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Sabbatical Leave Funding form is now available in the sabbatical interface in the faculty portal. 

Sabbatical leave at the University of 91��Ƶ is governed by three sources, all of which must be read together:

• BOR Policy P04.04.060 - Board of Regents policy applicable to all UA faculty system-wide.
• UNAC CBA Article 16.6 - Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions applicable to United Academics (UNAC)-represented faculty.
• UAF Provost Office Procedures - MAU-level application timelines, forms, and reporting requirements. No MAU provision may be contrary to BOR policy or the CBA.

Section 1: Eligibility & Purpose

Q  What is the purpose of sabbatical leave?

A  Sabbatical leave is a professional development leave designed to increase a faculty member's value to the university and thereby improve and enrich its programs. It is a privilege, not an entitlement, and approval is required.

Allowable sabbatical activities include:

• Formal study or advanced education
• Research and other scholarly or creative activity
• Professional value experience
• Travel undertaken for observation and study relevant to the faculty member's field

Q  Who is eligible to apply for sabbatical leave?

A  Sabbatical leave may be made available to faculty who hold academic rank (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor) and who meet the service requirements below. Faculty with special academic rank (e.g., Instructor, Lecturer, Adjunct, Research, Clinical) are not eligible unless their title is designated as academic rank by UAF policy.

Q  What is the service requirement to be eligible?

A  Under BOR Policy P04.04.060, a faculty member must have completed at least five (5) consecutive years of service within the UA system to apply. Under UNAC CBA Article 16.6 (which governs represented faculty), a faculty member who has completed at least four (4) years of service in an academic rank position may apply during their fifth year for a sabbatical to be taken in their sixth year or later.

For faculty who have previously taken a sabbatical, eligibility is calculated from the date of return from the prior leave. Re-eligibility requires five (5) consecutive years of UA service after the return date.

Q  Does sabbatical leave count toward tenure review timelines?

A  Yes. Periods of sabbatical leave are included in computing consecutive years of service for determining the time of mandatory tenure review.

Section 2: Duration & Salary

Q  How long can a sabbatical leave be?

A  Sabbatical leave may be granted for one academic year or an equivalent period. Under UAF procedures, the following structures are available:

• Fall semester (one semester)
• Spring semester (one semester)
• Full academic year (two semesters)
• Academic year plus extension (9 months plus 1–3 months): August through the day before the following AY contract begins

Q  What salary will I receive while on sabbatical?

A  Your salary during sabbatical depends on the leave structure:

• One-semester leave: You receive your full normal semester salary.
• Full academic year leave: Salary may not exceed 2/3(six months') salary (equivalent to half pay for the year).

Sabbatical leave salary amounts are to be adjusted downward if the sabbatical entails the faculty member receiving third-party fellowships, grants-in-aid, or earned income (see Section 3).

Q  Do my benefits continue during sabbatical?

A  Yes. Health benefits remain in place throughout the sabbatical period and are covered at the normal rate. Retirement and pension contributions continue during a semester sabbatical at the normal rate. Faculty on sabbatical continue to receive TRS membership service credit.

Note: Annual leave and sick leave do not accrue during sabbatical leave.

Section 3: Outside Income & Employment During Sabbatical

Q  Can I accept a fellowship, grant, or other outside income during my sabbatical?

A  Yes, but Chancellor approval is required. Faculty may accept fellowships, grants-in-aid, or earned income during sabbatical leave, subject to prior approval from the Chancellor or designee. The application must disclose any prospective income from outside the MAU. If outside compensation is received, the UA salary may be reduced so that total income does not exceed the equivalent of normal full salary.

Q  Can I teach or take on overload assignments while on sabbatical?

A  No. Overloads, additional assignments, and adjunct teaching assignments at any University of 91��Ƶ campus are prohibited during sabbatical leave.

Exception: UNAC faculty who received prior approval for a non-teaching overload, or who reported consulting activities not part of their regular academic year workload, are exempt from this restriction provided the conditions of their sabbatical plan are honored.

Q  Can I accept a visiting professorship at another institution during my sabbatical?

A  Yes. A visiting professorship or similar affiliation is a recognized and meritorious form of sabbatical activity. However:

• A letter of invitation from the host institution is required as part of your sabbatical application.
• Any salary or stipend from the host institution constitutes outside income and requires Chancellor approval.
• Planning should begin up to one year in advance.

Section 4: International Sabbatical Leave

Q  May I spend my sabbatical outside the United States?

A  Yes. BOR Policy P04.04.060 contains no prohibition on international sabbatical activity. International travel and residence are explicitly contemplated as legitimate sabbatical activities, including for research, formal study, visiting professorships, and field observation. Your application must describe your international program and travel plans in detail.

Q  Does the when I am on sabbatical abroad?

