Leave of absence

Although the university recognizes the value of further study and travel in increasing the effectiveness of the faculty, the North Carolina General Statutes and present limitations on the budget do not permit the granting of sabbaticals. However, faculty may apply for a leave without pay or for a Faculty Reassignment Award.

In cases in which a faculty member applies for a leave without pay early enough to enable the university to find a suitable replacement, he or she may be granted a leave of absence up to one year. Absences for a semester or more require the prior approval of the provost, the chancellor, and the Board of Trustees. During the leave, the university ceases to contribute to benefit programs. Faculty members contemplating such a leave should consult the appropriate dean and the Office of Human Resources. The university is constantly seeking funds which will aid faculty members in their professional advancement.

A faculty member on official leave of absence retains the right to participate in faculty meetings and departmental deliberations if he or she is physically present on the campus. One may not vote by proxy, nor are the university and its various divisions, departments and agencies obligated to use extraordinary means to notify such a faculty member of meetings. Notification will be considered to be sufficient when the same method is used for the faculty member on leave as for the faculty members on active status.