IntroductionProfessional development leaves are an opportunity for Academic Professional and Administrative (P/A) staff members to enhance an individual’s professional knowledge, skills, and performance in ways that substantially relate to or enhance an individual's role or potential role in the University Libraries. Professional development leaves should be designed to benefit not only the individual, but also the individual's unit and the institution through enhanced skills, reputation, or performance. Leaves may be requested for: study, research, scholarly writing, artistic projects, and curriculum development. These leaves are not entitlements, therefore proposals must meet certain criteria and require approval. In general, applications are submitted in early spring, reviewed in late spring, and awarded leaves may begin after the start of next fiscal year. A review committee, appointed by the University Librarian, evaluates applications. A final decision is made by the University Librarian. Call for Applications The University Librarian will issue an annual call for professional development leave applications for leaves to begin in the next fiscal year. Applicants should work with their supervisors and Department Directors to develop a plan for coverage of position responsibilities during the leave. Signatures and assessment by the relevant Department Director and Associate University Librarian are required as part of the application, which is submitted to the Senior Program Advisor and Researcher, Jennie Burroughs ([email protected]). Individuals may apply for a six week mini-leave, three month short-term leave, or a thirteen to forty-eight week extended professional development leave. Characteristics of Successful ProposalsApplicants should prepare a proposal that documents the components, work plan, and outcomes of the leave. The proposal must document a project, special study, or program of activity that will:
Proposals should include (as applicable):
Planning for a LeavePlanning for a leave should occur with substantial lead-time and discussion with one’s supervisor. While a leave isn’t required to attain continuous appointment or promotion, it is a tool that can help individuals in that process. It is expected that applicants will consult their supervisors and directors during the development of the proposal. Provisions and TermsEligibility for LeaveProfessional development leaves are awarded based on:
Mini-Leave: 6 weeks
Short-Term Leave: 12 weeks
Extended-Leave: 13-48 weeks
Income and Benefits During LeaveSalary and Benefits
Sick and Vacation TimeWhile on leave, individuals accrue sick and vacation time, and are eligible to take vacation or sick leave, which should be reported to the supervisor in the normal way. Taking sick or vacation leave during the professional development leave does not extend the duration of the leave. Extraordinary circumstances, such as significant illness requiring disability leave, will be handled case by case. Please contact the Director of Human Resources and Organization Development. Grants and ScholarshipsWhile on a professional development leave, the individual may accept grants or scholarships to defray travel, study or research expenses. ObligationsPrior to LeaveIndividuals should develop a plan, including a timeline, for managing work-related communications before and during the leave. The plan should identify individuals and groups to be notified of the leave in advance, appropriate methods of communication, and reasons for communications during the leave. Supervisors are responsible for submitting a Staffing Action Form (SAF) to Libraries HR reflecting the official dates for the professional development leave. ReportingWithin one month of the return to work, the individual shall report the results of the leave activity as specified in the application to the University Librarian with copies to the Associate University Librarian, Department Director, Jennie Burroughs, and Libraries Human Resources. The report should detail accomplishments of the goals in the proposal and expected outcomes. The report will become part of the individual’s personnel record and dossier. Returning to WorkIndividuals granted professional development leaves must return to the Libraries for a full academic year or its equivalent after completion of the leave, unless waived by the University Librarian or designee. Individuals who do not return or return for only a portion of the time due and have not been granted a written waiver by the University Librarian or designee must reimburse the University for all or a prorated amount of the salary, retirement contributions, and value of benefits received during the leave. Duties while on leaveWhile on leave, individuals are relieved of all regular University duties. It is the responsibility of the applicant, supervisor and, as appropriate, director and AUL to determine how those responsibilities will be covered. Leaves do not have to be taken all at once. Leaves can be broken up to better accommodate individual or unit needs. In extraordinary circumstances leave recipients may retain limited job responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the unit supporting the leave to determine if and how coverage of the responsibilities and associated funding will be provided. To make it possible for all P/A staff members to have the opportunity to apply for professional development leaves, Libraries’ units should utilize all viable means for covering responsibilities of individuals on leave. Review and Approval ProcessThe University Librarian shall appoint a Professional Development Leave Screening Committee to review all leave applications. The screening committee shall include P&A staff members of the University Libraries who have previously been granted development leaves. All leave requests are evaluated to assess both their individual and relative merit. To provide probationary appointees with additional opportunity to meet the criteria for continuous appointment, special considerations will be given to requests for probationary librarians when ranking applications. Screening committee members shall receive copies of the applications, which should include:
The screening committee shall review and submit the applications in ranked order to the University Librarian, with comments that explain the individual rankings based on established leave criteria. The University Librarian will review the screening committee's report and notify applicants of his/her/their decision. The screening committee shall exist for a full calendar year to consider applications which may be received outside the review period due to special circumstances. Rescinding a LeaveA professional development leave may be rescinded if P/A employees are given a notice of non-reappointment or termination of appointment. University ProceduresProfessional Development Leave Policy, Office of Human Resources Past RecipientsThe application deadline for Professional Development Leaves will be announced early in the calendar year. Applicants must indicate an intent to apply for a leave to their supervisor and AUL by a prior date (to be included in the call for applications).
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