Faculty Sabbatical Leave
Sabbatical leaves are granted as an acknowledgement of positive contributions as a faculty member at Idaho State University (ISU) and provide an opportunity for advanced learning, research, creative activity, or performance. The sabbatical leave program promotes excellence in the faculty and enhances the reputation of the University.
Who is eligible?
Members of the tenured or clinical faculty who have completed at least six years of full-time employment since appointment to the faculty or since their last sabbatical leave are eligible for a sabbatical leave. (ISUPP 4030 - Sabbatical Requests)
Compensation for Sabbatical Leave
Compensation while on sabbatical leave shall be:
- One semester = full salary
- Two semesters = one-half salary
*additional income may be derived from fellowships, part-time assistantships, or other sources of limited income, but full-time employment while on sabbatical leave is not permitted unless specifically authorized by the faculty member’s Dean/Division Head.
*while on professional leave, the recipient will be entitled to all salary increases and benefits afforded to other faculty members.
Procedure to Request Sabbatical Leave
Applications should be sent to the Dean or Dean’s designee, as described in the policy of the faculty member’s College.
The Dean shall forward the College/Division recommendations and applications to the Vice President & Provost by November 1st.
The applications and college recommendations will be reviewed by the Provost and then forwarded, along with the Provost recommendations, to the President.
Each faculty member will receive notification of the decision to approve or deny from the Provost by the end of the Fall semester.
Deferral of Sabbatical Leave
A sabbatical leave that has been awarded may be deferred at the request of the recipient by the President, for a period of up to one year. A sabbatical leave that has been awarded, but then delayed by the institution due to financial exigencies, may be deferred for one year without re-application. Please refer to the Sabbatical Deferrals Memo May-2023 from the Provost for further details outlining the deferral process.
International Travel
Sabbatical travel to or involvement with collaborators at non-US entities must be cleared through the Export Control process at ISU. Involvement with entities and individuals in countries designated by the federal government as threats to national security or terrorist supporting will receive detailed review. Contact the Research Outreach and Compliance office for export control details.
Report of Sabbatical Activities
At the conclusion of the sabbatical, the recipient is to file a substantive report of sabbatical activities to his or her Dean/Division Head and to the Vice President & Provost. Each College/Division has specific guidelines for the returning professor for reporting the learning, research, creative activity, or performance opportunities obtained during the sabbatical.
The University encourages faculty who have completed their sabbaticals to find appropriate venues, both within the University and the community, where they can present the results of their sabbatical experience.
A recipient of a sabbatical leave is expected to return to the University for at least one academic year, or to repay the money received from the institution while on leave.
Updated May 2025