Sabbatical Leaves

Taking a Sabbatical Leave

Whether you are taking a step away for personal reasons or taking some time to focus on research, we have resources to help you understand your next steps. 

Sabbatical Leave

The first step we recommend if you are interested in taking a sabbatical is to review the University guidelines AC17 (Formerly HR17) as well as the Central HR webpage. The University Office of Faculty Affairs also has resources that can be found here.

AC17, Sabbatical Leave, is the University policy that governs sabbatical leaves of absence with pay. According to AC17, “A sabbatical is a privilege which may be granted to an individual who has demonstrated by publication, teaching, exhibition or performance an above average ability in scholarship, research, or other creative accomplishment.” Proposals for the study of pedagogical topics or for intensive pedagogical development are eligible and indeed, encouraged. You should be prepared to support any application that is forwarded for review.

Individuals who are granted sabbatical leaves are required to return for a full contract year of service following the sabbatical leave. Any person who does not return or does not remain for the full contract year following the sabbatical leave, will be required to refund the salary received from the University during the sabbatical leave. We have received questions regarding enforcement of this requirement, and we do not waive this requirement. 

All faculty are required to submit a report to the department head and the dean, within two months of their return from leave. The report should indicate how the experience improved the faculty member’s capacity to serve the University. It is not necessary to attach the sabbatical leave application. As required in HR99, Background Check Process, and AC17, all faculty returning from an approved leave of six months or longer are to complete a Penn State Arrest and Conviction Self-Disclosure form before returning to work. Please ensure that faculty members are aware of this when they submit their application.

Application Process

If you are a faculty member interested in taking a sabbatical, you should discuss this decision with your Department Head. The unit administrative support staff will assist you in preparing your sabbatical leave application.

1. Confirm Eligibility: The admin from your unit will submit the Sabbatical Leave Eligibility Form on your behalf by September 1 to the OFADEI in order to ensure that you are eligible to take a sabbatical leave. 
2. Prepare Application: Work with your Department Head and unit admin staff to complete your sabbatical leave application. The two-page application form can be found on GURU. Please note that on the second page, the only signature needed at time of submission to OFADEI is the Department Head's.
3. Submit Application: Your application should be submitted to the OFADEI no later than September 25.
4. College Committee & Dean Review: Your application will be reviewed by the HHD College Sabbatical Review Committee and then the Dean. Both parties will include a letter as part of your sabbatical packet and will sign the second page of your application form.
5. Submitted to VPFA: All sabbatical applications are submitted to the VPFA no later than November 1. Only requests of a highly exceptional nature will be reviewed after this date. 
6. University Review: The University level reviews of your application will take place and you will be notified of their decision regarding your application usually in December.

In-House Sabbatical Leave Application Checklist

Feel free to use the below checklist to ensure that your application form and supporting documents are completed to the best of your ability. This checklist is used by the OFADEI to confirm your application is fully completed before undergoing college-level reviews. 

Return from Sabbatical Leave Guidelines

Pease review these guidelines to prepare for the items required of you when returning from a sabbatical leave.