A  No. Faculty on sabbatical are on approved leave from their university duties, not working remotely. University Regulation R04.01.051 (Remote Work) applies only to employees who are actively working. Because sabbatical is a leave status, the international employment and remote work regulations that govern working employees do not apply.

Q  Are there any special requirements or approvals for international sabbatical?

A  There is no separate international sabbatical approval pathway in UA system policy. Standard application requirements apply, with the following practical considerations:

• Your application must include a full description of the program, goals, and travel plans.
• If the international sabbatical involves a visiting professorship, research fellowship, or institutional affiliation abroad, a letter of invitation or confirmation from the host institution is required.
• Any income, stipend, housing allowance, or other compensation from a foreign institution or source must be disclosed and is subject to Chancellor approval.
• Contact the UAF Office of the Provost before your departure to ensure your Sabbatical Leave Funding Form is completed and signed.
• Faculty should consult with the UAF International Programs, Office of the Provost, and UAF Office of Grants & Contracts Administration if the international sabbatical involves sponsored program funding.

Important: 91��Ƶ Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) & Out-of-State/International Sabbatical Faculty who spend sabbatical leave outside of 91��Ƶ - including internationally - should be aware of how this interacts with PFD eligibility: Approved sabbatical leave is an allowable absence for PFD purposes under 15 AAC 23.993(a)(14). UA employees are treated as "serving as an employee of the state of 91��Ƶ" with active compensation, which allows an absence of more than 180 days (AS 43.23.008(a)(11)). However, the combined absence from 91��Ƶ - sabbatical leave plus any personal time outside the state - cannot exceed the UAF-approved leave dates plus 45 additional days (AS 43.23.008(a)(16)(C)). This limit is calculated on a calendar year basis. Faculty spending an international sabbatical should carefully track personal travel days outside 91��Ƶ in the same calendar year. The Office of the Provost will issue PFD verification letters for faculty upon request. Contact Faculty Affairs and Services if you need a verification letter.

 

Section 5: Application Process

Q  How do I apply for sabbatical leave?

A  Applications are submitted through the UAF Provost's Office via Airtable. The process at a glance:

• Step 1: Review eligibility requirements under BOR P04.04.060 and UNAC CBA Article 16.6.
• Step 2: Discuss your sabbatical plan with your department head and dean or director.
• Step 3: Submit a completed application via Airtable between October 2- 30 (for the following academic year). 
• Step 4: The Chancellor announces sabbatical leave awards in February.
• Step 5:, complete your Sabbatical Leave Funding Form and review it with your Fiscal Officer (PPA or Executive Officer) at your Dean and/or Director’s Office.

Q  What must my application include?

A Your application must include:

• A description of the proposed sabbatical program, including goals to be attained and activities planned
• A description of travel plans, if travel is involved (including international travel plans)
• A statement of the benefits to you, the university, and your discipline
• Disclosure of any prospective income from outside the MAU (fellowships, stipends, grants, consulting, etc.)
• If a visiting professorship or institutional affiliation is involved: a letter of invitation or confirmation from the host institution
• If outside income or a conflict of commitment is involved: an approved Conflict of Commitment (COC) form

Q  How far in advance should I begin planning my sabbatical?

A  Plan as early as possible - in some cases, up to one year in advance. If your sabbatical involves a visiting professorship, international program affiliation, or sponsored research funding, early coordination is essential to secure the necessary documentation and approvals before the application window opens.

Q  What if my approved sabbatical needs to be postponed?

A  Write a memo as soon as you know, detailing your change in plans, for approval by your dean/director and the Provost. You will also need to resubmit a full application the following year. Failure to submit an updated application will result in forfeiture of the sabbatical.

Section 6: Return Obligations & Reporting

Q  Am I required to return to UAF after my sabbatical?

A  Yes. After completing sabbatical leave, you are obligated to return to the University for at least one full appointment period of further service. This is a binding condition of the leave.

Q  What happens if I do not return as required?

A  Failure to fulfill the return obligation will require full and immediate repayment of all salary and benefits received from the University during the leave period. The Chancellor may make exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Q  Is there a report required after sabbatical?

A  Yes. A written sabbatical leave report is required within three months of returning from leave. The report should detail the professional activities undertaken and accomplishments achieved during the sabbatical.

Report deadlines by leave type:

• Fall semester sabbatical: Report due April (date falls on same day of faculty contract date. For example, August 10 = November 10)
• Spring semester or full academic year sabbatical: Report due November(date falls on same day of faculty contract date. For example, January 17 = April 17)

Q  Do I need to prepare an Annual Activity Report the year I return?

