Unpaid Leave FPG Program

A Professional Unpaid Leave not to exceed two (2) consecutives semesters may be granted to appointive members of the faculty for intellectual stimulation normally to be attained by study, research, travel, work experience, or other creative activity. The purpose of the Professional Unpaid Leave is to upgrade the educational program of the College by improving faculty competency.

Who and what direct the Professional Unpaid Leave program?

The Residential Faculty Policies (RFP) A.4.1. A & A.4.2, state that the Faculty Professional Growth Committee administers the Professional Unpaid Leave policy. Appendix A of the RFP details the contractual aspects of the Professional Unpaid Leave program. The guidelines posted on the FPG website facilitate faculty application for a Professional Unpaid Leave.

How do I apply?

See the application steps for professional unpaid leave.

Who is eligible for a Professional Unpaid Leave?

Appointive Residential Faculty, see Policies, Appendix A.

Deadlines

* Applications due to Dean of Instruction for forwarding to the Professional Growth committee no later than February 15

* Final Report 60 days of return to your college.

What are the financial arrangements in taking a Professional Unpaid Leave?

The faculty member is entitled to (continuing service credit) advancement on salary schedule and continuous credit for sabbatical leave.

What kinds of activities are appropriate for a Professional Unpaid Leave?

The RFP lists the following types of Professional Unpaid Leave activities:

updating of knowledge in subject field
practical training of job experience in a subject field
planned and approved travel related to the subject field
curriculum and materials development
research and publication
completing resident requirement for an advanced degree
completion of advanced degree
service to the district
other creative activity

What are my obligations while on my Professional Unpaid Leave?

Full details are in the RFP but highlights include a limit on any voluntary service to the district or any additional compensation from MCCCD while on leave.

Professional Unpaid Leave Reports

Performance Report
A statement by you indicating you have begun your activities as planned in your proposal submitted no later than thirty (30) days after the beginning of each semester. Please include contact information, e-mail, phone numbers, and mailing address for yourself during your Unpaid Professional Leave. Address the report to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, your college president, and the Professional Growth Committee via the Professional Growth Secretary.
Final Report
The purpose of your final report is to provide and disseminate accountability to our community and to your colleagues.

Your final report is due within 60 days of your return to your college. Submit this report in electronic form. The final report includes:

A 100 word abstract
In the body of your report provide:

A description of your experience; include both successes and problems you encountered
If your Professional Unpaid Leave produced a tangible product, provide a copy or a link to it
Describe your professional growth
Describe your future plans as a result of your Professional Unpaid Leave

For a full-time study program - an official transcript is required

If your full-time study program is to be used for horizontal advancement, be sure to complete the academic advancement application for this work
If your full-time study program fulfills the completion of an advanced degree provide Wage and Salary with an official transcript immediately so adjustment can be made to your contract if applicable

What if I need to change my proposal after I am awarded?

Request the desired change in writing; confer with your department/division chair and dean of instruction, if appropriate (ex: changing a fall leave to a spring leave). Contact the District Faculty Professional Growth Secretary, 480-731-8163 for further details.

If you make the change during the academic year the FPG committee will respond to your request after its next scheduled meeting. If you need to make a change over the summer the wait may be extended, though every effort will be made to respond as quickly as possible. Officially the FPG subcommittee for Professional Unpaid Leaves and advancements, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the Governing Board must approve changes.

What if I publish during my Professional Unpaid Leave?

See Residential Faculty Policies, Appendix A Section 4.