Faculty Leaves and Course Releases

Academic Leave/Sabbatical

In the Faculty of Arts & Sciences we value both research and teaching. We recognize that scholarly research sometimes requires an extended period free of teaching and other obligations. A tenured faculty member with a specific plan for scholarly work may apply for an academic‐year leave with half pay or a one semester leave with full pay after completing at least twelve semesters of teaching since the previous leave or since arriving at Washington University. 

Applications are due to the Dean's Office on the first business day in January for the following fiscal year. Email applications to Erin Lewis (erinlewis@wustl.edu) and Abdul Ursani (a.ursani@wustl.edu).

Non-Academic Leaves

Danforth Campus Policy on Parental Leave for Full-Time Faculty

Anytime a full-time faculty member, or that faculty member’s spouse or domestic partner, becomes a parent by childbirth or adoption of a minor, the faculty member shall, upon written request to their Department Chair or Dean, be eligible for a paid parental leave of 15 consecutive weeks.

Read Policy Here

Family & Medical Leave (FMLA)

The university recognizes that employees occasionally need to take time away from work to care for important family and medical needs. This policy is based on the requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act and is designed to meet those needs in a manner that is beneficial to employees, their families, and the university.

FMLA Information

Danforth Campus Faculty Vacation Policy

Vacation policy for full time paid faculty and academics at the Danforth campus of Washington University, including tenured, tenure-track, teaching, research and practice track faculty.

Full Policy Here

Post-Tenure Course Release Program to Enhance Research Productivity

Arts & Sciences is pleased to announce a new program to enhance faculty research productivity. This program, which has emerged as an ongoing part of the A&S strategic plan, provides a course release for tenured faculty who are nearing completion of a major project (grant proposal, book, or series of articles, etc.) and who need the time that the course release will provide to bring the project to a successful conclusion. This program is for tenured associate professors and professors.

Applications for spring semester of the following academic year are due August 1. Applications for fall semester of the following academic year are due December 1. Send applications to Erin Lewis (erinlewis@wustl.edu) and Abdul Ursani (a.ursani@wustl.edu). All submissions will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the vice deans of Arts & Sciences with final approval by the dean.

Post-Tenure Course Release Program Guidelines and Application Form