A. LEAVE WITHOUT PAY FOR PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT

1. Leaves of absence without pay for professional improvement may be granted where such leave is determined to be to the advantage of the University, provided a satisfactory temporary replacement can be secured. Such leaves will not be granted for periods longer than one (1) year at a time. Leaves without pay which exceed one (1) month are creditable toward sabbatical leave credit if there is a prior agreement in writing.

2. Professional improvement leaves are granted only in cases where the recipients will enhance their value to the University by deliberately seeking to improve their professional abilities. In these leaves, the improvement of the recipient's professional abilities must be primary and direct, and not a secondary or incidental consequence, such as may result from employment by an outside agency.