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For any questions please send e-mail to: NDSU.Policy.Manual@ndsu.edu

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SECTION 132: DEVELOPMENTAL LEAVE

SOURCE: SBHE Policy Manual, Section 701.2

1. Developmental leave for retraining and/or professional development is permitted for NDSU employees after a minimum of three years of service at NDSU providing:

 

1.1

institutional resources are available.


 

1.2

workload is absorbed within the existing staff resource allocations.


 

1.3

a written proposal describing the planned use of the leave and its anticipated benefits to the institution, to the State, and to the employee is presented and approved. The proposal shall also include the detail of the source of funds for the total stipend.


 

1.4

except as provided in Sec. E, the employee presents a signed agreement to return to the system upon completion of the leave for a period of time at least equal to the leave time or refund the institution's stipend payment.


 

1.5

to assist in retrenchment efforts, developmental leave may be granted without a signed agreement to return. The employee must execute a resignation effective at the termination of the developmental leave.


 

1.5.1 NDSU Guidelines: If the employee finds other employment during the developmental leave, then, unless such employment is approved as part of the developmental leave program, the university's obligation under the developmental leave agreement is terminated and the employee's resignation becomes effective immediately upon such employment during the development leave.





Developmental leave may not exceed 12 months and the base stipend shall not normally be less than 25% nor more than 75% of the salary scheduled for the leave period.



2. Developmental leave for the Chancellor or an institution president shall be approved by the Board; developmental leave for system office staff shall be approved by the Chancellor; and developmental leave for institution employees shall be approved by the institution president or designee.
   
   
3. NDSU Guidelines for faculty and other academic staff members applying for developmental leaves.
   
   

   3.1 Prepare a proposal (2-5 pages) that includes the following:

   
    

   3.1.1 An overview identifying goals, objectives, and activities planned for the leave including site(s) for the experience, collaborators, and the areas of work or research.

   
    

   3.1.2 Resulting outputs from the leave (e.g. software, book, other publications, exhibitions).

   
    

   3.1.3 Relationship of leave request to current skills and anticipated skill development.

   
    

   3.1.4 Outline of benefits to individual, students, department, college, university and state.

   
    

   3.1.5 Requested period of leave (up to 12 months).

   
    

   3.1.6 Anticipated/requested income during the leave
             --University
             --Other
   

   An institutionally funded developmental leave stipend may be supplemented with non-appropriated funds which may bring the total stipend to an amount equal to but normally not to exceed the budgeted salary for the leave period. Funds providing for extensive travel expenses, relocation expenses, and/or educational cost incurred during the leave shall not be considered as part of the base stipend.

   No annual or sick leave will accrue during the developmental leave period.

   3.2 Route this proposal and a copy of the "Developmental Leave Agreement" to Departmental Chair (for analysis and recommendation) and the Dean (for analysis and recommendation); the request will be forwarded to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs by the Dean.

   Note: Department Chair's and Dean's analyses should focus on the proposed project as it benefits the individual, department, and college and, if leave is recommended, provide an indication of coverage for the individual's responsibilities when on leave.

   
   

   3.3 When considering a request for developmental leave, inform the department chair at least six months prior to the anticipated leave and submit the request for administrative approval at least three months prior to the leave.

   Note: Individuals other than academic staff who are interested in developmental leave should consult their vice president.

HISTORY: April 24, 1987; Amended April 1992, March 1993, October 1998, March 2002, October 2007.