Important Note: This overview of Paid Professional Leave is supplemental and not intended to conflict with the requirements of CBA Section 10.
Introduction
Western conducts its Professional Leave Application process on Interfolio. Professional leaves are granted for the purpose of affording faculty members an opportunity to conduct research, improve teaching, and participate in other creative endeavors which enhance their contributions to the programs of the University. Approval of professional leave quarters does not include funding for travel proposed in the application. Funding for travel during the professional leave period is subject to established department and/or college policy related to professional travel.
Eligibility
A faculty member must have:
- Served a minimum of six years at Western before a professional leave is taken, and
- Received tenure prior to submitting an application for professional leave.
The number of quarters that a faculty can apply for depends on their appointment percent, service quarters, and history of previous leaves. Eligibility for professional leave accumulates at the rate of one quarter of leave per two years of service at Western. A faculty member may not accumulate more than one academic year of eligibility for professional leave.
Faculty interested in applying for professional leave can determine their eligibility here.
Request a Professional Leave Application
Request a professional leave application by October 1, 2024, for leave to be taken in AY 2025-26. Only tenured faculty who have served at least six years at WWU before the professional leave is taken are eligible to apply.
The Process
Professional leave applicants should consult their department regarding the deadline for submitting their professional leave application.
- Professional Leave Applicant responds to the college call in spring or submits the form directly above to request initiation of a professional leave application.
- Faculty Relations initiates professional leave application in Interfolio. Professional Leave Applicant receives email notification.
- Professional Leave Applicant completes and submits professional leave application. Department Chair receives email notification.
- Department Chair reviews professional leave application(s), uploads assessment to the Committee Documents section, and moves case forward. College Dean (and College Committee where applicable) receives email notification. Deadline: October 15.
- College Committee (where applicable) reviews professional leave application(s) and provides ranking to College Dean outside of Interfolio.
- College Dean reviews professional leave application and College Committee’s ranking of professional leave applicants, provides their own ranking in addition to the College Committee’s ranking to facultyrelations@wwu.edu outside of Interfolio, and moves case forward. Deadline: November 15.
- University Professional Leave Committee reviews professional leave application(s) and provides final recommendation to Provost.
- Provost makes final award decisions and notifies Professional Leave Applicants, Department Chairs, and College Deans. Deadline: January 31.
- Professional Leave Applicant completes professional leave repayment agreement and sends to facultyrelations@wwu.edu then completes and routes a faculty leave request form to let department, college, and Provost know when they intend to take their granted leave next year.
- Faculty Relations closes professional leave applications in Interfolio.
- Professional Leave Applicant sends a written report of their accomplishments to Department Chair, College Dean, and Provost within one quarter of completing their planned professional leave.
Links
Professional Leave Repayment Agreement (PDF)
Faculty Professional Leave Workshop – 2015 (Video)
Contact
Contact Faculty Relations at facultyrelations@wwu.edu for general questions regarding the Professional Leave Application Process.