How Do Study/Research Leaves Work for Faculty? – University of Guelph Faculty Association

Study/Research Leave with salary enables Faculty Members to maintain and enhance their quality as scholars. In turn, these Leaves enable the University to maintain and enhance excellence through the Faculty Members’ contributions to teaching and research.

How many years do I have to work?

If you are Tenured, you are eligible for a Study/Research Leave of two semesters that begins following six years of continuous work at the University.

Once you return from a Study/Research Leave, you can subsequently apply for either of the following:

One semester of Study/Research Leave after three years of active employment
Two semesters of Study/Research Leave after six years of active employment

How do I apply?

You must apply in writing to your Department Tenure and Promotion Committee through the Chair of the Department at least one year before the intended start date of your leave. Include the following in your Study/Research Leave application:

Statement of goals
Plan of scholarly activity
When and where the Leave is expected to be taken
Up-to-date curriculum vitae
How contractual research responsibilities (including OMAFA) will be handled

What happens if I don’t apply as soon as I’m eligible?

If you will have accumulated more than six years of service prior to the intended start date of your leave, you will lose any service credit for work beyond the six years. The extra time cannot be used to establish eligibility for a subsequent Leave.

What happens if the University delays my Leave?

In exceptional circumstances where the Department is unable to meet needs and priorities, the Dean may approve a delay of an approved Study/Research Leave. In such a case, the delay may not be longer than two years, and the length of time of the delay counts towards the work period required for eligibility for the next Leave.

Can I request a delay of my approved Leave?

You can ask to delay an approved Leave for up to two years. If the delay is approved, the length of time of the delay counts towards the work period required for eligibility for the next Leave.

What are my responsibilities at the end of the Leave?

Within sixty days of the end of the Leave, you have to provide a written report to the Chair describing what you accomplished in relation to the submitted plan. The report will be made available to the Dean and the Department Tenure and Promotion Committee. It is expected that you will return to the University for at least one year following the Leave.