have you had professional development course releases in the last five years, including those with the CLT or through Professorship? If so, detail when and what they were used for.
  5. How will your request impact the ability of your program to cover its courses?
  6. Please note that research and travel are funded by the applicant’s faculty unit. So, please include your budget to be approved by your dean.

**Submit this proposal with pertinent project details and information to your dean, and if your dean approves, the proposal must be accompanied by the dean’s approval letter when reaching the AAVP faculty office.