11.1 Sabbatical Leave
Full-time academic employees at the rank of Instructor or higher who have completed six years of service without having received paid leave may apply for sabbatical leave to enhance their professional effectiveness and contributions to the University. The primary goal of the sabbatical leave is to allow the employee to increase their professional efficiency and usefulness to the University through study and research. Faculty members on 12-month contracts are eligible for up to 12 months of leave at half pay or six months at full pay, while those on nine-month contracts may receive up to nine months of leave at half pay or four and a half months at full pay. Sabbaticals for obtaining a higher degree are generally not approved, except under unusual circumstances, and eligibility for sabbaticals may be limited by rank and tenure status. Employees supported by nonrecurring funds must ensure that these funds adequately cover their leave and any required post-leave service.
The Chancellor or designee, upon recommendation from academic leadership, determines sabbatical approvals. Recipients of sabbatical leave must return to their University duties for at least one year after the leave before seeking employment elsewhere. In some cases, faculty may accept employment during their sabbatical if it is pre-approved by the President, upon the recommendation of the Chancellor or a designated representative, and if the employment aligns with the purposes of the leave. The potential benefit to the University as a result of the sabbatical is a critical factor in granting approval, and sabbaticals are granted with the understanding that they will enhance the recipient’s ability to contribute to the University’s mission.
[LSU Board of Supervisors. (2/23/2024). Regulations, Article III, Section 1: Sabbatical Leave. LSU Board of Supervisors Rules and Regulations.]
[LSU. 12/15/2024). Permanent Memorandum 12: Educational Privileges, Educational Leave, and Sabbatical Leave.]
11.2 Leave to Obtain Advanced Degree
Members of the instructional, research, and extension staff on full-time regular academic appointment who have completed three consecutive years of service at the rank of Instructor (or equivalent) or above, may petition for a leave of absence with part pay for up to one year to pursue study culminating in an advanced degree. The petition must include details of the course of study, the institution, and the likelihood of obtaining the degree. Approval is contingent upon the University’s determination that the leave will benefit the institution and that the employee will return to duties for at least two years before seeking employment elsewhere. For those receiving educational leave, the pay will be up to one-half of the regular salary, and if the individual fails to return, they must repay the amount received.
Educational leave may be granted by the Board upon recommendations from the President and Chancellor. Individuals supported by nonrecurring funds are eligible only if the funding period covers both the leave and the required post-leave service. The educational leave is considered distinct from sabbatical leave, and prior service does not count toward sabbatical eligibility. The terms of the leave are also contingent on the academic employee’s salary during the academic year, excluding summer appointments.
[LSU Board of Supervisors. (2/23/2024). Regulations, Article III, Section 2: Leave to Obtain Advanced Degree. LSU Board of Supervisors Rules and Regulations.]
[LSU. 12/15/2024). Permanent Memorandum 12: Educational Privileges, Educational Leave, and Sabbatical Leave.]
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