UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH POLICY  \  02-11-03



CATEGORY:                  ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
SECTION:                   Faculty Leave Programs
SUBJECT:                   Faculty Leave for Professional Enhancement
EFFECTIVE DATE:            March 29, 1994
PAGE(S):                   1


I.      SCOPE

        This policy establishes leave without pay for all faculty,
        regardless of a faculty member's eligibility for a
        sabbatical, for the purpose of undertaking activities which
        are likely to enhance the faculty member's teaching and
        research.

II.     POLICY

        Leave Without Pay

        The University provides a leave of absence without pay of up
        to a maximum of one year for the purpose of professional
        enhancement.  Special consideration for such leaves will be
        given to junior faculty members who obtain nationally
        recognized fellowships or prestigious temporary appointments
        at places such as other institutions, government, or
        industry.  The leave may be renewed with the appropriate
        approval.

        Upon receipt of notification of the fellowship award or
        temporary appointment, a written request for a leave of
        absence without pay should be submitted to the appropriate
        department chairman.  The request for a leave of absence must
        be approved by the Provost, with the endorsement of the
        faculty member's department chairman and dean or campus
        president.

        A leave of absence without pay will not prejudice a faculty
        member's salary.  Depending upon the recommendation of the
        dean or campus president, when a tenure stream faculty member
        is granted a leave of absence, the term of the probationary
        appointment may be extended and the period of the leave will
        not be counted as part of the term of probationary period of
        service.

        Continuation of Benefits

        During the leave, the faculty member may elect to continue
        medical, life, and disability insurance by continuing payment
        of the premium for the benefit for the duration of the leave.
        The University will continue to pay its share of the premiums
        for any benefit the faculty member decides to continue.

        Participation in the University Retirement Program is
        suspended for the duration of the leave.  To reactivate
        participation upon return from the leave, the faculty member
        must complete and submit the necessary forms to the Benefits
        Section of the Office of Human Resources.