The leave program is intended to maintain and improve the quality of the programs of the University by creating opportunities for the staff to acquire new methods and techniques, to broaden outlooks, and to improve professional competency and stature through study, research, and other professional development activities.
Full-time Administrative/Professional employees who have completed five years employment at Illinois State University are eligible to apply for an educational leave of one-half year with full pay or one year at half pay. An individual may not be awarded a paid leave more often than once in seven years.
To apply for an educational leave, the employee shall file with the immediate supervisor/unit head a Request for Leave of Absence (PERS 917) specifying;
Paid educational leaves may be requested on the Request for Leave of Absence form PERS 917 and require the endorsement of the employee's unit head, the appropriate staff administrator or dean of the college, the Vice President and Provost, and the President. The request shall be forwarded initially to the employee's unit head not later than September 15, to the staff administrator or Dean of the College by October 1, and to the Vice President and Provost by October 15 of the year preceding the fiscal year for which the educational leave is requested. No more than one paid leave (sabbatical and educational leave totals) per twenty-five eligible employees shall be awarded.
The workload of any Administrative/Professional employee who is granted a paid leave shall be absorbed by his or her unit.
Unpaid educational leaves may be requested at any time on the Request for Leave of Absence form PERS 917 and require the endorsement of the employee's unit head, the appropriate staff administrator or dean of the college, and the Vice President and Provost. Unpaid leaves must be authorized by the President. Those who apply for unpaid educational leave shall be notified on the disposition of their request by the Provost.
An individual granted a paid leave assumes a professional obligation to return to the University for a period of not less than one year following the leave. Within three months of the completion of a paid educational leave, the employee must file a written report with the supervisor and the Provost summarizing the purposes of the leave and listing the consequent accomplishments.
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
Contact: Human Resources (309-438-8311)
Revised on:
