How Do Professional Development Leaves Work for Veterinarians?

Two different types of Professional Development Leaves are available to Veterinarian Members who meet the eligibility requirements:

  • Short-term Professional Development Leave for leaves up to five working days to attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and meetings for professional development purposes and to consult sources outside the University for scholarly endeavours, with salary
  • Long-term Professional Development Leave for leaves up to one semester, with salary

How do I apply for a Short-term Professional Development Leave?

Make your request for approval in writing to the Director at least one month in advance and work with the Director to arrange coverage for your obligations and responsibilities. A Short-term Leave is normally no longer than five working days, and the University will consider funding requests related to Professional Development Leave.

How do I apply for a Long-term Professional Development Leave

You are eligible for a Long-term Leave of up to one semester that begins following six years of continuous work at the University, provided that you hold a Continuing Appointment. You must apply in writing to Director at least one year before the intended start date of your leave. Include the following in your Professional Development Leave application:

  • Statement of goals
  • Plan of scholarly activity and the benefit to the Unit
  • When and where the Leave is expected to be taken, the length of the leave requested (up to a maximum of one semester), and an indication that the proposed host institution is willing and able to host your leave.
  • Recommendations for covering your obligations and responsibilities during the Leave, which can be developed in discussion with the Director.

What are my responsibilities at the end of a Long-term Leave?

Within sixty days of the end of the Leave, you have to provide a written report to the Director describing what you accomplished in relation to the submitted plan. 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 35 of the Collective Agreement.

If you have any questions about Professional Development Leaves, please contact us at facassoc@uoguelph.ca.