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Educational Leave of Absence

Educational leaves of absence (EdLOA) can be used in situations where a tenured-faculty member has received an educational fellowship outside of the typical faculty development leave period. EdLOA can also be used for tenure-track faculty who have not undergone tenure consideration and who have received an educational fellowship and for non-tenure track faculty whose department strongly supports an educational leave proposal or fellowship. The table below is provided to compare these different options. Note that Faculty Development Leave is a type of EdLOA).

 

EdLOA FDL
Purpose The major purpose is to provide regular opportunities for development of new skills and perspectives that enhance the faculty member’s ability to contribute to the objectives of the university and student development. The major purpose is to provide regular opportunities for continued professional growth that benefits the work of the faculty member, department, college, and university, such as research, creative or descriptive work, post-doctoral study, or other approved projects.
Eligibility
  • TT and NTT Faculty
  • Full-time, Regular
  • Should have a rating of “meets expectations” or higher in the most recent APPR
  • Intended for professional fellowships (i.e., Fulbright) or off-cycle high profile professional development opportunities
  • Tenured Faculty
  • Must have completed six years of full-time campus service before applying
  • Must complete six years of full-time campus service before applying for next FDL
  • Must have a rating of meets expectations or higher on the most recent APPR
Terms
  • Duration: One semester (most typical) or Two semesters (fall and spring)
  • Must return to the university for one year following the Ed LOA or return the salary paid during the leave to UTK
  • Within 30 days of return, must submit a report of their activities while on leave via Interfolio
  • Faculty members may receive grants, contracts, awards, fellowships, and other additional outside compensation as given to support the Ed LOA, as long as it is consistent with university policy
  • The unit must create a compensation plan for the leave since each situation is unique
  • Duration: One semester (full base pay) or Two semesters – fall and spring (one half base pay)
  • Must return to the university for one year following the FDL or return the salary paid during the leave to UTK
  • Within 30 days of return, must submit a report of their activities while on leave via Interfolio
  • Faculty members may receive grants, contracts, awards, fellowships, and other additional outside compensation as given to support the FDL, as long as it is consistent with university policy
Application Process Interfolio Interfolio
Application Deadlines Anytime during the academic year At a fixed period in the fall semester (see FDL page for specific deadline)

 

The basic process for requesting and managing an Education Leave of Absence, along with the requirements and expectations, are nearly identical to the those for Faculty Development Leave. Faculty and administrators are referred to that webpage for more instruction and support resources.

The only thing that differs are a few items that are part of the faculty application, including the compensation plan. Below are Interfolio screenshots of the faculty application packet and proposal form:

 

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