How Do Study/Research and Development Leaves Work for Librarians?

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

If you expect to be taking on significantly different duties, you may apply for a Development Leave of one to four months to gain knowledge and skills that enable you to perform your new duties better.

How many years do I have to work?

If you hold a Continuing Appointment, you are eligible for a Study/Research Leave of eight months 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:

  • Four months of Study/Research Leave after three years of active employment
  • Eight months of Study/Research Leave after six years of active employment

How do I apply?

You must apply in writing to the CAP Committee at least one year before the intended start date of your leave, after consultation with your reporting manager. 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

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 Library is unable to meet needs and priorities, the University Librarian 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.

How do I apply for a Development Leave?

With or without a Continuing Appointment, if you expect to be taking on significantly different duties, you may apply for a Development Leave of one to four months to gain knowledge and skills that enable you to perform your new duties better. You must apply for the Leave to the University Librarian at least six months prior to the expected start date of the Leave, and the Leave must be taken within six months of starting the new duties. Where appropriate, the Development Leave may extend an approved Study/Research 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 person to whom you report describing what you accomplished in relation to the submitted plan. The report will be made available to the CAP Committee and the University Librarian. It is expected that you will return to the University for at least one year following the Leave.

Related links

For more details, see Article 29 of the Collective Agreement.

If you have any questions about Study/Research or Development Leaves, please contact us at facassoc@uoguelph.ca.