Professional Development Leave

Introduction

Professional development leave, traditionally known as sabbatical, is defined in §6.3.4 of the UTC Faculty Handbook. The award of a professional development leave “is an investment by UTC in the expectation that the leave will enhance the faculty member's ability to contribute to the objectives of UTC and to student development.”

Eligibility

Faculty at UTC are eligible for professional development leave provided they are full-time, and tenured, and have completed a minimum of six consecutive years of service in a full- time appointment immediately prior to the time the professional development leave is to begin.

Criteria

The improvements sought during professional development leave should benefit the work of the faculty member, department, college, and university. Only professional development leave proposals that meet this criterion will be accepted and approved by UTC. The purposes for which professional development leave may be granted include

1. research on significant problems and issues;
2. important creative or descriptive work in any means of expression;
3. post-doctoral study at another institution;
4. and other approved projects, including innovations in teaching and learning.

Duration and Compensation

Professional development leave may be granted for either:

1. one-half the faculty member's annual appointment period at the faculty member's full base salary rate;
2. or the faculty member's full annual appointment period at one-half of the faculty member's full base salary rate.

For additional details on compensation and benefits, please see the UTC Faculty Handbook, §§6.3.4.4-6.3.4.5.

Proposal Evaluation

Proposals for professional development leave will be evaluated based on the following criteria. See the rubric for complete details, including scoring and weights.

• Plan for Development – The plan expresses how the development leave fits within the larger context of the faculty member’s career trajectory and the strategic goals of UTC. The plan would leave the faculty member fundamentally changed and prepared for new accomplishments.
• Development Outcomes – The outcomes are clear, measurable, and lead to the success of the development plan. Outcomes should be described for the individual and institution, as appropriate.
• Faculty Member – The faculty member possesses the requisite knowledge and training to engage in the development plan.

Evaluators may also consider the following ancillary factors, when considering the entire slate of sabbatical applications.

• Individual sabbatical record.
• Departmental and college instructional capacity.

Application Process & Materials

In September of each year the Provost will call for applications for professional development leave. An eligible faculty member may apply by through this form. The deans, as members of Dean’s Council, will collectively review the applications and make a recommendations to the Provost. The Provost will make a final decision on each application.

The application for professional development consists of the following:

• Professional development leave plan – A concise statement of purpose and plan for professional development leave, identifying specific activities, professional impact, institutional impact, and measurable outcomes.
• Faculty Record – An abbreviated Curriculum Vitæ that identifies germane qualifications, e.g. experience and accomplishments. Please limit to the last six years.

As part of the review, each department head will review applications, including the above materials, and will provide a recommendation to her or his dean. That recommendation will include a rationale for the recommendation and a brief statement of how the department would accommodate the loss of the faculty member in the event that the leave is approved.
All materials are then provided to the dean for review and a recommendation, and the results are provided to the Provost for a final decision.

Final Report

Within 90 days of completion of a professional development leave, the faculty member author file a report which directly addresses the plan and the outcomes. The report should be provided to the department head, dean, and Provost and a copy will be stored in UTC Faculty Records.

Examples

Examples of successful professional development leave plans and post-leave reports are provided below. Use these these examples to inspire and guide you as you prepare your own application.

Example 1 - Dr. Hunter Holzhauer

• View Plan
• View Report

Example 2 - Professor Gaye Jeffers

• View Plan
• View Report

Example 3 - Dr. Jill Shelton

• View Plan
• View Report

Rubric