Information About Faculty Leave
When to Request Faculty Leave
Faculty members may request the following types of leave: (1) academic leave (2) unpaid time off and (3) leave from the instructional budget. In all cases, or for any combination of the leave types, a leave form must be completed and submitted.
When Are Leave Requests Unnecessary?
Requesting leave is not necessary under the following circumstances:
- Accrued sick leave or sick leave pool is being taken
- A UT administrative appointment will pay all or part of a faculty member’s salary. For example, appointments as Dean, Associate Dean, Director, etc. do not require requesting leave
- Leave is taken during the summer months
- A faculty member will be paid by another department's faculty salaries account where they hold an appointment
- Jury Duty
- Official travel for research, teaching, administrative, State business, military leave (up to 15 days per year), etc., if all appropriate travel approvals have been secured in a timely manner
Academic Leave vs Unpaid Time Off
Academic Leave
Academic leave (previously Leave Without Pay) is unpaid, full-time leave for 30 days or longer in duration. This leave must be academic in nature (i.e., the faculty member is performing duties consistent with those of their position at the University--teaching, research, or service related).
Unpaid Time Off
Unpaid time off is leave that is less than 30 days in duration (or is intermittent), is for partial days or less than full time, and is for personal reasons. Note that individuals taking this leave may not continue to receive their supplement(s) during the period of leave.
Process
Requesting Academic Leave or Unpaid Time Off
The department will work with faculty requesting academic leave or unpaid time off to submit a Faculty Request for Leave Form to CNS Faculty Affairs. When considering leave requests, Department Chairs should consider impact on course scheduling and availability for students. The leave request must include a justification explaining why the leave is in the best interests of the University and how it will increase the teaching effectiveness or scholarly productivity of the faculty. It should also specify what the faculty member will be doing while on leave. If leave is requested for unpaid time off for significant personal reasons (e.g., parental leave) the reason for the leave should not be stated on the leave request form. Please note, faculty cannot take more than two years of consecutive leave.
The Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs will review the request and forward it to the Provost's Office for final approval. Once the Provost approves the leave, APS will process it in Workday. They will also send copies of the approved form to the department and Dean's Office. If the leave is denied, the Dean's Office will be in direct contact with the Department Chair.
Timeline
Deadlines for Submitting Academic Leave Requests
- For the fall semester/long session, the deadline to submit leave is the first Friday in July.
- For the spring semester, the deadline to submit leave is the first Friday in November.
Deadlines for Submitting Unpaid Time Off Requests
- Requests for unpaid time off should be submitted to CNS Faculty Affaris at least one month prior to the effective date of the request.
Questions or concerns: Contact CNS Faculty Affairs
