Unit Policy
Title
School of Social Work: Tenured Faculty Research and Study Assignment Leave (Sabbatical) Policy
Introduction
Purpose
This policy document explains the eligibility requirements and process for tenured faculty at the School of Social Work to request a one-semester research and study assignment leave, also referred to as a sabbatical. It outlines required application materials, review timelines, expectations during leave, and post-leave reporting obligations.
Scope
This policy applies to eligible tenured faculty at the School of Social Work who meet the specified service and leave-history requirements.
Policy
Tenured faculty who have been at the School of Social Work for at least five years* and have not had such a leave for the past five years are eligible to apply to the Dean for a one-semester research and study assignment leave. The leave request should not be timed to occur during the year of promotion or post-tenure review.
* Exceptions: A faculty member whose initial appointment confers tenure will be eligible to apply no earlier than their second year for a research and study assignment to be taken in the third year. A faculty member whose initial appointment did not confer tenure, has not received a leave, and who subsequently received tenure, will be eligible to apply no earlier than their second year for a research and study assignment to be taken in the third year.
The research and study assignment leave may be combined with other leave mechanisms, including the Office of the Provost Senior Faculty Research and Scholarly Leave. The leave application process for the Provost's competitive leave is typically announced every Fall; more information can be found at: https://provost.unc.edu/faculty-awards/.
Process to Request a Research and Study Assignment Leave (Sabbatical)
- Submit a 1-2 page written request to the Dean at least six months in advance (January 1 for Fall sabbaticals; July 1 for Spring sabbaticals) of the requested release date. In the request, please include the following:
- Detail your research/project plans, specifically what you hope to accomplish, and the reasons why having protected time is critical to making this happen.
- Indicate the semester you are requesting for the sabbatical (Fall semester: July 1 – December 31 or Spring semester: January 1 – June 30).
- Provide your current breakdown of state funding and grant funding, and the breakdown of funding in the proposed semester of leave.
- The Dean will review the request and notify the faculty member within one month of the sabbatical leave request deadline (by January 31 for Fall sabbaticals; by July 31 for Spring sabbaticals).
- If approved, written communication from the dean will be sent confirming approval and detailing expectations of accomplishments during the protected time.
- If denied, written communication from the dean will be sent explaining the denial. Faculty members will have the opportunity to submit an amended request based on feedback from the dean.
- Once approved, the Office of Human Resources will initiate a Faculty Leave Notification form which is required by the university.
- Faculty member will be released from all teaching and service responsibilities for the approved semester.
- At the conclusion of the sabbatical, a report detailing the work completed during the leave must be sent to the Dean within 90 days. This report will also be shared with the Committee on Faculty Research and Student Leaves at the University.
- Faculty members who receive a research and study assignment are obligated to return to the University and complete one full year of service.
- More information on Research and Study Leaves can be found at: https://facultyaffairs.unc.edu/policies-and-procedures/faculty-leaves/research-and-study-leaves/
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Tamsen Foote, Human Resources Director
Email: tamsen@unc.edu
Other Contacts
Name: Dana Caudill, Director of Planning and Operations
Email: Dana_Caudill@unc.edu