Faculty Handbook & Constitution - Lee University

_________________LEE UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOK & CONSTITUTION_________________from the conclusion of a sabbatical, faculty members are requested to provide a briefdescription of the work accomplished during the leave time. In addition, they may attachor forward appropriate documents that have been prepared or published as furtherevidence of the work performed. This is not meant to be a threatening dimension of thesabbatical leave, but rather a joyous celebration of the tasks projected and completedduring this time.All leaves shall be controlled by the administration and Board of Directors, and aleave may be withheld whenever it is felt that the absence of the candidate will seriouslyimpair the interest of the university. It is expected that those receiving a sabbatical leavewill return to Lee University for at least six full semesters. This obligation applies to alltypes and lengths of sabbatical whether one year of less. If one does not return or givesonly partial service, he/she will reimburse the university on the following basis:No subsequent service ....................................... all to be reimbursedOne year of service ........................................... 2/3 of leave paymentTwo years of service. ........................................ 1/3 of leave paymentThree years of service ....................... Sabbatical obligation is fulfilledThe terms of repayment shall be 20% per year until the remaining indebtedness ispaid. Death or total and permanent disability relieves the faculty member of thisobligation. In the event that a person is elected by the General Church to another positionin the Church, the sabbatical leave indebtedness will be reviewed by the Board ofDirectors for adjustment.The number of sabbatical leaves made available each year will be determined by theadministration and Board of Directors. Other criteria for the selection of candidates arepersonnel needs of the department, personal initiative, academic position, and availabilityof personnel for the release of an individual.No faculty member shall be eligible for a sabbatical leave within five years of his/herretirement date. Faculty members are requested to pursue every avenue possible tosecure fellowships and grants. Those whose initiative and performance enable them toobtain supplementary funding will not be penalized in the awarding of university funding.The goal of the university is to fund two sabbatical leaves each year. Personnel who areon sabbatical leave may be reimbursed by the university for tuition and fees for the periodof one year.The Procedure for Applying1. Since the Board of Directors considers sabbaticals in its Winter Session (usuallyJanuary) applications and supportive materials must be handed in to a professor’sChair by September 15 of the year prior to the year for which the sabbatical isrequested. Since sabbaticals are granted for professional development,applications should include a detailed description of the proposed study followingthe format of proposals made to the Faculty Research Committee.2. The Chair will evaluate all sabbatical requests in the department and will makerecommendations to the Dean. Evaluation will be based on the value of theproposed research to the department and the ability of the department to coverclasses during the absence. If there is more than one request for sabbaticalwithin a department, the Chair will also write a letter to the Dean that offers aprioritization of the applicants. All materials from the professor and letter(s) fromthe Chair will be forwarded to the Dean for assessment.6 - 12 Benefits of Faculty Service