Summary
This policy describes the availability, timing, and request process for a one-semester faculty development assignment leave, or sabbatical, for untenured junior faculty. It explains that the leave is intended to provide protected time to strengthen a research portfolio and prepare for the tenure process.
Body
Unit Policy
Title
School of Social Work: Untenured Junior Faculty Development Assignment Leave (Sabbatical) Policy
Introduction
Purpose
This policy describes the availability, timing, and request process for a one-semester faculty development assignment leave, or sabbatical, for untenured junior faculty. It explains that the leave is intended to provide protected time to strengthen a research portfolio and prepare for the tenure process.
Scope
This policy applies to untenured junior faculty seeking a school-sponsored one-semester sabbatical prior to achieving tenure.
Policy
Untenured junior faculty will be afforded a one semester sabbatical prior to achieving tenure, generally between the second and fourth year of employment, during which time they may strengthen their research portfolio and prepare for the tenure process. Based on the number of courses that have been taught, research productivity, and the recommendation of the mentoring committee, the faculty member and the Dean will determine the optimal timing for this school-sponsored sabbatical.
Faculty development assignment leave does not extend the tenure clock. Tenure clock extensions may be granted following a discussion with the Dean for reasons of health, childbirth or child care, or similar compelling circumstances (e.g., adoption, elder care). More information about the extension of the tenure clock can be found at: https://facultyaffairs.unc.edu/policies-and-procedures/faculty-reviews/extension-of-tenure-clock-probationary-term-of-appointment/.
Process to Request an Untenured Junior Faculty Development Assignment Leave (Sabbatical)
- Submit a 1-2 page written request to the Dean detailing your research/project, specifically what you hope to accomplish, and the reasons why having protected time is critical to make this happen. Please indicate the semester you are requesting for the sabbatical (Fall semester: July 1 – December 31 or Spring semester: January 1 – June 30). The written request should be made at least six months in advance of the requested release date (January 1 for Fall sabbaticals; July 1 for Spring sabbaticals).
- 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.
- 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