Dr. Evan Thomas - Assistant Professor of Biology looking through microscope (square)

Sabbatical leave provides full-time faculty with an opportunity to pursue focused professional growth, research, study, collaboration, or other substantive projects that extend beyond regular teaching responsibilities and contribute to the College. This page provides the information and resources needed to develop and submit a sabbatical leave proposal.

An Opportunity for Focused Professional Growth

Sabbatical projects provide faculty with dedicated time to pursue meaningful work that strengthens their development as educators and contributes to teaching, learning, student support, or the broader College community.

Proposed sabbatical activities may include:

  • Resident study
  • Research and writing
  • Collaboration with disciplinary colleagues
  • Other work that increases the faculty member's contribution to the College beyond regular teaching duties

Preparing a Strong Proposal

Applicants should develop a proposal that is thorough, realistic, and understandable to colleagues outside of their discipline. The application should clearly communicate what will be accomplished, why sabbatical leave is necessary to accomplish the project, and how the work will benefit the faculty member, students, and the College.

A complete proposal should clearly address:

  • The purpose and goals of the project
  • Project viability, resources, and timeline
  • Anticipated and measurable outcomes
  • Benefits to teaching, learning, student support, and the College
  • How learning and outcomes will be shared with the College community following the sabbatical

Sabbatical Application Process

Sabbatical Application Scoring Rubric

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Sabbatical Application Scoring Rubric

Sabbatical Leave Application

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When you are ready to apply, open the application below and provide the requested information about your proposed sabbatical. You may wish to prepare longer narrative responses before beginning the form.
Deadline: Submit your application form by October 2.

Click to open the form

After You Apply

Following the October 2nd deadline, the Sabbatical Leave Committee reviews submitted applications using the established evaluation criteria. Applicants should provide enough context for reviewers outside their discipline to understand the project's purpose, feasibility, anticipated outcomes, and potential impact.

Upon completion of the review process, recommendations for sabbatical leave are presented to the Board of Trustees for approval at the March meeting.

Questions?

Faculty considering a sabbatical are encouraged to speak with their dean before submitting an application. Your dean can answer questions about the process, application requirements, and submission timeline.