Professional Development
Sabbatical Leaves
Sabbatical leave may be granted to a faculty member for research, writing, continuing education, or other professional growth activity calculated to contribute to professional development and the usefulness of the faculty member to the University.
Generally, the University may allocate up to eight half-academic year sabbaticals. Two half-year sabbaticals may be combined for a full academic sabbatical. Lesser numbers of sabbaticals may be established by the University on an interim basis due to budget conditions.
By October 15: Candidates notify the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs in writing of their intent to participate in the sabbatical request process. The Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs will confirm eligibility and create a case in the online system.
By November 1: Candidate will have submitted a digital application for a sabbatical request and all required documentation in the online system.
Applications Must Include:
- Designation of one semester (fall or spring) or full academic year
- Current CV.
- Describe academic objectives and congruence with academic/pedagogical goals of the Department/School/College/University.
- An explanation of how the leave would contribute to professional growth and expertise.
- Provide a clear work plan including a timetable. Provide supporting documents (as necessary).
Complete information concerning eligibility, preparation of the proposal, deadlines, and all other requirements are in the (see Sections A 22 and A 23).
Release Time/Reassignment
The College Deans and the Provost/VPAA have agreed to reallocate resources necessary for faculty professional development. The release time may include up to three courses per academic year. Priority for approval should be given to proposals that provide and advance value in the applicant鈥檚 field and will have a tangible outcome, e.g., a manuscript, a performance, or exhibition, etc.
By October 15: Candidates notify the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs in writing of their intent to participate in the sabbatical request process. The Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs will confirm eligibility and create a case in the online system.
By November 1: Candidate will have submitted a digital application for a sabbatical request and all required documentation in the online system.
Applications Must Include:
- Designation of one semester (fall or spring).
- Current CV.
- An explanation of how the leave would contribute to professional growth and expertise.
- IRB approval (if applicable).
Complete information concerning eligibility, preparation of the proposal, deadlines, and all other requirements are in the (see Section A 22).
Mini-grants to the faculty are funded by annual donors to The 黑料吃瓜网Fund and made available through the Professional Development Committee. Typical awards are $500; however, given the limited funding availability, this year’s awards will be $200. The initial deadline for submission is November 17th, 2024. A second call for proposals may be issued during the spring semester if all funds are not dispersed. Applicants are required to apply using the approved PDC Mini-Grant Form. Those seeking to travel out of state must be approved for travel before applying for an award. Travel approval should be included in the application. The travel authorization and settlement forms can be found here.
The 黑料吃瓜网University Foundation and Academic Affairs will provide a maximum of four stipends for the Summer Semester at $3,500 per award. Applications must be sent directly to the Provost鈥檚 Office, and the faculty member鈥檚 name must appear only on the cover sheet.聽 They will be made anonymous to facilitate the blind review process conducted by the Professional Development Committee. Applications are due to the Provost鈥檚 Office by February 10th, 2025. Please follow the link above for complete details.
The Create the Future funds are to be awarded to a full-time member of the faculty 鈥渢o present research at an international conference or to conduct research that has been sanctioned abroad.鈥� Funds may also be used to support creative activities, such as art shows, recitals, and exhibitions which involve international travel. Award amounts vary year to year. When there is more than one applicant, the Professional Development Committee reviews applications and selects a recipient based on the criteria of the award and quality of the application.
General Expectation
Applications for Sabbaticals, Release Time/Reassignment, and Professional Development Stipend Grants should be emailed to Provost鈥檚 Office: Valerie Wright vwright@shepherd.edu.
Questions about awards as well as Mini-Grant and Create the Future applications should be emailed to the chair of the Professional Development Committee: Robert M. Anthony,聽rantho02@shepherd.edu.