Sabbatical Frequently Asked Questions
1. When am I eligible to apply for sabbatical Leave?
A faculty member is eligible to file an application for sabbatical leave after completing six years of full-time service. Once the faculty member meets this eligibility requirement, the Sabbatical Leave Request application may be filed.
2.How do I apply for sabbatical Leave?
The sabbatical application period opens in December of each year and closes at the end of January. For exact dates refer to the Sabbatical Deadlines. The application is sent via email and is an online application. Please note you do not need your project/proposal drafted to apply.
3. What are the sabbatical leave pattern options?
Pattern A: One (1) semester (Example: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027) 100% salary pay
Pattern B: Two (2) consecutive semesters (Example: Fall 2026-Spring 2027) 60% salary pay
Pattern C: Two (2) non-consecutive semesters over a three-year period (Example: Fall 2026-Spring 2029) 60% of salary each semester
4. Can Load Banking be used to offset Sabbatical Leave?
Yes, Per Article 32.07, contract faculty have the right to load banking. Accrued load can be used to supplement Family/Personal leaves and Special Educational Leaves, and to offset the 40 percent loss of load for two-semester sabbatical leaves. Refer to Load Banking Primer for all Load Banking Information.
5. How will I know if I am granted a sabbatical?
The number of sabbatical openings is determined by a formula and may change each year. Sabbatical Rankings are published each spring after the application period closes. Initial rankings are distributed to all applicants that applied. After challenges are researched (if applicable), final rankings will be sent to all applicants. For more information on rankings refer to Article 25.06
6. What is the 10% Rule?
When more than one applicant qualifies from a department in excess of 10 percent, the Sabbatical Leave Committee, after conferring with the department chair, instructional dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs, will make a recommendation to the Superintendent/President and the Board of Trustees as to whether more than 10 percent of the department will be allowed to be on Sabbatical Leave at any one time. Refer to Article 25.07 for more information.
7. When is my Sabbatical proposal due?
The sabbatical proposal is due in Fall of each year. For specific deadlines refer to Sabbatical Deadlines
8. What does my sabbatical Proposal need to include?
The sabbatical proposal must be submitted on the Sabbatical Proposal Template and include a description of leave activities; the purpose and objectives to be undertaken; the methodologies and rationales; impact on individual’s effectiveness; benefit to students, colleagues, and department; alignment with College goals and initiatives; if for travel, a detailed itinerary; and, if for higher education, a course of study outline. The proposal must be signed by the Department chair. If the current Department chair is going on sabbatical leave, then the proposal must be signed by the supervising Dean.
9. Could my Sabbatical Leave project trigger an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review?
Yes, any data collection method used as part of a research study that involves human subjects could trigger IRB. Please fill out the Institutional Research Request Form or email research@santarosa.edu.
10. Am I allowed to receive other compensation outside of SRJC while on sabbatical?
Yes, you may receive compensation from outside of SRJC during the leave period if the combination of District and outside earnings do not exceed the annual contractual salary. No Sabbatical Leave recipient may teach, participate in department activities, or perform other related duties for compensation at SRJC during the leave period (Article 25.10E and 25.11).
11. What happens with my health benefits while on leave?
While on approved Sabbatical Leave, the faculty member shall be considered a full-time member of the District and shall continue to receive full health and welfare benefits and seniority accrual.
12. May I withdraw my sabbatical leave?
A recipient may withdraw from one (1) approved Sabbatical Leave by the established due date without penalty. A second consecutive withdrawal will result in ineligibility to apply for the next two (2) academic years.
13. I was granted a sabbatical but need to change my leave dates, what do I do?
Sabbatical Leaves may be requested for anyone (1) of the pattern options detailed above, and the choice is final. Exceptions may be allowed for approved medical/emergency leaves. Email the sabbatical leave committee dl.staff.sabbatical.committee@santarosa.edu immediately to request a revision to approved Sabbatical Leave dates.
14. What if I need to change my Sabbatical Proposal after it has already been approved?
Any changes to the proposal due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., travel restricted by State Department, natural disaster, class cancellation, etc.) prior to or during the sabbatical leave must be submitted to, and approved by, the Sabbatical committee (Article 25.08.E). Please email dl.staff.sabbatical.committee@santarosa.edu as soon as possible, letting us know of your situation. If the committee is not notified or does not approve proposal changes, it may result in sabbatical non-fulfillment.
15. When is my sabbatical report due?
The sabbatical report is due the following regular semester you return. For specific deadlines refer to Sabbatical Deadlines.
16. What does my sabbatical report need to include?
The sabbatical report must be submitted on the sabbatical report template and include supporting materials and deliverables that directly correlate to your proposal objectives. The report should be written in the past tense to indicate fulfillment of each objective. The Sabbatical Leave Committee will review the report and may refer the report back to the faculty member for clarification or revision or request additional supporting material prior to recommending action to the Superintendent/President. If the final report is not submitted or does not adequately document or correspond to the approved proposal, the Sabbatical Leave may be determined to be invalid and any funds provided by the District for the purpose of the Sabbatical Leave must be returned.
17. What is Sabbatical non-fulfillment?
If the contract is not fulfilled, the administration in consultation with the Sabbatical Leave Committee will review the provisions as set forth in the Sabbatical Leave and Promissory Note Agreement and recommend appropriate action to the Governing Board. If the final report is not submitted or does not adequately document or correspond to the approved proposal, the Sabbatical Leave may be determined to be invalid and any funds provided by the District for the purpose of the Sabbatical Leave must be returned.
18. Are sabbatical expenses tax deductible?
Tax laws frequently change. Please consult a tax advisor when you are planning for your sabbatical.