Empirical Research
Sabbatical Leave Programs as Form of Faculty Development
By Michael T. Miller, John W. Murry Jr., Bai Kang
Volume 4 - Issue 1
Feb 13, 2007 - 4:14:15 PM

Abstract

Sabbatical leaves have evolved over time from a reward to a faculty development tool.  In this evolution, sabbatical leave programs have typically not defined objectives, uniform processes for application and implementation, or outcome or assessment measures.  The result has become increased public disapproval of sabbaticals.  The current national study looked at how academic deans and department chairs viewed their roles in seeing that sabbaticals were used for faculty development purposes and what kinds of objectives should be in place for their assessment.  Findings highlighted the role of the department chair in working with the individual faculty member taking a sabbatical leave, and focusing on such measures as specific objectives developed for the leave, improving teaching, and expanding knowledge and comprehension of current issues and trends in a discipline.