Faculty Development Leaves and Grants

Faculty development leaves (similar to sabbaticals) are authorized for the primary purpose of increasing the value of the recipient’s sustained contribution to the University by providing the individual an opportunity for professional growth. Eligible faculty may request a one-semester leave at full pay or a two-semester leave at half pay for the academic year. The development leaves are not to be understood as deferred compensation nor are they to be anticipated based on longevity at the University alone. Development leave may be granted, upon application, for study, research, writing, field observations, or other suitable developmental purposes. Opportunities for additional training, improving skills, and maintaining currency are understood to be included as purposes of development leave.

Application Timeline

• Friday, January 29, 2027 - Proposals due to Academic Component Administrator
• Friday, February 5, 2027 - Proposals due in Office of the Dean
• Friday, February 12, 2027 - Proposals due in Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs for review by the Faculty Development Leave Committee
• Friday, March 5, 2027 - Faculty Development Leave Committee submits ranked proposals to the Provost

Note: Earlier submissions are invited in order to give approvers appropriate time for decision-making. These are the latest dates by which proposals must be received.

An applicant must initiate the faculty development leave application endorsement procedure with the academic component administrator. Endorsement decisions must be based on faculty loads, curriculum needs, and other pertinent departmental/University considerations.

Faculty members considering leaves should review URP 02.334 Faculty Development Leave before submitting their applications.

Faculty who wish to receive a Faculty Development Leave application through Watermark should email facultyaffairs@twu.edu no later than two weeks before the submission is due.

Faculty from any discipline may seek grant funding for faculty development activities that will contribute to the applicant’s teaching, scholarly, or service expertise. These small grants (usually in the $1000 - $1500 range) may be used to develop a new skill in teaching, scholarship, or leadership. Faculty cannot use these funds merely to attend a conference to present a paper. All proposals must be tied to specific goals for the faculty member, the academic component, college, or the university. The selection process for grants is competitive.

Faculty who wish to receive a Faculty Development Grant application through Watermark should email facultyaffairs@twu.edu. Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the academic year until the allotted funds are expended.