Administrative Leave Policy
Definition
This policy defines a paid leave of absence for exempt staff (administrative/ professional
staff) which is similar in concept to the sabbatical program for faculty members.
The objective of the policy is to encourage professional growth by providing an opportunity
to pursue a professional or educational project to enhance competence and potential
for contributing to Skidmore College. Administrative leave is not an employee entitlement.
Normally, no more than four administrative leaves are approved annually by the college.
Eligibility
Regular full- and part-time administrative/professional staff employees with a minimum
of six years of continuous full- or part-time service may be eligible for a paid administrative
leave of absence.
Conditions and Leave Criteria
The leave may vary in length from several weeks to as long as five months. Normally,
no more than the equivalent of four leaves of term length will be granted during one
fiscal year. In some cases, replacement personnel may not be hired to substitute for
the employee on leave because one of the objectives of the leave program is to encourage
the development of administrative depth and flexibility. Replacement personnel will
be considered, however, as needed to meet operational needs.
Selection Procedure
Leaves for Cabinet members are granted by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation
of the President.
Cabinet members make their requests to the President along with a statement of the leave project, duration and plans for coverage of duties during the leave as outlined below.
All other administrative leaves are made to the President by the vice presidents or deans for review by the President's Cabinet along with a statement of the leave project, duraton and plans for coverage of duties during the leave as outlined below.
Procedures
An eligible employee may apply for administrative leave by submitting a written project
proposal to the immediate supervisor for review and approval. The supervisor should
forward the request for administrative leave to their dean or vice president by January
of each year. President's Cabinet will review requests by February of each year. The
proposal should include details of the project, a statement about the value or benefits
to be derived from the project and the length of leave requested. The proposal should
also include plans for ensuring satisfactory coverage of job responsibilities during
the administrative leave. Once approved by President's Cabinet, a copy should be forwarded
to Human Resources. At the conclusion of the leave, the employee should submit a report
to his/her direct supervisor summarizing the benefits derived from the leave.
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