Re: Sabbatical Leave of Absence

The Board of Trustees of Purdue University has delegated to the President of the University the authority to grant sabbatical leaves of absence to faculty members for the purposes and under the conditions set forth below:

1. Purpose

   Purdue University, as one of the major universities in the United States, is concerned with the search for new knowledge and its transmission through teaching and service. In order to maintain and continue the high level of academic excellence necessary for this mission, it is important for the faculty to periodically update and strengthen their professional skills and horizons. A sound program of sabbatical leaves is thus of vital importance to the University in that it provides for this continued professional growth and new or renewed intellectual achievement through study, research, and writing.

2. Eligibility and Remuneration from the University

   Any tenured member of the faculty of the University shall be eligible for consideration for sabbatical leave. Normally only full-time service at professorial rank shall be counted for eligibility for sabbatical leave.

   For academic year faculty members, sabbatical leaves may be granted as follows:

   1. after a minimum of six semesters of service, one semester at half pay;

   2. after a minimum of twelve semesters of service, one semester at full pay to two semesters at half pay with pay rate adjusted proportionately for intermediate periods.

   For fiscal year faculty members, sabbatical leaves may be granted as follows:
   1. after a minimum of three years of service, six months at half pay;

   2. after a minimum of six years of service, six months at full pay to one year at half pay with the pay rate adjusted proportionately for intermediate periods of time.

   Normally, for both academic and fiscal year faculty members, sabbaticals will be taken over a period of consecutive months. When it is in the best interest of the University as determined by the President (or the President's designee), the sabbatical may be split such that it is not taken over a continuous time period. However, the sabbatical, from the beginning to the end; must be completed within 18 months and cannot exceed in total time limits established in items a. or b. above, whichever applies.

   As each sabbatical ends a new waiting period begins in accordance with the above sections.

3. Residence

   Faculty members on sabbatical leave are expected to choose a residence in a location which is appropriate to the purposes of sabbatical leave as described in 1. Purpose.

4. Additional Remuneration

   Staff members granted sabbatical leaves may be permitted to accept appointments and receive additional remuneration as follows:

   1. sabbatical leave pay may be supplemented by fellowships, grants, or other sources provided the total compensation does not exceed the full time salary rate for the period of the leave, and provided that activities resulting from additional compensation are not in conflict with the purposes of the sabbatical leave;

   2. normal consulting arrangements may be continued provided they do not conflict with the purpose and spirit of the sabbatical program and have been approved through normal administrative channels;

   3. grants or stipend adjustments to defray family travel, cost of living allowances, and/or research expenses may be accepted, provided such grants, allowances, and/or expenses are not for personal remuneration in addition to 4.2 above.

5. Fringe Benefits
   1. The University will continue its contributions to TIAA/CREF based upon the budgeted full time salary rate for the period of the sabbatical leave and within the limits of the TIAA/CREF retirement policies.

   2. The University will continue its contributions to the group insurance programs based upon the full-time salary rate for the period, provided the individual faculty member continues normal employee contributions to the fringe benefit program.

   3. The University will make payments for Social Security based upon the actual salary received.

   4. Vacation leave shall not accrue during the period of sabbatical leave.

6. Application for Sabbatical Leave

   Staff members requesting sabbatical leave shall make application by way of a proposal containing the following information:

   1. purpose of the proposed sabbatical and the location at which the leave is to be taken;

   2. benefits which the faculty members believe will accrue to the University as a result of sabbatical.

7. Obligation of the Faculty Member

   Any faculty member taking sabbatical leave is obligated to:

   1. return to the University for at least one complete year of service,

   2. submit to the Dean of his or her School, through regular administrative channels, a special report covering the professional activities

   In the event the faculty member fails to comply with condition a. above, he or she is obligated to reimburse the University for all compensation (including cost of fringe benefits) paid during the period of the sabbatical leave.

8. Deviation from Policy

   The policy stated above is intended to serve all but the most unusual cases. Requests for deviation from the above policy will require special approval by the President of the University.

Steven C. Beering
President