Faculty development leaves may be granted by the president for field observations, research, study, writing, or other scholarly/creative activities. They should not be used to complete work for a terminal degree. No more than six percent of university faculty members may be on development leave at any one time.

HOP policy 02-309 applies to full-time faculty whose duties include teaching, research, administration, or the performance of professional services. Except for special circumstances, individuals are eligible for a development leave after serving full time for at least six consecutive years. After completion of a development leave, recipients may not apply for six years.

Applications for faculty development leaves will be reviewed annually by the Faculty Development Leave Committee. The committee will consist of full-time faculty members, one from each academic college. The committee will make recommendations to the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs who will make the final leave recommendation to the president

Faculty Development Leave is explained in full in HOP policy 02-309

2026-27 faculty development leave timeline

Sept. 1, 2026Interest of FDL for 2027/2028 FDL shared via email to the Provost Office
Sept. 4, 2026Launch of FDL workflow in Faculty Success
Sept. 30, 2026Faculty submission
Oct. 2, 2026Provost Office eligibility check
Oct. 12, 2026Unit head
Oct. 26, 2026Dean
Dec. 4, 2026FDL committee (*Brewer chair)
Dec. 18, 2026Provost designee
Jan. 8, 2027Dean decision notification
Jan. 15, 2027Unit head decision notification
Jan. 22, 2027Faculty decision notification
Jan. 29, 2027Provost archive (notifies HR and budget director)