GCSU Faculty Professional Leave Policy Revisions

Submitted by Jennifer.flory@... on March 20, 2026 - 8:27pm

General Information

Motion Number: 2526.FAPC.003.P
Source Committee: Faculty Affairs Policy Committee
Motion Status: Awaiting Action by Executive Committee
Motion Type: Policy Recommendation
Referenced Material: 

 

University System of Georgia Board of Regents Policy Manual 08.02.07.04 Educational and Professional Leave policy

GCSU Educational and Professional Leave Policy

GCSU Faculty Professional Leave Policy

Supporting Documents: 
AttachmentSize
File Faculty Professional Leave Program Policy Revision Track Changes.docx21.69 KB
File Faculty Professional Leave Program Policy Revision Clean.docx19.71 KB
Motion Text: 

The Faculty Affairs Policy Committee moves that the University Senate approve the revisions to the Faculty Professional Leave Policy and associated application materials as circulated, to:

  1. Align return‑to‑service obligations with USG Policy: Codifies the obligation as one year (semester leave) and two years (full‑year leave).
  2. Align eligible purposes with USG Policy: Tightens the rationale to scholarly work and professional development, which captures SoTL but removes a freestanding “teaching enhancement” category not present in BOR framing.
  3. Revise institutional selection criteria: Eliminates “seniority” from any ranking formula; relies on merit, discipline distribution, and unit needs.
  4. Ensure published materials (policy pages, forms, checklists, etc.) clearly state expectations: submission of a preliminary leave plan and internal/external dissemination of results upon return.
Action log: 
Motion Submitted to ECUS on March 20, 2026 - 8:27pm