Sabbaticals
A sabbatical leave is intended to benefit the University by affording faculty time to take advantage of professional development opportunities such as conducting research, engaging in scholarly and creative activities, improving instruction, or obtaining faculty retraining.
Prior to final approval, applicants for sabbatical leave are required to file a statement of assets or a promissory note with University Personnel guaranteeing the University against loss should the employee fail to return after the sabbatical leave.
Eligibility
A full-time faculty unit employee is eligible for a sabbatical leave so long as they have worked full-time at this campus for six (6) of the seven (7) years preceding the leave, and at least six (6) years after any previous sabbatical or difference in pay leave. Credit granted toward the completion of the probationary period for service elsewhere applies towards fulfilling the eligibility requirement.
Process to Apply for Sabbatical Leave
Outside Employment while on Sabbatical Leave
A faculty unit employee on sabbatical leave may not accept outside employment without prior approval from the President. Written requests for approval to accept outside employment should be submitted to the Senior Director, Faculty Services.
Returning from Sabbatical Leave
Once the sabbatical leave has been completed, the employee must return service to the University at the rate of one term of service for each term of leave taken.
Within six (6) weeks after returning to service at San José State University, the faculty member must submit a written report, via the dean, to the Senior Director, Faculty Services. Faculty members are also encouraged to present the results of the sabbatical leave at departmental, college or university forums.
Sabbatical and CalPERS
A faculty member who accepts a sabbatical for a full year at half-pay should be aware that their contribution to and credit in the CalPERS system is in proportion to the reduced salary earned while on leave. To receive full retirement credit, one may choose to reimburse the State to the level of a normal retirement contribution. Contact your Benefits Representative for information on how to purchase full retirement credit at the conclusion of the full academic year Sabbatical leave.
Additional Information
For more information, see Article 27 [pdf] of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, University Policy F08-4 [pdf], or contact the Senior Director, Faculty Services.