A  Yes. This depends on the type of sabbatical you have been approved for. Your sabbatical report takes the place of your AAR. However, if you are on a semester sabbatical report, you will be required to submit an AAR for the semester in which you were not on sabbatical. Therefore, for that academic year, you will have a combination of both a sabbatical report AND an AAR. For these types of sabbatical reporting, in addition to your sabbatical leave report, you are required to submit an Annual Activity Report via Airtable. Annual activity reports are due annually on September 12.

Section 7: Quick Reference Summary

Element	Summary
Governing policies	BOR P04.04.060; UNAC CBA Art. 16.6; UAF Provost procedures
Eligibility	Faculty with academic rank; minimum 5 consecutive years of UA service (4 years for UNAC CBA-represented faculty with leave in year 6+)
Duration options	Semester (Fall or Spring); Full academic year; Academic year + extension (up to 3 months)
Salary - semester leave	Full semester salary
Salary - full year leave	Not to exceed 6 months' salary (approx. half pay)
Benefits during sabbatical	Health benefits continue; retirement contributions continue; annual leave and sick leave do NOT accrue
Outside income / fellowships	Permitted with prior Chancellor approval; may reduce UA salary
Overloads / teaching during leave	Prohibited (limited exception for pre-approved UNAC non-teaching overloads)
International sabbatical	Permitted; no separate prohibition; disclose plans in application; host institution letter required if affiliated
Remote work regulations	Do NOT apply - sabbatical is approved leave, not working status
PFD eligibility	Maintained under 15 AAC 23.993(a)(14); total out-of-state time cannot exceed approved leave + 45 days in the calendar year
Application window	October 14–25 (for the following academic year); submitted via Airtable
Award announcement	January (Chancellor announcement)
Return obligation	At least one full appointment period; failure = repayment of all salary & benefits
Sabbatical leave report	Due within 3 months of return (via DocuSign); Fall sabbatical due April 11; Spring/AY due December 1
Annual Activity Report	Also required via Airtable; due September 12 in the year of return
Re-eligibility	5 consecutive years of UA service after return date of prior sabbatical

 

Key Policy Resources & Contacts

• BOR Policy P04.04.060 (Faculty - Sabbatical Leave):
• UA Human Resources - Sabbatical Leave: alaska.edu/hr/benefits/education/sabbatical.php
• UAF Provost Office - Sabbatical Leave Resources: uaf.edu/provost/resources/sabbatical-leave.php
• UNAC Collective Bargaining Agreement (Article 16.6): unitedacademicsak.org
• Questions? Contact: UAF Office of the Provost - Faculty Affairs and Services  |    |  907-474-7096

1. How far in advance of the actual leave do I need to begin to prepare for my sabbatical?
2. In some cases, up to a year in advance. If your sabbatical involves a visiting professorship at another institution (or a similar situation), a letter of invitation from that university will be required as a part of your sabbatical application. 

The chancellor announces sabbatical leave awards in January.  Before you depart for your leave activities, be sure to complete your Sabbatical Leave Funding Form and to go over it in as much detail as is required with your PPA. 

 

1. How does being on sabbatical affect my salary?
2. If taking a semester-only sabbatical leave, you will receive the full amount of your normal base salary.

If taking an academic year (or academic year plus extension) sabbatical leave, you will receive 2/3 (approx 66%) of your normal base salary.  You will continue to receive paychecks each pay period; each paycheck will reflect the 2/3 proportion.* 

(*If you have secured grant funding and wish to use it to supplement your salary, you can apply these funds to your salary up to the amount of your normal academic year base salary, if approved.  However, there are some grants that may not be used for sabbatical leave purposes; check with your fiscal Executive Officer or the Office of Grants and Contracts, well in advance of your travel plans, to make sure that the grant you would like use will allow the use of funds for sabbatical purposes.  Supplemental use of external and grant funds may not result in compensation that exceeds your 9-month base academic year salary had you not been on sabbatical leave.) 

 

1. How does sabbatical leave pay affect my health benefits, retirement, and pension?
2. Semester sabbatical leaves are funded at the normal rate and thus have no affect on benefits, retirement, or pension.

For academic year or academic year plus extension sabbatical leaves:

• If you have TRS, you get a full year’s credit; as a result, the amount you contribute is inflated per pay period because your overall contribution is based on a full salary. 
• If you have ORP, you contribute a flat percentage of your earnings (this ranges from 8.65% for Tier 1 and 8.0% for Tier 3).
• If you have a pension plan (tied to ORP), a flat percentage rate of your earnings (7.65%) is contributed. 

Health benefits stay the same, and you’re covered the entire calendar year.

1. Am I exempt from filling out of state remote work agreement if I am going to be out of state or out of the country during my sabbatical? Will my base salary be taxed based on my sabbatical location?
2. You are not required to fill out an out of state remote work agreement while on sabbatical. Per the --"Employees who are on any kind of approved leave are not working, and this regulation would not apply.  For example, faculty on sabbatical are considered to be on leave from their university duties." For taxes on your base salary, no you will not be taxed differently. 

 

1. Are living and/or travel expenses claimed as salary?
2. Living and/or travel expenses will not be considered salary income if documentation is submitted by the payer of the funds clearly stating both the exact amount and that the funds were given for living and/or travel expense reimbursement only, and not for any other type of compensation. This document should be signed and printed on letterhead.  If the funding is directly paid to the recipient (rather than indirectly providing paid services, for example), the recipient should keep a record of expenditures, including receipts, to document the use of the living and/or travel expense funding.   

 

1. What kinds of funding do I have to report?
2. All of them. Please use the Sabbatical Leave Funding Form available on the Provost’s website.  This form is to be completed and signed prior to the start of your sabbatical leave.

 

1. I have been approved for sabbatical leave, but the timing is not going to work out – can I postpone for a year?
2. As soon as you realize you need to postpone your leave, write a memo detailing your change in plans for approval by your dean and/or director and the provost. You will need to submit an updated sabbatical application the following year.  If you do not submit an updated application, you will not be able to take your sabbatical the following year. 

 

1. Do I need to prepare an annual activity report the year I return from sabbatical?
2. Yes. You will need to submit your sabbatical report via Faculty Interface in Airtable, and if you have additional activities to report, you have the option to provide those activities in in the interface. These activities may include publications that may have been published in which an outstanding activity already exists, etc.  Annual activity reports are due annually and the dates are dictated by the current CBA.

 

1. When is my sabbatical leave report due?
2. Everyone who participated in a sabbatical leave must submit a sabbatical leave report within three months of returning from leave (summer months excluded). If you took a fall semester sabbatical leave, your sabbatical leave report is due 3 months upon your return from leave.  If you took a spring semester or an academic year sabbatical leave, your sabbatical leave report is due three months from your return on contract.

 

1. What if I have a change in plans, funding or location before departing on sabbatical leave?
2. Many sabbatical applications are a work in progress, and things may change following approval of the leave. If this is the case revise your sabbatical leave statement, and route it through your dean and/or director and the provost for approval.

 

1. Can I change my academic-year sabbatical to a semester, or end my sabbatical early?
2. It is important to identify major changes to your sabbatical plan prior to beginning your leave. Prior to beginning your sabbatical leave, any changes to your plan – such as changing from a year to a semester -- can be made by documenting the proposed change in a memo and routing it through your dean and/or director to the provost for approval.

Typically, we do not allow faculty to stop their leave before the time is up.  These will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the situation.  If you are considering early termination of your leave, route a written request though your dean to the provost.

1. Can I stand for promotion while on sabbatical leave?
2. While it is not necessarily recommended, faculty are not prohibited from standing for promotion during the same year that they are on sabbatical leave, as long as the promotion file is turned in on or prior to the deadline listed in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement. Should a faculty member choose to stand for promotion during sabbatical leave, they should make themselves familiar with the process; check their email regularly/arrange for alternate communication; be aware of recommendation letter dates; and be aware of candidate response deadlines. 

 

1. I am due to stand for post-tenure review during my sabbatical year. Do I still have to turn in a file? 
2. Yes. Annual Activity Reports and post-tenure review files are to be completed and submitted prior to going on sabbatical leave.  These reporting activities cover the years prior to the sabbatical year.
3. If I spend my sabbatical leave out-of-state, is my Permanent Fund Dividend eligibility affected?
4. Maybe. Approved sabbatical leave by employees of the University of 91��Ƶ is an allowable absence for the purposes of qualifying for a Permanent Fund Dividend under a provision in 15 AAC 23.993(a)(14).  This provision states that for the purposes of the dividend program, University of 91��Ƶ employees are “serving as an employee of the state of 91��Ƶ” with active compensation, which allows employees to be absent for more than 180 days (AS 43.23.008(a)(11)).  It is very important for people considering taking sabbatical leave to note that the combined (sabbatical leave plus personal time) absence from the state cannot exceed the UAF-approved dates of leave plus 45 additional days (AS 43.23.008(a)(16)(C)).  This is calculated on a calendar year. 

The Office of the Provost will write verification of leave letters for faculty if requested by the PFD Division. 

 

1. Can I arrange an overload, additional assignment, or adjunct teaching assignment while on sabbatical?
2. No. Overloads, additional assignments, and adjunct assignments for any of the University of 91��Ƶ branches are prohibited while on sabbatical leave.  However, UNAC faculty who have received prior approval for a non-teaching overload or reported consulting activities that are not a part of their regular academic year workload are exempt from this restriction provided the conditions of their sabbatical plan are honored.

Notice regarding Sabbatical Leave and Permanent Fund Dividend Eligibility

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